Sand Valley is a modern golf mecca in the heart of Wisconsin’s Central Sands, a sprawling 12,000-acre resort near Nekoosa with five world-class courses (plus short options) built on massive prehistoric dunes. That’s so cool you can golf on something considered prehistoric.  True links-style golf far from any ocean. Inspired by Mike Keiser’s Bandon Dunes vision, it features firm/fast fescue turf, exposed sand blowouts, strategic routing, and pure, walkable play amid rolling heathland, wild grasses, and serene wilderness. 

 

Quick Facts

  • Five championship courses + short course designs by Coore & Crenshaw,David McLay Kidd, Tom Doak, and a recreated Golden Age classic (The Lido)
  • True inland links: Firm conditions, massive dunes, waste areas, blind shots, multiple angles, and creative recovery options, walk-only (caddies available)
  • Seasonal play: Mid-May to October for ideal weather (60s-80s°F summers, crisp falls); peak summer for long days, fall for colors and fewer crowds
  • Premium resort: Stay-and-play focus with priority tees; top-ranked (Sand Valley & Mammoth Dunes in national top 100 public lists, Sandbox top short courses)
  • Pure golf immersion: Minimalist vibe, farm to table dining, trails, lakes for non-golf activities

Wisconsin has so much to offer, more hills than Illinois, cheese curds, delicious beer, awesome golf, and memories you’ll never forget. 

 

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round marathons (Sand Valley for strategy, Mammoth for drama, Sandbox for fun), post-golf fireside hangs or patio views, and that high-energy, no-distractions golf focus
  • Families: Luxe lodging (cottages, suites), outdoor adventures (hiking, biking, water activities); forgiving short courses; non golfers enjoy nature, tennis, or relaxation

Top Standout Courses

Sand Valley (Coore & Crenshaw)

The flagship. Rolling sand hills with massive exposed dunes, firm/fast fairways, enormous greens, strategic choices, and hidden putting surfaces. Often compared to Sand Hills/Pine Valley hybrids but uniquely its own; a thoughtful, walkable test that rewards imagination and precision.

Mammoth Dunes (David McLay Kidd)

Towering sand features and bold scale,  huge dunes, wide fairways, dramatic elevation, and risk-reward holes with epic views. More power-friendly than Sand Valley but full of drama; a visual stunner with that “wow” factor on every hole.

Sedge Valley (Tom Doak)

Heathland-inspired gem, colorful meadows, thoughtful routing, strategic bunkers, and a shorter par-68 layout for faster, engaging rounds. Subtle yet challenging; provides variety and a nod to classic Old World links in the Midwest.

The Lido (Jim Craig recreation)

A Golden Age revival passionate rebuild of C.B. Macdonald’s lost 1920s masterpiece (once world-class). Timeless strategic test with bold features; exclusive access adds historic magic.

The Sandbox (Coore & Crenshaw, 17-hole short course)

Fun, creative par-3/approach layout, holes 40–140 yards with wild green complexes (double plateaus, lion’s mouth), sand prairie setting. Perfect warm-up, family play, or quick fun; highly ranked short course.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Sand Valley on-site, Cozy lodge rooms, suites, cottages with wilderness views; farm-to-table dining, casual bars
  • Stay-and-play packages include lodging, rounds (priority/multi-course), practice, and perks. Book early for peak season
  • Focus on immersion, walking paths, trails, lakes for paddleboarding/kayaking

All Key Sand Valley Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Sand Valley (Coore & Crenshaw, rolling strategic links)
  • Mammoth Dunes (Kidd, towering dune drama)
  • Sedge Valley (Doak, heathland meadows)
  • The Lido (recreated classic, Golden Age test)
  • The Sandbox (17-hole short, fun & creative)

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via sandvalley.com or specialists. Fills fast, especially summer/fall; multi-round discounts
  • Fly into Milwaukee (MKE)  2-2.5 hours drive, or smaller airports like Central Wisconsin (CWA)
  • Pair golf with Wisconsin favorites: cheese curds, craft beer, farm-to-table eats, or nearby hiking/lakes
  • Walk the courses (caddies recommended for strategy); embrace firm conditions and run-the-ball play; forward tees for accessibility

Go experience the rolling dunes of Wisconsin at Sun Valley. You’ll thank me later,

Erin Hills is a world-class golf pilgrimage site, sprawling, links-style masterpiece carved from 652 acres of glacial kettle moraine terrain in Erin, Wisconsin. Conveniently located just outside of Milwaukee. Erin Hills has it all, dramatic elevation changes, vast fescue fairways, perched greens, and natural wetlands/river features. It’s built as if there was always a golf course there. It fits perfectly into the land, paying tribute to mother nature on every hole.

