Just wrapped up our annual golf trip. 8 guys go for about 4-5 days each year right around the start of a school for the kids

Overall, we all loved it.

Tuesday: flew into Chicago after work
Wednesday am: met up and drove to Erin hills. I was the lone person in the group that felt this was the best course of the trip. Everyone felt it had the coolest vibe when considering clubhouse, course, property overall. Also had a nice putting course that was a lot of fun to play in the dark . It was lit up and had stands to place your drinks while putting.

Thursday drove to Koehler. Played the meadow valley course. I think we all agreed it was the least favorite. Quite challenging, unforgiving rough. Not terribly scenic compared to the other courses

Thursday afternoon played the "baths" par three course. One of the better par three courses we played on our trips. It's brand new. I hope they put a drink station out on the course which would be fun. Also they had music pumping at the first tee but couldn't hear it the rest of the round. They did let us play with all 8 and I had a decent radio. Gave you a little cooler to bring beer with you. Overall it was a fun thing to do

Friday played the Irish course in the am which was really cool and only bested by playing the straights in the afternoon. We've played several times in Scotland and Ireland and I'd have to say that straights has more water views than any course I've ever played. Essentially all holes are on the water. This was most everyone's favorite. They all said the views put it over the top of Erin hills. I'm the lone person that said Erin hills is better. Either way, both really cool in very different ways

Last day we all got lessons . This was part of the package. I got a putting lesson and it helped quite a bit. Most everyone else got chipping or pitching lesson. One guy unwisely got a swing lesson. That was probably the difference for his team losing our Ryder cup. His final round suffered but still all our lessons exceeded expectations. I'm anywhere from a 1-4 hdcp and can say that these guys knew what they were talking about

After the lesson we had our final round on the river course. I'm had low expand they were exceeded. I assumed it would be another meadows valley but it was greatly superior. Several in our group said it was better than the Irish and a couple said it was their favorite day . Mainly because it was scenic, overall nice but not too challenging and just made for a fun day

We stayed in one of their 4 bedroom suites. The room itself was nicer than any place we've stayed on one of our trips. It's hard to find a 4 bedroom suite in general. Pinehurst has them . This was new and nicely finished. It's location was. It at the course though. Overall I like the 4 bedroom villa at pinehurst better just because it's on property but kohler's 4 bedroom suite was easily the best once you were inside the room

We unanimously agreed that this is a location to our to our "Rota"

So far we have pinehurst and kohler as ones we'll go back to

Big cedar lodge was good but most agreed it wasn't one to add as a definite for a return trip

We took another to Kentucky that we knew was a "one offl when we booked it during covid. Mainly did that for the bourbon tour And just found nearby courses. The fuzzy zoellor courses in souther Indiana were actually ok but nothing to make a trip out of. We found a few other good ones, but again, nothing special

Our other trips have been Scotland and Ireland a couple times

Next year we're off to bandon

For those that plan these trips, Wisconsin is a great option, made even better for the "escape the heat" factor

We will probably go back and may try and find a way to add mammoth dunes, but that may have to be a trip all by itself

That sounds like a great trip. What was the package cost for the golf/lodging/lesson?

They've got a package on the website called Champions Trail which includes lodging for two nights, three rounds and a round on the The Bath's course, a 30 minute lesson, and a handful of other details. I was quoted $2,400 for a single occupancy for the end by of May 2023.

https://www.destinationkohler.com/explore-more/all-packages---offers/champions--trail-package

I'd have to dig it up to answer exactly. I know we each paid but that combined Erin hills and kohler. Those two don't operate together though. I paid the deposit for everything. Everyone paid me back and then each person paid their own round at Erin hills and the remaining tab at kohler

For our trip it was this:

$1,100 deposit (Erin hills and kohler combined)
$330 round at Erin hills
1,605 at kohler

Forgot to mention that kohler included caddy fee on the straights and forecadfy fee on their other three courses

