A warm greeting and a handshake introduced the clubhouse which is home to a small, but well stocked, pro shop and comfortable, roomy full service bar/snack bar. Nearby, the driving range and practice greens were ready for action.

After just a few holes, it was easy to see why Pine Valley was recently voted the Wausau area's best public golf course by the readers of City Pages and the Wausau Daily Herald. Rolling hills, water hazards and a variety of trees compliment the compact layout of the course. Although the transition between front and back nines was a little confusing, the pace of the course would suit walkers and allow riders to finish in roughly four hours. There are four sets of tees (black, blue, white, gold) at each hole to accommodate all skill levels, although several holes combined the shorter two. Various elevated tees allow for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The "must play" aspect of Pine Valley has to be the expertly maintained greens. True rolling and very fast, they would be the envy of many country club courses. (Overheard in the pro shop were good-hearted accusations of double cutting the greens.)

Two holes stood out from the round. Hole Number 3 (par 4 287 yds from blues) begins with a walk across a small footbridge and up several steps to an elevated tee that looks out over the front nine. The distance tempts the big hitter to go for the green, but a well placed tee shot and short approach will reap a great birdie opportunity. Hole number 17 (par 3 100 yds) features a picturesque 60' drop to a green tucked between two traps. The extreme drop makes this hole play shorter than it looks, making club selection very important.

Excellent course condition, friendly staff and great value in a laid back atmosphere, Pine Valley is a hacker's delight. Many manageable hole lengths and open fairways allow for some errant shots to be made without much harm. Pack your best putting stroke, and allow some extra time to hit the practice greens for a very enjoyable round.

Latest Update: 1/19/2011