An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/684321
F O C U S O N G O L F 44 keymilwaukee.com here are plenty of hidden gems when it comes to Wisconsin golf courses. Most times, you just stumble upon them. They weren't designed by the big names, they don't host the big tournaments, they can't be stretched to 8,000 yards for all the "self-proclaimed" big hitters, but they also don't have the big price tags. Yet they'll challenge your game just as much, perhaps even more. And they might be even more fun to play because of the lack of gimmicks and hidden surprises. I've talked about Whispering Springs and Rolling Meadows in Fond du Lac; Petrifying Springs in Kenosha; Johnson Park and Ives Grove in Racine; Camelot in Lomira; Reedsburg Country Club in Reedsburg… they're everywhere. I can now add Windwood in Watertown windwoodofwatertown.com to the list. About 45 miles west of downtown Milwaukee, in the middle of some of the state's prettiest countryside and farmland, Windwood is golf's version of the popular board game Chutes and Ladders. 'Chutes' because several tee shots on the back nine are through stands of towering trees on both sides; 'Ladders' because there are plenty of elevation changes, particularly #9, a 432 yard, par 5…that's right, par 5…that goes uphill and then dramatically downhill with a slight double dogleg. If you go beyond the crest of the hill with your tee shot, even a five might be difficult. It isn't a long course, only about 6,200 yards from the tips, but it's still a handful, starting with small, smooth greens with lots of slope. If you don't stay below the hole, you'd better be good at 6-7 foot comeback putts. From tee to green, Windwood is all bentgrass…and maintained very nicely. There are five solid par 3s, ranging from 151 to 192 yards, and five par 5s. And the finishing holes, #9 (see above) and #18, a par 4, 360 yards uphill dogleg left with a tee shot through a chute of trees, are very good. While Windwood may appear tame from the clubhouse, with any wind from the north or south it could turn out to be a wild, but fun, ride. Oh yeah, about not having a big price tag. I walked the course in April and it cost me $18. In my book, Windwood of Watertown is definitely a must-play. T CHUTES & LADDERS Windwood of Watertown is another Wisconsin diamond in the rough By Jerry Slaske KEY Milwaukee Golf Editor