Best Public Golf Courses in Madison, Wisconsin

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

One of our writers dated a girl that went to school in Madison years ago.  I’ll spare you the ending of that chapter, but suffice it to say that it wasn’t pretty. 

Over the course of their time together however, he was able to spend a decent amount of time in this fair city.  He remembers a few things distinctly: the winters are damn cold, University of Wisconsin fans are crazy, and there’s a generous amount of public golf to be played. 

His insight, along with that of our Wisconsinite readers culminated in our guide to the area’s best public golf courses below.

When you arrive at Lake Wisconsin Country Club, you’ll be greeted by well-maintained greens and fairways that offer stunning scenic views throughout the course. Located in Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin, this club is recognized for its quality and challenging layout, boasting a rating of 4.3488.

The course offers various challenges and difficulty levels, with strategically placed trees, water hazards, and sand bunkers to test your skills. If you’re a golf enthusiast visiting the city of Madison, this club is a must-visit.

Lake Wisconsin Country Club’s amenities include a clubhouse with a pro shop, on-site restaurant, and rental services for golf clubs and carts. The club provides a fantastic opportunity for golfers to enjoy a day out on the green, taking in the picturesque surroundings and engaging in a challenging game.

Additionally, the University Ridge Golf Course, located near the University of Wisconsin, frequently hosts PGA Tour events, adding to the allure of golfing in this region. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, Lake Wisconsin Country Club offers a memorable and satisfying golfing experience.

Nestled in the picturesque Wisconsin countryside, Coachmans Golf Resort offers a challenging and well-maintained golf course for enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable golfing experience. The resort’s course is known for its strategically placed hazards, providing a test for golfers of all skill levels, while also offering beautiful scenic views of the surrounding Wisconsin country.

In addition to the exceptional course, guests can enjoy the convenience of on-site amenities, including a clubhouse with a pro shop and restaurant. For those needing equipment or instruction, the resort provides rental services for golf clubs and carts, as well as golf lessons and clinics.

Coachmans Golf Resort has garnered positive reviews and is consistently ranked among the top public golf courses in Wisconsin, making it an essential stop for visitors exploring the Madison Golf Courses. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, Coachmans Golf Resort promises a memorable and challenging round of golf in the heart of the Wisconsin countryside.

The Bridges Golf Course offers golfers a challenging and varied layout, featuring water hazards, sand bunkers, and strategically placed trees for an exciting and diverse golfing experience.

Nestled in a rolling hills setting, the course provides stunning views of the area, adding to the overall appeal of the golfing experience. Known for its historical and traditional ambiance, The Bridges Golf Course offers a classic golfing experience with a touch of the area’s history.

Many golf enthusiasts consider this course to be a must-visit in Madison, especially in early autumn when the surroundings transform into a unique gem.

Being located near the city, The Bridges Golf Course provides golfers with a real Wisconsin golf experience and a convenient location for visitors to Madison.

Its unique blend of challenging layout, historical ambiance, and convenient location makes it one of the notable city courses in Madison, Wisconsin.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, The Bridges Golf Course promises an enjoyable and memorable round of golf.

If you enjoyed the classic golfing experience at The Bridges Golf Course, you’ll appreciate the convenience and affordability of Monona Golf Course in Madison, Wisconsin.

This par 36, 9-hole course offers an ideal setting for a quick round of golf without breaking the bank, with green fees maxing out at $15 on the weekends.

The well-maintained greens and a full clubhouse add to the overall experience, making it a great option for both locals and visitors.

As one of the municipal courses in Madison, Wisconsin, Monona Golf Course provides an accessible and enjoyable golfing option for enthusiasts of all levels.

If you’re looking to explore other golfing opportunities in the area, University Ridge is another excellent course worth considering.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, the convenience and affordability of Monona Golf Course make it a standout choice for a memorable day on the green in Madison, Wisconsin.

Tucked away amidst the picturesque landscape of Madison, Wisconsin, University Ridge Golf Course invites golf enthusiasts to experience its renowned championship-level facilities and scenic surroundings. As the official golf course of the University of Wisconsin, University Ridge is considered the crown jewel of Madison golf courses. It has earned this reputation by hosting prestigious tournaments and offering a challenging yet rewarding golfing experience.

One of the unique features of University Ridge is its tee selection, which provides a nearly 2,000-yard difference, catering to golfers of all skill levels. While the course rates are higher in the summer, the exceptional quality and experience make it worth the investment. Golfers can expect well-maintained greens, breathtaking scenic views, and a layout that presents a satisfying challenge.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, University Ridge Golf Course offers an unforgettable experience that showcases the natural beauty of the University Ridge area in Madison, Wisconsin.