Tips were suggested $30 per forecaddy and 65 for caddy

Erin hills caddy was separate and cost 54 for caddy and 65 suggested tip

Caddy not required at Erin hills but worth it in my opinion

I booked this over a year in advance so cost may have gone up

One more thing, the people at kohler were some of the friendliest (I'd say probably easily the most friendly) at any of these 7 trips we've taken so far

They were always telling us just how glad the were that we came. And they said it like they meant it

The Grinder (99) said:

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I'd have to dig it up to answer exactly. I know we each paid but that combined Erin hills and kohler. Those two don't operate together though. I paid the deposit for everything. Everyone paid me back and then each person paid their own round at Erin hills and the remaining tab at kohler

For our trip it was this:

$1,100 deposit (Erin hills and kohler combined)
$330 round at Erin hills
1,605 at kohler

Forgot to mention that kohler included caddy fee on the straights and forecadfy fee on their other three courses

Tips were suggested $30 per forecaddy and 65 for caddy

Erin hills caddy was separate and cost 54 for caddy and 65 suggested tip

Caddy not required at Erin hills but worth it in my opinion

I booked this over a year in advance so cost may have gone up

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My son caddies at Whistling Straits and Kohler courses. If that's all you tipped then they worked their *ss off for chump change! The average tip out there is 150-200 per person. These guy are trying to pay for college. Rent is about 600 per month, not including food, gas, electric, etc. Next time save up to tip a little more.

Herb Kohler passed away Saturday. RIP https://golf.com/news/herb-kohler-dies-at-83/?amp=1

C ROC N said:

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The Grinder (99) said:

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I'd have to dig it up to answer exactly. I know we each paid but that combined Erin hills and kohler. Those two don't operate together though. I paid the deposit for everything. Everyone paid me back and then each person paid their own round at Erin hills and the remaining tab at kohler

For our trip it was this:

$1,100 deposit (Erin hills and kohler combined)
$330 round at Erin hills
1,605 at kohler

Forgot to mention that kohler included caddy fee on the straights and forecadfy fee on their other three courses

Tips were suggested $30 per forecaddy and 65 for caddy

Erin hills caddy was separate and cost 54 for caddy and 65 suggested tip

Caddy not required at Erin hills but worth it in my opinion

I booked this over a year in advance so cost may have gone up

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My son caddies at Whistling Straits and Kohler courses. If that's all you tipped then they worked their *ss off for chump change! The average tip out there is 150-200 per person. These guy are trying to pay for college. Rent is about 600 per month, not including food, gas, electric, etc. Next time save up to tip a little more.

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I'm sure those caddy fee figures are for a double-bag caddy and not a single. I can see $150-200 for a single-bag caddy. I can't imagine a double-bag caddy getting tipped $300-$400 a round.

There is some good golf in Wisconsin. I have never been a big fan of Erin Hills, but the Straights course and the River Course at Kohler are both really good, in my opinion.

At some point, i would suggest you venture a little further west and try Sand Valley. The golf courses are a blast, and they do it right, there. Everything is on-point, from great lodging options to good food, etc. Book early though, I believe '23 is essentially full, and I am not too sure about '24.

Big Shoulders said:

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There is some good golf in Wisconsin. I have never been a big fan of Erin Hills, but the Straights course and the River Course at Kohler are both really good, in my opinion.

At some point, i would suggest you venture a little further west and try Sand Valley. The golf courses are a blast, and they do it right, there. Everything is on-point, from great lodging options to good food, etc. Book early though, I believe '23 is essentially full, and I am not too sure about '24.

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Just booked a four night trip to Sand Valley today for the end of May. Going as a single is what made it possible as the lady told me they started taking 2023 reservations in January. Hitting up Lawsonia Links on the way and two nights/two rounds at Erin Hills on my way back.

Have heard good things about Lawsonia Links from my Badger friends, but I have not played it. Sentry World is another good course in that area if you feel the need to extend your trip.

