Apostle Highlands GC

Play the break toward the lake

Published on February 9, 2012

Wisconsin boasts an amazing array of gorgeous golf courses – from the prairies in the southern part of the state to the woods and waters of the north. But when it comes to a physical location, few golf facilities can compare to the beauty of Apostle Highlands GC in Bayfield.

Apostle Highlands is located at the northernmost tip of Wisconsin, on a hilltop 500 feet above the city of Bayfield and shimmering Lake Superior. The vista offers stunning views of Chequamegon Bay and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The big lake they call Gitche Gumee is visible on 13 of 18 holes.

And the golf isn’t bad, either.

Apostle Highlands opened for play in 1991 as a nine-hole course, but a second nine was added in 1996. Today it offers four sets of tees ranging from 6,333 yards to 5,111 yards.

Between lake views, the rolling layout features wooded fairways and several huge putting surfaces. Wind off the lake often impacts play, and several holes feature dramatic elevation changes. Nos. 3 and 12 are of the downhill variety, and fittingly they offer relatively long yardages. Meantime, the par-5 seventh plays severely uphill and measures just 482 yards from the back tees.

Here’s a local tip: When putting Apostle Highlands’ enormous greens, play the break toward the lake.

Apostle Highlands also offers a scenic deck overlooking the lake, a perfect location to enjoy post-round beverages.

Apostle Highlands is teaming up this season with Legendary Waters Resort & Casino on some stay and play packages. The new resort, located in Red Cliff, just up the lakeshore from Bayfield, offers 47 rooms, all with views of the lake and Apostle Islands.

The Apostle Highlands and Legendary Waters package includes one night at the resort, 18 holes of golf for two with a cart at Apostle Highlands and merchandise discounts. Travelers who book the package now will receive a 20-percent discount on the lodgings.

For more information, visit www.golfbayfield.com or call (715) 779-5960.

Contact Legendary Waters Resort at www.legendarywaters.com or (800) 226-8478.