An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/40551
KEY GOLF MEET THE PRO Washington Countyʼs Statz likes the course heʼs on By JERRY SLASKE KEYMilwaukee Golf Editor SINCE ITWAS built 15 years ago, theArthur Hills-designed, links-styleWashington County Golf Course (WCGC) only has continued to improve under the guidance of John Statz, head pro since 1997. In 2009, GolfWeekmagazine rec- ognized it as the nation's 35th best public course. WhatmakesWCGC special in Statz's eyes are the overall layout, the impeccable playing condi- tions (bent grass tee to green), and the rapport he and his staff havewith the customers. "This is a comfortable and friendly place to be," he says. Prior to becoming pro atWCGC, Statzwas the head pro for two years atWawonowin Country Club inMichigan's Upper Peninsula. But WCGC is as far south as he'smoving even if it means forgoing the game he loves for almost six months of every year. "The change in seasons letsme recharge and get excited for another golf season," he says. "Besides, I'mawinter person and enjoy ice fish- ing and skiing." Moreover, Statz,who earned his ClassAmem- bership in 1994, thinksWisconsin's fall provides the best time of the year for golf. "I like the dry, firmconditions; the cooler, less humidweather; and the color changes," he says. WCGC is located at one of the county's highest points providing unobstructed vistas of the state's KettleMoraine area. Fromanywhere on the course, you can look to the south and see the towering spires ofHolyHill about eightmiles away. "There are great panoramic views of hardwood forests andwaterways," Statz says. "Even if your game isn't inspiring, the views on this course are." WCGC is located about 40miles northwest of Milwaukee inHartford (www.golfwcgc.com; 262-670-6616). Being fromBeaver Dam, about 50miles north- west ofMilwaukee, and continuing to live there with hiswife and three children, Statz also is partial to his hometown course of OldHickory (www.oldhickorycc.com; 920-887-7179). Other courses in the region he likes to play include Lawsonia Links (www.lawsonia.com; 800-529-4453) and any of the four Kohler courses (www.americanclubresort.com/golf; 800-618-5535). Hismostmemorablemoment in golfwas two years agowhen his then 13-year-old sonmade a putt on the 2nd playoff hole for thewin in the Wisconsin State GolfAssociation Pater-Filius (Father-Son) open division. "It'smorememo- rable than anything I have personally done," he says. Statz's assistant pros are Brett Tautges and Chad Schlagenhaft. Course superintendent is Dave Jahnke and the county's director of parks and golf isMike Kactro. 47