Even down here in the south it’s too cold for golf today - so it has us dreaming of that annual golf trip. I’ve had the good fortune of playing around the world, and certainly have my favorites. But one area of the country that is definitely high on the list is a place many of us weekend hacks may not immediately think of when it comes to magnificent golf destinations: Wisconsin.

Back in 2004 I had organized our annual golf trip to a little hamlet called Kohler, Wisconsin. (Most of the guys on the trip - 16 of us back then - were like, “Huh?? Wisconsin???”) But as we discuss below, there are some spectacular options in the cheese capital. The PGA Championship was scheduled to be played there for the first time - giving most folks their first glimpse at Whistling Straits. Our group arrived to the resort less than a month before the Championship, and the course setup was RIDICULOUS! Twenty-yard wide fairways, rough to your knees - it was insane. We had several single-digit handicaps on that trip, and on Whistling Straits, only 2 of us broke 100….it was that hard. So hard, in fact, that the defending PGA Champion Shaun Micheel was there at the same time along with the PGA course setup committee. The defending PGA champ played a practice round….and shot 77!

Several other pros were there that week, and they all came away cursing the layout - it was simply set up way too hard. We came home from the trip delighted that we were about to see the PGA Tour pros struggle when the tournament was played. As we settled in front of the TV to commiserate with the pros as they swore and got humiliated, we were let down in a big way. The setup committee (with the help of the complaining pros) realized it was too much, and completely caved. Not only were the fairways widened significantly to more normal proportions, but the rough was completely obliterated. From knee-high fescue, it was whacked down to standard Tour height. I know this because Ernie Els at the time hit a 4-iron from the exact same spot that I hit a sand wedge sideways to get back into the fairway. My ball was almost invisible and I hacked through the 18-inch hay - and his ball was sitting up nicely, and he proceeded to knock it straight onto the green.

The course still played extremely difficult - Vijay Singh won at -8……but had they not changed the setup drastically, it would have been a bloodbath….and we would have been on the couch smiling from ear to ear.

Wisconsin's Golfing Oasis: Exploring the Premier Stay and Play Resorts

Embarking on a golfing journey through the heartland of America reveals Wisconsin as a haven for enthusiasts seeking pristine landscapes and top-tier golf experiences. With a plethora of championship courses and luxurious stay-and-play resorts, Wisconsin beckons golf aficionados from around the globe, promising an unforgettable golfing adventure. Let's explore in detail the renowned resorts of Kohler/Whistling Straits, Erin Hills, Sand Valley, and the illustrious courses they offer.

Kohler/Whistling Straits: A Golfer's Paradise

Standing tall among Wisconsin's golfing gems is the celebrated Kohler/Whistling Straits, an acclaimed destination known for its championship-level courses and world-class amenities. Within this paradise lies not only the Straits and Irish courses but also the remarkable courses of Blackwolf Run - The River, Meadow Valleys, and The Baths.

The Straits Course: Carved along Lake Michigan's shores and masterfully designed by Pete Dye, the Straits Course stands as a testament to golfing excellence. Its undulating terrain, challenging bunkers, and stunning vistas have hosted multiple PGA Championships, offering an exhilarating test for seasoned golfers.

The Irish Course: Complementing the Straits, the Irish Course offers a more relaxed yet equally captivating experience, boasting its own unique challenges and picturesque views.

Blackwolf Run Courses:

• The River Course: Nestled along the Sheboygan River and sculpted by Pete Dye, The River Course at Blackwolf Run presents a blend of beauty and challenge. Known for hosting the U.S. Women's Open, this course's strategic design amidst natural landscapes provides a memorable golfing escapade.

• Meadow Valleys: Meandering through valleys and meadows, this course showcases a diverse layout, offering golfers a unique mix of holes that incorporate natural elements seamlessly.

• The Baths: A ten-hole par-3 course, The Baths, provides a refreshing and relaxed golfing experience, ideal for both beginners and seasoned players seeking a quick round or honing their short game skills.

Accommodations: Kohler offers a spectrum of lodging options, from the luxurious rooms at The American Club to the cozy elegance of the Inn on Woodlake.

Price Ranges: Golf rates vary seasonally and based on tee times, ranging from $250 to $450 per round. Accommodation prices start at $300 per night, providing a luxurious blend of comfort and convenience. 2024 rates for golf have not yet been published - check their website for more info.

Amenities: Beyond golf, guests can indulge in spa treatments, fine dining, and an array of leisure activities, ensuring a well-rounded experience for every visitor.

