From Lambeau to the Links: The Ultimate Wisconsin Golf Trip

When people think of Lambeau Field, they think of fans bundled up to brave the Arctic tundra to cheer on their hometown team. Wisconsin as a whole is often thought of as a winter wonderland with exceptional ice fishing, never-ending snowmobile rides and surprisingly fun ski hills. But here’s the catch: Wisconsin is even more fun in the summer.

With average summer temperatures in the 60s and 70s, Wisconsin's climate is perfect for outdoor activities. And while boating and football get the public acclaim, don't sleep on Wisconsin's golf courses.

Whether you’re in town to watch the Shamrock Series featuring Notre Dame and Wisconsin or to cheer on the Packers, fans heading up to Lambeau from Milwaukee on I-43 will be treated to farm fields, lake views and all the Culver’s you can eat, but you may also notice that it passes right by a couple of small towns like Kohler and Haven. Those towns may ring a bell for the golf-obsessed, as they house some of the top courses in the nation.  

The first town you’ll see is Kohler, and if that name sounds familiar, it should if you’ve ever spent time in a bathroom or kitchen, as it’s home to Kohler Co, the renowned brand for all things plumbing and more. It is also home to the Kohler Resort and its top-ranked golf courses, Whistling Straits and Black Wolf Run. You may remember these idyllic Pete Dye-designed courses from the incredible events they’ve hosted over the years, including the Ryder Cup, PGA Championship, PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, and many more.  

The Kohler golf course roster includes the highly rated River and Meadow Valleys courses at Blackwolf Run and two more at Whistling Straits, The Straits and The Irish, and a 10-hole par-3 and 2-acre putting course aptly called The Baths.

Speaking of The Straits Course, the visionary Herb Kohler shared, “Virtually every hole has a sightline that is quite dramatic. I remember standing about where the clubhouse is today with Pete Dye looking out on this land that was perfectly flat, and I said, 'Pete, make it look like Ballybunion.'

The outcome essentially established three dune lines in which these holes are built, ranging from 10 feet above the water to 70 feet. It was quite an undertaking, but it really is a lovely, magnificent venue today. I can only thank the artistry of my friend Pete Dye."

Once you realize that you need to pack your clubs for the incredible Kohler courses, it'll be time to start looking for other awesome spots to play. This is where PGA of America Golf Professional Abby Parsons comes in with her recommendations on where to play.

Only two hours west of Green Bay, Sand Valley is definitely worth the drive. A relative newcomer to the Wisconsin golf scene, Sand Valley has really established itself as a must-visit golf destination in a short time. A cousin to famed Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley features 101 holes of golf across its four regulation golf courses (Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, Sedge Valley, The Lido) and two short courses (The Sandbox and The Commons).

Sand Valley is set on 12,000 acres of rugged dunes that designers Coore & Crenshaw, David McLay Kidd, Tom Doak and Jim Craig have used to their fullest potential. Each course is unique and unforgettable, so golfers will want to make the most of their time.

Heading back to the south, Water Park enthusiasts will want to stop by Wisconsin Dells, otherwise, keep going until Erin Hills. Built for the golf lover, Erin Hills is as challenging as it is beautiful, and while it plays long, it’s also quite fun. According to Jim Lombardo, PGA, head golf professional, Erin Hills enables visitors to “live, eat, breathe and sleep golf every minute they are on the property.”   

Set in the rolling hills of Kettle Moraine, Erin Hills has a quite unique look. Designers Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry, and Ron Whitten used a minimalist approach to ensure that Mother Nature’s incredible glacier-made creations on the property remained the primary focus.

Abby says: “This walking-only track makes you feel like you gained enough steps to lap two golf courses instead of one when you walk off 18 green, but it is all worth it. This course is a beast, and it is one of the most visually intimidating and dominating courses you will ever play.” 

And with all the golf and football on the agenda, food has to be a priority as well.  While cheese curds and brats are sure to be on the menu, Wisconsin has a diverse and impressive selection of can’t-miss places to eat.

First, fans have to hit up one of Wisconsin’s iconic Supper Clubs, like Clifford’s Supper Club in Hales Corners or Buckatabon Tavern and Supper Club in Wauwatosa. Closer to Lambeau, Rivers Bend is also quite the experience.

Other spots that will be hard to forget include Kopp’s Frozen Custard, The Del-Bar, Kegel's Inn, Mars Cheese Castle and St. Brendan’s Inn.

While not a typical spot for a golf trip, Wisconsin checks all the boxes; add in some incredible football at Lambeau Field, and it becomes an all-time memory for you and your friends.