StEdsCOOG said:

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C ROC N said:

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The Grinder (99) said:

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I'd have to dig it up to answer exactly. I know we each paid but that combined Erin hills and kohler. Those two don't operate together though. I paid the deposit for everything. Everyone paid me back and then each person paid their own round at Erin hills and the remaining tab at kohler

For our trip it was this:

$1,100 deposit (Erin hills and kohler combined)
$330 round at Erin hills
1,605 at kohler

Forgot to mention that kohler included caddy fee on the straights and forecadfy fee on their other three courses

Tips were suggested $30 per forecaddy and 65 for caddy

Erin hills caddy was separate and cost 54 for caddy and 65 suggested tip

Caddy not required at Erin hills but worth it in my opinion

I booked this over a year in advance so cost may have gone up

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My son caddies at Whistling Straits and Kohler courses. If that's all you tipped then they worked their *ss off for chump change! The average tip out there is 150-200 per person. These guy are trying to pay for college. Rent is about 600 per month, not including food, gas, electric, etc. Next time save up to tip a little more.

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I'm sure those caddy fee figures are for a double-bag caddy and not a single. I can see $150-200 for a single-bag caddy. I can't imagine a double-bag caddy getting tipped $300-$400 a round.

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Packers head coach tipped him 1500 for a forecaddie of 4, sargento cheese Executive tips him 500 single. The pro shop always suggests low so you spend more money buying pro shop items. I didn't say he always makes that but its an average due to low 65 dollar tips. Think about how much you tip a waiter/waitress for 30/45 minutes. Think about a 4 1/2 to 6 hr round carrying a heavy bag?

Big Shoulders said:

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Have heard good things about Lawsonia Links from my Badger friends, but I have not played it. Sentry World is another good course in that area if you feel the need to extend your trip.

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I tried to add Sentry World since it's so close to Sand Valley but the course is hosting the Senior Open next year from June 29-July 2 and they said they won't open for public play until after the tournament. Erin Hills isn't opening until May 27th which surprised the person I spoke to at Sand Valley.

Big Shoulders said:

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There is some good golf in Wisconsin. I have never been a big fan of Erin Hills, but the Straights course and the River Course at Kohler are both really good, in my opinion.

At some point, i would suggest you venture a little further west and try Sand Valley. The golf courses are a blast, and they do it right, there. Everything is on-point, from great lodging options to good food, etc. Book early though, I believe '23 is essentially full, and I am not too sure about '24.

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Sand Valley '24 bookings to open up around the first week of January '23 I was told.

Go there and tip whatever you want. People asked me the price and I'm telling you the fixed cost we payed for the trip and the amount they SUGGESTED for tips if you take a caddy. If you have a problem with their suggested amounts, then tell them that

The Grinder (99) said:

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Go there and tip whatever you want. People asked me the price and I'm telling you the fixed cost we payed for the trip and the amount they SUGGESTED for tips if you take a caddy. If you have a problem with their suggested amounts, then tell them that

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Just trying to inform you for next time!! If you walk down to the caddie shack and said who wants to caddie for me I got 65, they would give it to the rookie on deck. And then tell him good luck with that!!

If you got connections a trip up there is pretty cheap and cost effective. The money i save is spent on a veteran caddie who knows the course. Well spent money, saved me 5-6 strokes per round. Whistling Straits and Erin Hills. If you don't like paying for caddies go play The Bull which is a very nice alternative.

StEdsCOOG said:

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Big Shoulders said:

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Have heard good things about Lawsonia Links from my Badger friends, but I have not played it. Sentry World is another good course in that area if you feel the need to extend your trip.

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I tried to add Sentry World since it's so close to Sand Valley but the course is hosting the Senior Open next year from June 29-July 2 and they said they won't open for public play until after the tournament. Erin Hills isn't opening until May 27th which surprised the person I spoke to at Sand Valley.

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Course conditions up there can be a little dicey in May. One of my Sand Valley trips was around May 10 -12 (I think) a few years ago, and several holes were not fully open (temp greens or just a re-routing. They were really great about it though. I believe Mammoth Dunes only had 14 holes open, so they just gave us a ride from 9 to 14 and we played as many holes as we wanted, with them working us back in on the first tee between groups.

Edit to add: Be sure to play the par 3 course at Sand Valley, and do not be afraid to tee off with your putter.

Have you gone in September or October right near when the rates drop ? Was thinking about Sand Valley then in '24.