Nestled within the charming landscape of Madison, Wisconsin, Odana Hills Golf Course beckons with its well-maintained greens, picturesque fairways, and a variety of challenging features. If you’re seeking a memorable round of golf, Odana Hills offers an exceptional experience. Here’s why you should consider visiting:

1. Scenic Beauty: The course boasts stunning scenic views throughout, providing a tranquil and picturesque backdrop for your game.
2. Challenging Layout: With strategically placed trees, water hazards, and sand bunkers, Odana Hills offers a variety of challenges and difficulty levels, making it ideal for golfers of all abilities.
3. Amenities: The course features a clubhouse with a pro shop, on-site restaurant, rental services, and golf lessons, ensuring that all your needs are catered to for an enjoyable day on the links.

Odana Hills Golf Course is a prime example of municipal golf at its finest, offering a high-quality and challenging layout that has earned its place among the top public golf courses in Wisconsin. For more information or to book a tee time, visit their website or contact them via email.

Odana Hills Golf Course, known for its well-maintained greens and challenging layout, seamlessly leads to our discussion of Yahara Hills Golf Course, an equally captivating destination for golf enthusiasts in Madison, Wisconsin.

Yahara Hills Golf Course offers a diverse range of challenges, catering to golfers of all skill levels. The course is strategically designed with well-placed trees, water hazards, and sand bunkers, providing a stimulating and enjoyable experience for players. The meticulously maintained greens and fairways offer not only a great game but also stunning scenic views throughout the course.

In addition to the challenging course, Yahara Hills Golf Course provides top-notch practice facilities, including driving ranges and putting greens, allowing golfers to hone their skills. Moreover, the clubhouse offers convenient rental services for golf clubs and carts, ensuring that players have all they need for a memorable round of golf.

Situated in the heart of the city, Yahara Hills Golf Course is a must-visit for those seeking a rewarding and exhilarating golfing experience in Madison.

With its challenging layout and picturesque surroundings, Pleasant View Golf Course offers an exciting and rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels in Madison, Wisconsin. The municipal Pleasant View Golf Course has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and for good reason.

Here’s why it stands out:

1. Diverse Challenges: Pleasant View Golf Course provides a variety of challenges, such as strategically placed trees, water hazards, and sand bunkers, making it an engaging course for golfers looking to test their skills.
2. Practice Facilities: The course offers excellent practice facilities including driving ranges and putting greens, allowing golfers to hone their skills before hitting the main course.
3. Services and Recognition: Pleasant View Golf Course goes beyond just providing a great golfing experience by offering rental services for golf clubs and carts, as well as golf lessons and clinics. Additionally, it has earned a well-deserved spot among the top public golf courses in Wisconsin.

When planning your next tee time, Pleasant View Golf Course is a must-visit for an enjoyable and challenging round of golf.

Tucked away in the picturesque hills of Verona, Wisconsin, Hawk’s Landing Golf Club offers a challenging and captivating golfing experience for enthusiasts of all skill levels. This semi-private club boasts a course set in a rolling hills environment, providing guests with stunning views of the area while they play golf. The course is renowned for its difficulty, so it’s advisable to bring extra balls. Additionally, Hawk’s Landing Golf Club has a spectacular ambiance, particularly in early autumn, making it an ideal destination for golf aficionados.

With a remarkable rating of 4.5625, Hawk’s Landing Golf Club is one of the top-rated golf courses in Madison, Wisconsin. The club’s beautiful and challenging golfing experience has earned it a prestigious reputation, attracting golfers from near and far. Furthermore, Hawk’s Landing Golf Club is a popular venue for prestigious tournaments, further cementing its status as a premier golf destination in the region.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, Hawk’s Landing Golf Club promises an unforgettable golfing experience in a Country Club setting.

Nestled amidst the vibrant golfing scene in Madison, Wisconsin, Door Creek Golf Course offers a diverse range of challenges and scenic beauty that will captivate golf enthusiasts of all levels.

Here’s why it stands out:

1. Diverse Challenges: Door Creek Golf Course is renowned for its diverse range of challenges, catering to both novice and seasoned golfers. Strategically placed trees, water hazards, and sand bunkers test your skills while providing an enjoyable experience.
2. Scenic Beauty: This course boasts well-maintained greens and fairways, offering picturesque views that enhance the overall golfing experience. The beauty of the landscape adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your game.
3. Practice Facilities: In addition to the challenging course, Door Creek Golf Course provides top-notch practice facilities including driving ranges and putting greens. These amenities allow golfers to hone their skills in a beautiful setting.

Door Creek Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, has solidified its reputation as one of the premier public golf courses in Wisconsin. Whether you’re seeking a challenging round or simply want to bask in the beauty of the surroundings, Door Creek Golf Course promises a great golf experience.

Conclusion

The golf season in Madison is a lot shorter than it is in more southern climes in the country.  Just ask our writer who said he’d never been colder than he was in Madison during the winter.

But that doesn’t mean this town lacks anything when it comes to great golf.  It’s everywhere.  No matter your budget or what kind of golf you like to play, you can find it in Madison.

As always, the contributions from our readers are what made this course guide possible.  Thanks to all of you.  If you have more you’d like to add, please feel free to share with us in the comments.