• Erin Hills: Very little earth was moved by man to build this huge brute highlighted by beauti- ful rolling hills and meadows. It was the site of this year's US Amateur and will host the 2017 US Open. Because the only structures visi- ble are the Irish manor-style clubhouse and the spires of the basilica at Holy Hill, Erin Hills makes you feel one with nature. 262-670-8600, www.erinhills.com
• Morningstar: Like Washington County, this course sits high so the views are awesome, especially from the clubhouse. It's a gorgeous track and one of the best challenges in the area – or anywhere. 262-662-1600, www.golfthestar.com
•Nagawaukee: A wonderful tree-lined layout, but the back nine is especially pretty at this time of the year. Overlooking Pewaukee Lake, It has enough ups and downs to rival any roller coaster. The color is spectacular. This course does an amazing job of keeping the fair- ways and even the rough clear of leaves. 262- 367-2153, www.golfwaukeshacounty.com
• Washington County:Although this Arthur Hills course (bent grass tee to green) is links style with nary a tree on the property, it sits high above Pike Lake State Park and the north- ern Kettle Moraine. It's a stunning vista as you stand at the clubhouse and look out on the course toward the spires of the Basilica at Holy Hill. 262-670-6616, www.golfwcgc.com
Other fine courses to play in the fall include The Bog, 262-284-7075, www.golfthebog.com – An Arnold Palmer design impeccably manicured that includes wetlands, woods, and wildlife habi- tat; Brighton Dale Links, 262-697-4653, www.golfbrightondale.com – 45 challenging holes in the midst of the bucolic Bong State Recreational Area; Broadlands, 262-392-6320, www.broadlandsgolfclub.com – Not particularly scenic, but a fine, well-maintained bent-grass lay- out that will challenge your complete game.
Also: Fire Ridge, 262-375-2252, www.fireridgegc.com – Wonderful track without a weak hole in the bunch and superb conditions; Ironwood, 262-538-9900, www.ironwoodgolfcourse.com 36 testy holes with tough greens and lots of trees, wetlands, and rolling hills make this a fall favorite; Kettle Hills (original 18), 262-628-0200, www.kettlehills.com – Interesting, tough layout
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#16 at The Bull at Pinehurst Farms
among rolling hills covered in trees; and Rock River Hills, 920-485-4990, www.rockriverhills.com – Short, but challenging layout that sits aside the beautiful, water fowl-inhabited Horicon Marsh.
Golf's downside at this time of the year is that courses aerate their greens so check beforehand.