Erin Hills: Where Beauty Meets Challenge

Venturing deeper into Wisconsin's golfing tapestry, one encounters Erin Hills, a destination renowned for its natural beauty and challenging layout.

The Course: Crafted by Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry, and Ron Whitten, Erin Hills sprawls across rolling terrain, providing a true test of skill and strategy. Having hosted the U.S. Open in 2017, this course earned praise for its challenging yet fair design.

Accommodations: While lacking on-site lodging, Erin Hills partners with nearby accommodations to offer seamless stay-and-play packages, ensuring a complete experience for visitors.

Price Ranges: Golf rates typically range from $250 to $425 per round, while accommodations vary based on selected partner lodgings. Caddies are additional.

Amenities: Beyond golf, guests can explore the surrounding area's attractions or unwind amidst the tranquility of the countryside.

Sand Valley: Embracing Golfing Excellence

Embracing the essence of natural beauty and golfing prowess, Sand Valley stands as an epitome of a golfing paradise, offering a blend of classic and contemporary golf experiences.

The Courses: Sand Valley boasts multiple courses, including the acclaimed Sand Valley Course, Mammoth Dunes, and the historic Lido Course.

• Sand Valley Course: Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, this course showcases rugged, sandy landscapes and strategic challenges, offering a golfing adventure like no other.

• Mammoth Dunes: Crafted by David McLay Kidd, Mammoth Dunes impresses with bold design and expansive fairways, providing an exciting yet playable layout.

• The Lido Course: A resurrection that pays homage to a bygone era of golf architecture, redesigned by Tom Doak, echoes the grandeur of its historic counterpart while embracing modern elements. (And for the record, I cannot say the name of this course without singing Boz Scaggs in my head…)

• Sedge Valley Course: Another Tom Doak creation, this course offers a different spin to the others with a homage to heathland and links-style courses of London and England.

• The Sandbox: A 17-hole short course by the geniuses that are Coore & Crenshaw featuring holes from 40-140 yards. Grab a cocktail and enjoy some serious fun.

Accommodations: Sand Valley offers a range of lodging options, including rustic-chic rooms and cottages that harmonize with the surrounding natural beauty.

Price Ranges: Golf rates span from $200 to $300 per round, while accommodations vary, with room rates starting from $300 per night. Replay rates are cheaper - check the website for more information.

Amenities: Alongside golf, Sand Valley offers activities like hiking, fishing, and their unique par-3 course, The Sandbox, providing a fun and relaxed golfing experience.

Conclusion: Wisconsin's Golfing Wonderland

Traversing Wisconsin's captivating golfing landscape, from the majestic links of Kohler/Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run to the rustic allure of Sand Valley, showcases the region's prowess as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. The blend of championship-level courses, luxurious accommodations, and diverse amenities ensures an unparalleled golfing escapade, inviting enthusiasts to revel in the beauty and challenge that Wisconsin's golf resorts offer. Whether seeking a challenging round on renowned courses or basking in the tranquility of the countryside, Wisconsin's stay-and-play resorts await, promising an unforgettable golfing odyssey.

For those seeking an escape immersed in the world of golf, Wisconsin's embrace stands ready to welcome you.

Note: For direct access to the resorts and course websites, please visit the respective official websites: Kohler/Whistling Straits, Erin Hills, and Sand Valley.

More Distance: Autoflex? Or Cheaper?

We are all searching for more distance, whether through speed training, improving technique, or buying it! And with the USGA and R&A working on taking away what little distance we all have - the search for a longer drive is ramping up on our end!

If you’ve paid attention at all to technology in the last 2 years, you’ve probably heard about the Autoflex shaft. (For those that have not, check out the first video below showing the possibilities - and the second video showing results for more average swing speeds.) The magic Korean shaft with the “secret” technology gives additional yards to everyone that gives it a go. However, at a retail price of over $700, the Autoflex is out of reach for most mere mortals who don’t want to risk a divorce.

I’ve played with guys who had the shaft, and got to hit it myself. The results were an immediate gain of 4mph of ball speed, and a tighter dispersion….absolutely ridiculous. It sailed past my current custom shaft. But even for someone who’s willing to drop way too much coin on this silly game, the thought of putting that much dough into a shaft is more than I can bare.

However….there may be another solution. Check out the last video where my favorite club testers and fitters compare the ridiculously expensive Autoflex to a much more reasonable Accra FX 3.0 140 M0 shaft coming in at $200-$250. The results are worth watching… (and I think it’s time for me to squirrel away a few hundred to try this little gem.)