Did you know that Wisconsin has more top-rated golf courses than any other state in the country? While Dane & surrounding counties may not house all of these top-rated courses, they certainly have a plentiful variety of courses for all skill sets. As I’ve been golfing more the past few years, and I’ve toured so many of our golf course communities in the area, I am here to share my amateur guide of favorite beginner-level courses and communities in the area.
There isn’t a home course that I belong to, so I have had the pleasure of playing several different types of courses. I would consider myself a true beginner, so please take this all with a grain of salt, as I’m sure a seasoned golfer would vehemently disagree with my perspective on these public courses.
- Door Creek, Cottage Grove: While this location does have a full 18-hole course, it also has a 9-hole Par 3 course for amateurs or people looking to focus on their short game. I must mention that this is where I landed a hole-in-one a few years back! It also has a beautiful patio to sit outside after your round.
- Pioneer Point, West Middleton: Previously known as Tumbledown Trails, this course has been revamped into a 13-hole short course. It is challenging with a lot of water/sand and tricky greens, but it is meticulously well-kept. The clubhouse and restaurant (Good Co) are also some of my favorites in the area; check out their espresso martini and hot honey chicken wings! This community features some of the most incredible custom homes in the greater area. A fun 13 holes to play and admire the real estate.
- Creekview, Edgerton: This is a great course to go to if you’re looking to have a not-so-serious day, perhaps with drinks and good friends. The vibes here are fun and casual, and while it is just south of Stoughton, it is a close-enough, low-key short course that is underrated to squeeze a quick round in! Don’t forget to grab some pull tabs when you’re in the clubhouse!
- Pleasant View, Middleton: This tends to be the #1 spot in the area for professional outings and scrambles. With 36 holes, it has the capacity to fit a lot of people of different skill sets and private events, and it also has a “Billy Goat” Par 3 course, which is great for true beginners and children. You’ll love the views from Pleasant View; with the terrain so high up, you have views for miles and can even see the capital from certain holes!
- Deer Valley, Barneveld: This course is further out west from Dane County than most, but it’s a great one featuring open fairways if you’re trying to work on your long game. I’ve heard this is a decent spot to bring your kids because they also have a great waterpark attached that they can use for $10 Monday-Thursday, and you can enjoy pizzas at the Rusty Nail Saloon afterward!