Quick Facts

  • One epic 18-hole championship course + Kettle Loop: (5-hole preview/short option) + Drumlin putting course (fun, lit evening putting)
  • Minimalist, natural design: Glacially sculpted land with minimal earth-moving, firm/fast conditions, wind play, strategic options, and huge scale
  • Walking-only (carts limited/ADA only), enhances the traditional, immersive experience
  • Seasonal play: Spring to fall; peak summer/fall for best conditions (60s-80s degrees F); shoulder seasons offer Stay & Play deals
  • Elite status: Golf Digest Top 10 public (often #10), Top 50 overall; U.S. Open pedigree and top Wisconsin ranking

Milwaukee is one of the most underrated cities in America. A trip to Erin Hills would give you a reason to experience all Milwaukee has to offer. Great food, Lake Michigan, and immaculate golf. Fun for the boys, fun for the family.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-stakes rounds on a major venue, caddie-guided strategy, post-round chef-prepared meals or drinks overlooking the course, and that “U.S. Open” fantasy vibe, easy to add multi-day immersion
  • Families: Charming village-style lodging, relaxed short options (Kettle Loop/Drumlin putting), and scenic beauty; non-golfers enjoy the peaceful setting, dining, or nearby Holy Hill shrine

Top Standout Features

The Main Course (Hurdzan/Fry/Whitten Design)

A modern classic, immense scale with wide fairways, massive bunkers, perched greens, and glacial contours creating endless variety. Risk-reward par-5s, strategic short par-4s (like #2 & #15), and dramatic elevation/wind make it playable yet punishing. U.S. Open host with that “never played anywhere like it” feel, pure exhilaration from 140-yard terror to 620-yard brutes.

Kettle Loop (5-Hole Preview/Short Course)

Carved from the main layout, perfect for late-afternoon quick rounds, warm-ups, or post-sunset fun for overnight guests. Adds replay value and that extra touch of adventure.

Drumlin Putting Course

Lit evening putting green centerpiece, fun, social, and visible from dining/lodging areas. Great for unwinding, family games, or testing green speeds under the stars.

 

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • On-site “village” lodging: Irish Lodge suites (rustic inn charm) or luxurious four-bedroom cottages (private baths, antique furnishings, modern tech)
  • Stay & Play packages: Include rounds, reduced/discounted second rounds (especially shoulder seasons like May/September-October), priority tees, resort fee perks (valet, club storage, Caddie Barn access, Kettle Loop golf)
  • Chef-prepared dining (breakfast/lunch/dinner with course views), signature drinks, and intimate setting; book direct for best deals

All Key Erin Hills Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Main Championship Course (U.S. Open host, glacial drama)
  • Kettle Loop (5-hole short/preview fun)
  • Drumlin Putting Course (evening social putting)
  • Plus massive practice areas, pro shop, and caddie program (highly recommended)

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via erinhills.com or call 866-772-4769 for season specials (reduced second rounds); fills fast; caddies essential for strategy/local knowledge
  • Fly into Milwaukee (MKE), 45-minute drive, easy access from Chicago or Midwest hubs
  • Pair golf with Wisconsin classics: craft beer, cheese curds, farm-to-table eats, or nearby Holy Hill views/hikes
  • Walk the course (firm/fast means run the ball!); forward tees for fun; embrace wind and natural contours

Time to walk the glacial fairways, channel U.S. Open vibes, and reset on one of America’s elite public treasures. Come to Erin Hills.

