
Golf in Wisconsin dates back to 1890, and the state is home to some of the country's oldest golf clubs, including the Milwaukee Country Club. The Wisconsin State Golf Association, founded in 1901, is the largest of the nine state golf associations affiliated with the USGA, providing administration for around 55,000 members across 500 clubs. Wisconsin has a rich golf history and is home to some of the finest golf courses in the United States, including Whistling Straits, Erin Hills, and Sand Valley.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is golf allowed in Wisconsin? | Yes |
| Is there a golf association in Wisconsin? | Yes, the Wisconsin State Golf Association |
| When was the Wisconsin State Golf Association founded? | 1901 |
| How many members does the Wisconsin State Golf Association have? | 55,000 |
| How many clubs are affiliated with the Wisconsin State Golf Association? | 500 |
| What are some golf courses in Wisconsin? | Erin Hills, Brown Deer Park Golf Course, Geneva National Golf Club, University Ridge Golf Course, Wild Rock, SentryWorld |
Explore related products
$9.99 $10.99
What You'll Learn
- Golf in Wisconsin has a long history, dating back to 1890
- The Wisconsin State Golf Association (WSGA) was founded in 1901
- The WSGA provides benefits like a Handicap Index® and tournaments for members
- Golf courses in Wisconsin were allowed to reopen on April 24, 2020, after the Safer at Home order
- Geneva National Golf Club in Lake Geneva offers 54 holes of championship-level golf

Golf in Wisconsin has a long history, dating back to 1890
Wisconsin is home to some of the most famous golf courses in the country, including Whistling Straits, Blackwolf Run, The Bog, Troy Burne, University Ridge, and Trapper's Turn. These courses have hosted major championships and featured some of the nation's greatest holes. The state also boasts classic, historic golf courses that have challenged golfers since the early days of the sport.
One such historic course is Trout Lake, tucked into the Vilas County woods off Highway 51. Trout Lake is known for its gently rolling terrain and idyllic scenery, offering a relaxing golf experience in a natural setting. The course dates back to 1896, when golf was gaining popularity in Wisconsin and across the nation. It initially opened as a five-hole design using tomato cans as cups and gradually expanded over the years, reflecting the evolution of golf in the state.
Another notable historic course in Wisconsin is Old Hickory, which opened in 1920 with nine holes and expanded to 18 holes in 1968. The course was designed by Scotsman Tom Bendelow, known for his work on over 400 courses across the country. Old Hickory showcases rolling hills, mature trees, and challenging greens, offering a blend of beauty and variety that has stood the test of time.
Wisconsin's golf landscape has continued to evolve, with modern courses such as Sand Valley in central Wisconsin, which features Tom Doak's Sedge Valley and David McLay Kidd's Mammoth Dunes, showcasing interesting and innovative golf course design. The state's rich golf history, diverse range of courses, and dedicated governing body contribute to a vibrant golf culture in Wisconsin, attracting players and enthusiasts from near and far.
Golf Industry: A Global Economic Powerhouse
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$20 $44.99

The Wisconsin State Golf Association (WSGA) was founded in 1901
Golf is allowed in Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin State Golf Association (WSGA) was founded in 1901. The WSGA has a long history of promoting the game in the state and offers a range of benefits to its members. This includes a Handicap Index® through the World Handicap System, which underwent an update in 2020, and tournaments for men, women, and juniors of all skill levels.
The WSGA also publishes a monthly digital magazine called "Wisconsin Golfer", which covers Wisconsin golf news, tournament coverage, and other features. The magazine is currently in its December 2024 issue, which includes articles on the 2024 WSGA tournament schedule, Sand Valley news, and the Stricker's debut at the PNC Championship.
The WSGA also offers internship opportunities, such as the WSGA/USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Internship, a paid, full-time, 3-4 month position that runs from mid-May to mid-August. In addition, the WSGA website, wisconsin.golf, has won the Milwaukee Press Club's "Best Online Coverage of Sports" award in Wisconsin for four consecutive years.
The WSGA is dedicated to promoting and growing the game of golf in Wisconsin, and its efforts have contributed to the state's rich golfing history and culture. With a range of initiatives, from tournaments to internships, the WSGA continues to play a vital role in the state's golfing community.
Golf Spikes: Are They Universal or Course-specific?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The WSGA provides benefits like a Handicap Index® and tournaments for members
Golf is clearly a popular sport in Wisconsin, with the Wisconsin State Golf Association (WSGA) providing a range of benefits for its members. The WSGA was founded in 1901 and has a long history of promoting the game. It offers a Handicap Index® through the World Handicap System, allowing members to track their scores and progress. This is available via the WSGA website, course kiosk computers, and a mobile app. The WSGA also runs tournaments for men, women, and juniors of all skill levels, with formats including stroke play, match play, better ball, and stableford.
The WSGA provides a full-time staff that manages the handicap system, conducts tournaments, and measures and rates courses. Members can access a range of resources to improve their game, including StrackaLine books, which provide detailed course information to help golfers make more putts and save strokes. The WSGA also offers discounted golf opportunities at top courses in Wisconsin and across the country.
The WSGA produces a monthly digital magazine, Wisconsin Golfer, which covers Wisconsin golf news, tournament coverage, and features. The WSGA also has a mobile app, providing easy access to handicap information, tournaments, membership details, news, photos, and videos. The app includes a national course directory and is available for both Apple and Android devices.
In addition to these benefits, the WSGA offers a weekly digest of stories from its 24/7 website, Wisconsin.Golf, which covers all things golf in the state, from tournament coverage to features and course reviews. The WSGA also provides internship opportunities and accepts applications for its WSGA/USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Internship positions, which are paid, full-time, and typically run for 3-4 months during the summer.
Golfing in New Jersey: Is It Allowed?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$12.6 $14.99
$18.99 $19.99

