This very walkable and scenic course moves through gently rolling former farmland on the front nine before crossing over to the older holes nestled along man-made Lake Wisconsin. Most of the greens are close to the subsequent tees, sometimes a bit too close. Care must especially be taken at the 4th tee, which lies within easy reach of the practice range. Several of the tee boxes are terraced, offering very different opening shots from the red, white and blue markers.

This is not an easy course. Water comes into play on 8 holes, most notably on the par 3 12th, the signature hole that features an island tee. There are plenty of tree-lined doglegs that reduce the advantage of long-hitters and put the emphasis on accuracy. The bunkering is moderate (27 total), strategic and fair. Two new pot bunkers will front the recently renovated 14th green. The current, temporary 14th green is better suited for bocce ball than golf, which was the only downer of the round. In general, the greens are fast, relatively small and nicely maintained. They have character without being overly undulating. Power wires cross over several fairways and are a potential nuisance, but most of the course is pleasant to play on. The 16th hole, in particular, is quite enjoyable, with a tee shot between 2 massive oak trees to a sharp dogleg right, followed by a short iron to a very protected green that backs onto the Wisconsin River, with a view of the hydroelectric dam in the background.

The staff and locals are chatty and friendly around the clubhouse and polite and helpful on the course. They really seem to enjoy themselves here. The restaurant hosts a Friday night fish fry (the only night it is open to the public) and is used for catered affairs and banquets at other times. The 19th Green is a bar and grill off the patio, a good place to grab a sandwich or beverage at the turn or after the round. The large windows behind the bar offer a nice view of the 10th fairway. Before you go, be sure to check out the club's website, which has good advice on how to play each hole.

Latest Update: 12/12/2010