The Caddy Shanks Team

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It’s really hard to write this article without doing my world famous impression of Frances McDormand in Fargo. But I’m gonna do my best. Brainerd is Minnesota’s premier golf mecca. A region packed with over 450 holes across dozens of top-rated courses, framed by pristine lakes, dense pine forests, rolling terrain, and that classic “up north” Northwoods escape feel. Home to legendary resort layouts from designers like Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Lehman, and more, it’s a stay-and-play paradise with Gull Lake views, family resorts, and endless multi-course options.

Quick Facts

  • Hundreds of holes in close proximity, many world-class public/resort courses within short drives
  • Northwoods charm: Tree lined fairways, water hazards, elevation changes, and wildlife-filled settings
  • Seasonal play: Mid-April/May to October; peak summer/fall for long days, mild temps (60s-80s°F), and prime conditions
  • Variety for all: From championship tests to forgiving resort tracks and short courses; stay-and-play packages abundant
  • Top-ranked gems: Multiple courses in Golf Digest/Golfweek “Best in State” lists (e.g., Deacon’s Lodge, The Classic at Madden’s)

You know Brainerd is home to a 26 foot tall talking statue of Paul Bunyon. If the amazing golf wasn’t enough to get your tush to Brainerd, I’m sure the Paul Bunyon statue has you chomping at the bit to get there.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Epic multi-resort days (36+ holes easy), post-round beers on patios with lake views, friendly competition, and nearby breweries or bonfires
  • Families: Resort amenities like beaches, pools, kids’ programs, marinas; shorter courses or par-3s for all levels; non-golfers enjoy boating, fishing, or hiking

Top Standout Courses

Deacon’s Lodge (Breezy Point Resort)

Arnold Palmer’s tribute to his father “Deacon” sculpted through 500 acres of wilderness with rolling hills, wetlands, lakes, and loons calling. Challenging yet playable, nationally acclaimed (Golf Digest top public lists), with dramatic holes and impeccable maintenance.

The Classic at Madden’s on Gull Lake

Upscale championship gem, ranked among the best new public courses nationally, with pristine conditions, strategic design, and Gull Lake scenery. Part of Madden’s 63-hole lineup; a must-play for serious golfers.

Legacy Courses at Cragun’s Resort (Dutch Legacy 27 + Lehman 18)

Modern masterpiece with PGA Tour pro Tom Lehman’s signature 18,stacked sod bunkers, wetlands, wooded sanctuary, and massive renovation/expansion. Dutch Legacy adds variety; 45+ holes total in one spot, rated among Midwest’s top.

The Pines at Grand View Lodge (27 holes)

Joel Goldstrand design with Lakes, Woods, and Marsh nines, a true “player’s course” with challenging variety, blind shots, water, and Northwoods beauty. Highly ranked in state lists; renovated for top conditions.

Pine Beach East at Madden’s on Gull Lake

Historic classic (opened 1926) with Minnesota’s only par-6 hole (over 600 yards!) scenic, enjoyable, and full of character alongside the more modern options.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Madden’s on Gull Lake: Classic resort with 63 holes, lakeside lodging, spa, marina, dining
  • Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake: Mile-long beach, Legacy Courses, pools, sports center, cabins/hotel
  • Breezy Point Resort: Deacon’s Lodge access, multiple courses, vacation homes/condos
  • Grand View Lodge: The Pines & Preserve courses, family amenities, cabins
  • Packages include lodging, rounds, carts, breakfast, book direct or via Brainerd Golf Trail sites

All Key Brainerd Golf Courses at a Glance

  • Deacon’s Lodge (Arnold Palmer design)
  • The Classic at Madden’s
  • Legacy Courses at Cragun’s (Lehman 18 + Dutch Legacy)
  • The Pines at Grand View Lodge (27 holes)
  • Pine Beach East/West at Madden’s
  • Whitebirch at Breezy Point
  • Plus short courses, par-3s, and nearby gems like Ruttger’s

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via resort sites (maddens.com, craguns.com, breezypointresort.com, grandviewlodge.com) or brainerdgolftrail.com,  multi-course deals save big
  • Fly into Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD) for closest access, or Minneapolis (MSP) 2-3 hour drive
  • Pair golf with Brainerd classics: fresh walleye, craft beer, lake cruises, or fall colors
  • Use carts for terrain; forward tees for fun; caddies or GPS for strategy on tougher tracks

Get yourself to Brainerd you won’t regret it,

Jesse

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