Tee Time in America’s Dairyland

Wisconsin is redefining the grand golf getaway. Its proximity to major cities allows you to quickly and easily access a singular combination of precision championship fairways and verdant landscapes. Nearly 90 percent of the state’s top-tier courses are open to the public, inviting golfers of all skill levels to play a layout of their dreams. Paired with a resort culture that prioritizes both architectural elegance and culinary distinction, Wisconsin offers a vibrant, world-class experience on and off the green.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIN HILLS

Erin Hills

Located in Erin, Wisconsin, the picturesque Erin Hills course shines with its 18-hole, walking-only public terrain shaped by glaciers. The venue is considered one of the top 10 public courses in the United States and has hosted the 2017 U.S. Open and the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open, but it’s not only a major-championship venue for industry pros. Visitors come for a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of city living, unwinding at a 12-hole illuminated putting course or spending the afternoon playing the five holes at Kettle Loop if they’re in a time crunch.

“It’s a place where history, hospitality, and championship golf unite with every step,” says Kris Schoonover, Erin Hills Co-General Manager. “The grandeur of the property is matched by our incredible staff, who anticipate the tastes and preferences of every foursome, allowing Erin Hills to become a benchmark of the boutique golf experience in the United States for more than 20 seasons.”

The accommodations at Erin Hills feel similar to what you’d expect at a charming inn. It hosts an intimate space with just 37 beds, along with a handful of quaint four-bedroom cottages. There’s the Irish Pub, ideal for drinks in between rounds, while The Clubhouse serves classic American fare with views of the course.

More to Explore • Erin, Wisconsin

• Holy Hill National Shrine: A Roman Catholic Marian shrine sitting atop a glacial hill, offering historical architecture, a healing church, and some of the best scenic views from one of the area’s highest points.

• Holy Hill Art Farm: This 168-year-old homestead near the shrine offers an 80-acre farm-turned-creative art space that showcases local artists and collectors at its seasonal fairs, along with live music and food vendors.

• Basse’s Farms: Fresh, seasonal produce is available at this local farm, along with a variety of family-friendly activities, such as pumpkin and berry picking, tours, and mazes.

• Pike Lake State Park: Spend the day outdoors hiking or swimming while taking in the sights of the Kettle Moraine’s glacial landscapes at this popular state park.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KOHLER

Kohler

Built by the late Herb Kohler, a renowned businessman and avid golfer, Kohler is a sumptuous resort community north of Milwaukee featuring numerous fine golf courses with public access. Whistling Straits is reminiscent of the untamed beauty of Ireland and is the host of the 2021 Ryder Cup, with its walking-only Straits Course showcasing panoramic views of Lake Michigan’s coastline. The glacier-carved Blackwolf Run offers championship courses like Meadow Valleys, with its pristine landscape of ravines and rolling prairies.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KOHLER

“Kohler, Wisconsin, is a golf destination, but it offers so much more to allow every visit to look completely different,” says Stephen Beaumont, President of Kohler Hospitality. “Start your day at Whistling Straits with stunning views of Lake Michigan, unwind at the world-class Kohler Waters Spa, take a high-energy fitness class, and hike trails within the River Wildlife, which is a private 500-acre wilderness preserve for our members.”

The American Club, a AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star resort hotel in Kohler, provides 241 guest rooms and suites for all ages. The adults-only Carriage House (temporarily closed through May 2026 for renovations) offers 44 guest rooms located over the resort’s spa.

More to Explore • Kohler, Wisconsin

• The Waelderhaus: Discover art and carvings in the Austrian style of the Bregenzerwald region within this historic house, celebrating Herb Kohler’s homeland through cultural programming and tours.

• The Shops at Woodlake: Browse more than 20 boutiques and specialty stores, including the vast variety of stunning tiles at the Ann Sacks showroom, all at a picturesque lakeside location.

• Kohler-Andrae State Park: Sand dunes, crystal-blue waters, and an abundance of recreational activities make this park along the Lake Michigan shore worth visiting.

• Kohler Design Center: Get inspired at this 36,000-square-foot showcase featuring Kohler’s innovative kitchen and bath products and designs and explore the family-owned legacy at the in-house museum.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SENTRYWORLD
The 16th hole is uniquely colorful, as every year more than 30,000 flowers are planted surrounding the green.

SentryWorld

SentryWorld is a world-class public course nestled in scenic Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Luxurious yet approachable, the sprawling, award-winning championship course has hosted major events, including the U.S. Senior Open Championship in 2023, yet attracts golfers at all levels from across the nation. 

The 20-minute tee times are a far cry from the more typical 10 minutes or less and are a big draw for many, allowing groups to feel as though the course is theirs while giving players enough time to stop at one of the two on-course refreshment stations at their leisure. However, it’s not just the relaxed tee times that make for a great round; it’s also the top-notch technology. 

“Our GPS-enabled golf carts give you yardages to every pin so you can better execute your next shot,” says Danny Rainbow, Director of Golf, SentryWorld. “This includes Hole 16, better known as the Flower Hole, which has more than 50,000 flowers planted fresh each year.”

Guests can book a room at The Inn at SentryWorld, a 64-room boutique hotel, and choose from on-site dining options that include the casual eatery PJs inside the SentryWorld Clubhouse and the fine-dining restaurant Muse, which features original artworks by Pablo Picasso and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

More to Explore • Stevens Point, Wisconsin

• Stevens Point Sculpture Park: An outdoor art venue along the park’s 27-mile Green Circle Trail displays installations by artists from around the country and offers educational programming.

• Schmeeckle Reserve: Explore roughly 5 miles of nature preserve trails within the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus, learn about a 280-acre conservancy within one of the educational programs, and partake in the family-friendly spring and fall Candlelight Hike Festivals.

• Stevens Point Brewery: Founded in 1857, this brewery is one of the oldest around, offering craft beers and sodas, behind-the-scenes tours, and exclusive tastings.

• Guild Designs:  Once home to a tailor shop, this two-story Italianate building now houses a variety of artisans and merchants who sell books, antiques, fresh and dried floral arrangements, new furnishings, and stationery. The warm, welcoming space includes the charming second-floor Daisy Lounge, a perfect spot for a cocktail after shopping.