Golf courses in Wisconsin were allowed to reopen on April 24, 2020, after the Safer at Home order
Golf courses in Wisconsin were allowed to reopen on April 24, 2020, after Governor Tony Evers extended the Safer at Home order through May 26, 2020. The Wisconsin State Golf Association (WSGA) announced that golf courses could reopen with certain restrictions in place.
The WSGA emphasized that it was crucial to adhere to all guidelines while engaging in recreational golf. Restrictions included limiting operations to walking patrons only, with clubhouses, pro shops, and practice areas/driving ranges remaining closed. Social distancing practices were mandated, and golf carts were permitted for handicapped individuals only, with sanitization requirements between uses.
The WSGA also stated that tournament play would remain suspended until it was safe for all involved, including participants, staff, and volunteers. They committed to monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely and providing updates accordingly.
The reopening of golf courses was part of a broader effort to allow more businesses and activities to resume operations while prioritizing the health and safety of the community. This gradual process aimed to balance economic concerns with public health considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Understanding Golf Calcutta: Rules, Bidding, and Payouts
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Geneva National Golf Club in Lake Geneva offers 54 holes of championship-level golf
Golf is clearly allowed in Wisconsin, as the Geneva National Golf Club in Lake Geneva offers 54 holes of championship-level golf. The resort, nestled among the wooded slopes and shores of Lake Como, features three 18-hole championship courses, each with its distinct design and challenges.
The Palmer Course, considered one of the top 10 golf courses in Wisconsin, offers a winding layout through the rolling woods, culminating at Lake Como. The 17th hole, deemed one of Arnold Palmer's favourites, is a highlight of this course.
The Player Course, designed by Gary Player, presents an exciting risk-and-reward proposition with its back nine holes, including a dramatic downhill par-3 13th hole that boasts the best view of Lake Como in the area. This course is ideal for Ryder Cup-style groups with its mix of par 5s and par 3s.
The Trevino Course, a parkland-style course designed by Lee Trevino, is Geneva National's most tree-lined course. It caters to golfers of all skill levels, featuring Par 4 and Par 5 tee boxes that play to Lee Trevino's signature left-to-right fade.
In addition to these renowned courses, Geneva National also offers a new Himalayan-style putting course, the largest in Wisconsin, spanning 40,000 square feet. This entertainment area, known as the Dance Floor, includes surround sound, a cocktail bar, bocce ball, and firepits overlooking the Palmer 18th putting green.
With its array of championship-level golf courses and entertainment options, Geneva National Golf Club in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, presents a premier destination for golfers and enthusiasts alike.
Golfer Hideki Matsuyama's English-Speaking Skills Explained
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, golf is allowed in Wisconsin. Wisconsin has a rich history of golf, with the Milwaukee Country Club being one of the oldest golf clubs in the state.
Some popular golf courses in Wisconsin include the University Ridge Golf Course, Wild Rock, Erin Hills, Brown Deer Park Golf Course, Geneva National Golf Club, and Sand Valley Golf Resort.
Yes, there is a monthly digital magazine called "Wisconsin Golfer" that covers Wisconsin golf news, tournament coverage, and features.
Yes, the largest golf association in Wisconsin is the Wisconsin State Golf Association (WSGA), which has approximately 55,000 members across almost 500 clubs.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, golf courses in Wisconsin were allowed to reopen on April 24, 2020, with restrictions in place. Golf carts were initially limited to handicapped patrons, but motorized carts were later allowed for all golfers with restrictions on sanitization and payment methods.











































