The Lakes Course is generally considered the more challenging of the two, with tighter fairways and water hazards coming into play on seven holes. But the water actually enhances the playing experience by adding to the ambience of the course. In particular the water feature behind the 3rd hole. Make sure to have your camera ready for this landscaping beauty.

With bent grass tees, fairways and greens, The Lakes looks and plays like a much more expensive course. It is beautifully maintained, in near pristine condition. This course could easily have been named "The Sands" based on the number and severity of the sand traps. But the traps for the most part do not appear out-of-place, and only come into play on wayward shots. (Or every one of ours.) The greens were a joy to play, receptive to approach shots and featured quick, undulating surfaces that made for some interesting putts. Carts are required except for twilight hours, so plan to ride unless your tee time is late in the day.

Hole #15 is an appealing little par 4. Only 283 yards from the whites, you can't see the green from the tee, and water lurks down the right side of the fairway. This hole is best played with a medium-to-long iron from the tee, and that should leave you with a wedge in. A great birdie opportunity here.

The clubhouse is an inviting facility. The prices for food and drink were very reasonable, and the pro shop was expansive and had many items on sale. The staff as a whole was top-notch and made our round a pleasurable one. Even though the course was booked solid the day of our visit, things moved along smoothly and we finished our round in just over four hours.

The Lake Arrowhead golf complex is a first class facility in all aspects. Do yourself a favor and take in both The Pines and The Lakes courses and treat yourself to two of the nicer courses in Wisconsin.

Latest Update: 11/25/2010