I've done trips to Wisconsin the last two summers and really enjoyed both trips. Tons of great golf - I would go back to the places I've been and there are still more courses to see.

Erin Hills - played 36 in one day last summer. It's a beast of a walk but such a cool course. I can see why the score were so low at the US Open as it's a very open course, which makes it very playable for a high handicap like me. Even the fescue wasn't nearly as bad as I expected - I was almost always able to play out of it. I thought it lived up to the hype of being a US Open course.

Lawsonia - played 18 at the Woodlands and 18 at the Links the day after Erin Hills. The Woodlands was fine, just your standard good parkland course. Not worth travelling to see, but a solid course. The Links was a fun, open course with a fair amount of challenging greens. I tend to like the links style, but thought that this course was a little bit overrated. Still a good course for sure, but not a top 100 course or anything like that.

Sand Valley - took a trip here this summer and played 17 at the Sandbox, 36 at Sand Valley, and 18 on Mammoth Dunes. The Sandbox is a cool par 3 course, all shots vary between 50 - 150 yards. I really enjoyed the variety of shots and the complex (sometimes crazy) greens. It was the first course we played and a great way to warm up for the trip. We played 36 at Sand Valley the next day and it kicked my butt. Fairways are plenty big, but the greens are challenging and are very closely guarded with run offs and bunkers. My short game got lots of practice here.18 at Mammoth on the last day and it is up there with Erin Hills, maybe above it, as my favorite course that I've ever played. Impossibly large fairways with all sorts of slopes and elevation changes. These greens funneled in rather than away, making it much easier to get on. Once you got on, though, you might have the longest putt of your life to get down in 2. Just such a really cool course and one that I would absolutely love to play again.

I just got back from a 3 day/2 night trip to Sand Valley and we had a great time. It's run by the same people who manage Bandon Dunes and, while the golf is different, the service, organization and attention to detail is pretty much the same. We also played Erin Hills on the way up and enjoyed that as well.

Sand Valley is in the middle of Wisconsin and not close to anything. We flew into Madison and it was a 90 minute drive from there. They are pretty much booked for 2023 but they will put you on a waiting list if you are looking to for a room or two for a night or two. I don't think getting large scale groups for next year is probable at this point. They also will have 2 more courses opening in 2023 so it will get even more popular.

The price for golf is much less than Kohler or Erin Hills. $235 for the first round of the day on either the Sand Valley course or the Mammoth Dunes course and $117.50 for a replay round. You can also.play their 17 hole Sandbox Par 3 for $60.

The bad thing is that there are really no close options for hotels other than staying there and they are booked pretty solid. Wisconsin Dells is about 40 minutes away with a blizzard of places to stay but thats not real convenient.

I would give it high marks great golf, great accommodations, good value, great caddies, great food and options to eat. Give it a try.

AgOutsideAustin said:

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Have you gone in September or October right near when the rates drop ? Was thinking about Sand Valley then in '24.

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My first trip was the weekend of the A&M v. Tennessee overtime game, October 8, 2016. It was fantastic.

Thanks ! Should have the new Sedge Valley course open in '24 too.

Yes, it has been fun to watch it grow. In 2016 it was just the one course: Sand Valley, very limited lodging options, and a small pro shop in a trailer.

Great call on sentry world. I actually liked it better than sand valley. Although the lodging at sand valley was really good.

Sand Valley certainly fun. Fairly easy courses. But if you go expecting Bandon comps you will be disappointed

Not a single pic, lame

Great report. Love to make a trip there. Looking at the year we play ND on the road. 2025, I think. Go to game then head to Wisconsin.

Golf course or candy store ?

C ROC N said:

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If you got connections a trip up there is pretty cheap and cost effective. The money i save is spent on a veteran caddie who knows the course. Well spent money, saved me 5-6 strokes per round. Whistling Straits and Erin Hills. If you don't like paying for caddies go play The Bull which is a very nice alternative.

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Bashes OP for not tipping his son enough, using high earning outliers for examples, but in the same breath brags how much he tips because he is able to save with his connections.

Damn I love TexAgs