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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2005
Fall into Door County golf
By Bill Cooney
 Door County, Wisconsin Take in the lush fall colors or spring blossoms, salivate over the spectacular views of Green Bay (the water, that is, not the city) and have a blast playing 11 beautiful and challenging golf courses. Woodlands, wildflowers and water await your arrival. We hear there are a few birdies out there, too. From Sturgeon Bay to Washington Island, here’s a list of destinations to enjoy. For more information, go to www.doorcounty.com.
Alpine Resort GC, Egg Harbor With the recent addition of the Black nine, Alpine Resort GC became Door County’s only 36-hole golf facility. Although short in length, the Red, White, Blue and Black courses offer plenty of challenges on densely wooded holes. The course is known for its scenic views, with a variety of bluffs overlooking Green Bay and miles of fall foliage. One fan favorite is the picturesque 268-yard, par-4 ninth on the Blue Course, where players tee off from a dramatic bluff overlooking the water. Several players have recorded eagles on the ninth, and a few have carded aces. The views are so beautiful that tourists have been known to play the course just for the wonderful photo opportunities. Suites and rental homes are available. (920) 868-3232
www.alpineresort.com
Bay Ridge GC, Sister Bay Just check in and go at Bay Ridge GC – no tee times are needed. This
scenic nine-hole course reflects the charm of Door County. There’s plenty of greenery on the 2,849-yard layout and plenty of challenges, too. Several of its greens offer an array of trickery, with undulating slopes and back-to-front curvature. The course is perfect for a relaxing day or for vacationers looking to squeeze in nine holes during their stay. Although the course is not heavily wooded, or tricked up with blind tee shots, a few holes will test golfers of all abilities. It takes a hefty poke to reach the par-3, 236-yard second from the back tee. It’s a par-4 for women. (920) 854-4085
www.bayridgegolf.com
Cherry Hills Lodge & GC, Sturgeon Bay Play and stay at Cherry Hills, a scenic 6,163-yard course with a 31-room lodge and full restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. While the lodge might be cozy, it’s the golf that will pull you in for more. The course features picturesque holes like the 409-yard, 15th, where players hit their approach shots from a bluff about 75 feet above the green. The short par-3 eighth is also a dandy, and plays much shorter than 135 yards from the back tees because of its steep drop. Expect to see rolling hills, farm fields and the orchards of Door County. (920) 743-3240
www.cherryhillsgolf.com
Deer Run GC & Resort, Washington Island The 30-minute Washington Island Ferry ride starts the adventure at Deer Run, the only golf course on beautiful Washington Island. Play peacefully at this par-36 layout, and live by the island’s motto: “north of the tension line.” Bed-and-breakfast lodging is available as well as a few lakeshore rental homes. The course offers a pub and grill, and tee times are not required. The signature hole is the 459-yard, par-5 sixth, a patience-testing dogleg to the left. To get to the course, take the Washington Island Ferry from the Northport Pier in northern Door County. Golfers who want to leave their vehicles behind will be picked up by golf course personnel at the dock, provided they call ahead to arrange it. (920) 847-2017
www.washingtonisland.com/deerrun Horseshoe Bay GC, Egg Harbor Managed by Troon Golf, this private championship course, measuring 7,101 yards, blends typical Door County flavor with natural Wisconsin countryside. Its rolling terrain was built on a 475-acre farm that once included Door County’s largest apple and cherry orchards. The club hosted the Wisconsin State Junior Championship in early August. Two fairway trees present challenges on the par-5, 584-yard 13th, a fun hole dubbed “Double Delicious.” Players can lay up on either of two fairways, depending on what angle they prefer for their approach to the green. The finishing hole can be intimidating at 607 yards from the back tee, especially when the prevailing winds kick up. Players are treated to a spectacular view of Green Bay as they make their way toward the green. Become part of the residential community, and enjoy the fitness center, beach club and discounted dues. A number of different memberships are available. (920) 868-9141
www.horseshoebayfarms.com
Idlewild GC, Sturgeon Bay Twelve water hazards come into play on this 6,868-yard layout that sparkles with colors during the fall. To score, surviving the devilish finishing holes on both nines is crucial. The par-5, 499-yard ninth, called “Canadian Turn,” requires an accurate tee shot to avoid a fairway bunker on the right side. An island green challenges a fairway wood or long-iron approach. Laying up here isn’t a bad idea. A straight drive is needed on the 407-yard, 18th hole to avoid a bunker that juts out into the fairway. An approach from the left side of the fairway gives players a clear view of the green. Down the right side, a gully collects shots and forces a blind approach. Water runs down the left side of the hole and in front of the generous, but well-sloped green. Bring your A game. (920) 743-3334
www.idlewildgolfclub.com
Maxwelton Braes Resort, Baileys Harbor
Trees and fairway bunkers present the biggest challenge on this 6,041-yard mature course. With classic country club charm, Maxwelton Braes is perfect for that summer weekend getaway. Highway 57 splits the front and back nines at the par-70 course, built in 1931.
The Scottish-style lodge offers rooms and suites, a heated pool, bar and restaurant. The Highland Club restaurant features fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks and panoramic views of the golf course and pool. Guest cottages and play-and-stay packages are available. (920) 839-2321
www.maxwelton-braes.com
The Orchards at Egg Harbor, Egg Harbor This 7,068-yard championship course winds through meadows and orchards, and offers specials throughout the year. The course is wooded and features a lake that comes into play on Nos. 16, 17 and 18. The same hazard surrounds the par-3, 17th green and forces a big carry on the ensuing tee shot on the finishing hole. At least four sets of tees challenge every golfer. The Orchards, which opened in 2000, is certainly tough with a course rating/slope of 74.4/130 from the back tees. About 84 pre-construction units of single-family homes and condominiums are available for purchase. (920) 868-2483
www.orchardsateggharbor.com
Peninsula Park GC, Fish Creek At Peninsula Park GC, golfers enjoy some of the most beautiful views in all of Wisconsin. The 6,308-yard course curves through the bluffs and valleys of the property to make every dogleg that much more intriguing. Glistening with reds, oranges and yellows, Peninsula Park is the only Wisconsin State Park with a golf course. The 186-yard, 17th hole is among the most scenic. The elevated tee overlooks a valley – a perfect hill to sled on in the winter. Deer, wild turkeys and bald eagles roam the property. The state-owned course opened in 1921, but has been run by a non-profit group since 1982, with all proceeds going directly back into the golf course. Other amenities include the annual free junior golf school. (920) 854-5791
www.peninsulagolf.org Stonehedge GC, Egg Harbor
Its name born from the rugged Door County terrain, Stonehedge GC is perfect for vacationers looking to play a quick round. So many stones were unearthed during construction of the nine-hole course that the rocks were placed in stone hedges.
The wooded course – perfect for those fall color lovers – plays 2,215 yards from the back tees and offers a pro shop and practice facility, as well as a bar and grill for before, during and after a round. (920) 868-2566 27 Pines Golf & Range, Sturgeon Bay Located five miles south of Sturgeon Bay, this neat par-3 layout includes a practice facility with range, chipping area, bunkers and a putting green. The clubhouse serves refreshments and the golf shop offers instructions and junior golf programs. (920) 746-8762
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