Here we are at the midway point of the WSGA internship and I have made my way to the northern regions of the state. I set up shop at the Ashland Super 8 motel and hit the local golfing spots. For the record, Super 8 should really be called “Average 8.” Please enjoy my the three reasons that you need to get in the car and head north.
Reason #1: Apostle Highlands
Just 27 minutes north of Ashland, you will find the lakeside town of Bayfield and the spectacular Apostle Highlands. The proprietors of the Apostle haven’t raised the greens fees in 10 years and that means you are about to cash in on some serious golf value. You will fully realize this value on the 3rd hole, when the golf course gives you your first “reveal” of Lake Superior. I’d pay the entrance fee just to golf this one hole.
The Apostle party really gets going as you find your way onto he back nine. The par 5 12th hole really opens up the view to Lake Superior and looks marvelous at sunset. I took 3 putts on the dramatically sloped green and still enjoyed the golf hole immensely.
Reason #2: Madeline Island
There is more to reason #2 than just golf. I am talking about island vibes and living that island life. In order to get to Madeline Island, you simply need to catch the Bayfield fairy over to Madeline Island. We caught the ferry just as the skies opened up and dumped some heavy rain on us. As you can tell by the photographs that rain would pass quickly.
I list 3 spots as mandatory visits when on Madeline Island. The first one is obviously the golf club. The other two are Grampa Tony’s and Tom’s Burned Down Cafe. Grampa Tony’s for a post round ice cream and Tom’s just to take in the ridiculousness of the establishment.
The golf course on Madeline island is also of an unusual nature. There are 18 holes to play but only 11 greens. Each nine has a different set of tees and a separate flag to play to. The golfer plays to the red flags the first time around and white flags for the back nine. Most of the greens are exceptionally large and play very well as a double greens.
You will want to pay special attention to which flag you are actually aiming for. It took me about 4 holes to start aiming at the correct pins. This did lead to a convenient “I’d be 5 under par right now if we were playing the white flags” excuse.
Reason #3: Chequamegon Bay Golf Club
Flying well off of the Wisconsin golf radar is a splendid little number called Chequamegon Bay. Even though you will mispronounce the name (the “qua” is actually a “w” sound) just about everyone will enjoy their time spent at Chequamegon Bay. The golf holes are a collection of old and new with additions coming on both sides of the OG golf holes. You only need to take one look at the first fairway in order to assess it’s OG status.
The first fairway at Chequamegon Bay Golf Club. The last time I saw curves this sexy was at the Old Course. @WSGAGolf pic.twitter.com/PjLvXalK3O
— Patrick Koenig (@PatrickjKoenig) August 14, 2021
Most importantly, the community vibe at Chequamegon is outstanding. Juniors, seniors, couples, and even WSGA interns all come together to enjoy a great walk and some friendly competition. If you make the visit to Chequamegon you are guaranteed to feel welcome.
The value of these golf courses can also not go unrecognized. Even during peak times, the most that you will pay for a green fee is just $40. You could spend all of that extra cash on ice cream. Just click one of the courses below to get started before the sun sets on your northern Wisconsin golf dreams.
Apostle Highlands - $34
Madeline Island - $40
Chequamegon Bay - $31
