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Bunker Tips & A Wisconsin Hidden Gem
Duffer's Digest
May 23, 2025
Hey Duffers!
We’re back with some playing tips, memes for your enjoyment, as well as a course that should be on your radar for your next golf trip.
Let’s get to it!
Tip on Bunker Play from Padraig Harrington 👀
Struggling with bunker shots? Most amateurs hit the sand way too far behind the ball.
In my latest video on bunker play, I break down setup, the swing, and how to handle uphill, downhill, and plugged lies.
Plus, a simple drill to help you improve your technique!
This is generally one of the easiest fixes. As long as you stay forward and don’t back up in the downswing, you’ll go from terrible to very good. There never seems to be middle ground with bunker play. You’re either good or bad.
Meme of the Week 🤣
Who else should be practicing more like this?
Lawsonia Links (The Links Course)
Source: Lawsonia Website
Overview:
Lawsonia Links, located in Green Lake, Wisconsin, is frequently cited as one of the best public golf courses in the United States, yet it remains relatively under-the-radar compared to more famous courses like Pebble Beach or Bandon Dunes.
Designed by William Langford and Theodore Moreau in the 1930s, this classic course offers a unique blend of Scottish-inspired links-style golf in a pastoral Midwestern setting.
Its bold green complexes and strategic design make it a standout for golfers seeking a challenging yet affordable experience.
Cost to Play:
Green Fees: Approximately $50–$120, depending on the season, day of the week, and whether you walk or use a cart. Weekday rates are typically lower (around $50–$85), while weekend rates during peak season can reach $120, including a cart. Walking is encouraged to fully experience the course’s terrain, and walking rates are often cheaper.
Specials: Lawsonia often offers discounts for twilight rounds, early-season play, or multi-round packages. Check their website for seasonal promotions or “Four for the Price of Three” specials, which are sometimes available in May and early September.
Additional Costs: Cart fees are around $20–$25 per person if not included in the green fee. Replay rates may be available at a reduced cost for same-day additional rounds.
Location:
Address: Lawsonia Links, W2615 S. Valley View Dr, Green Lake, WI 54941, USA.
Geographical Context: Situated in central Wisconsin, Green Lake is a small resort town about 90 miles northwest of Milwaukee and 70 miles northeast of Madison. The course is set in a rural, dairy-land area with rolling pastures and meadows, providing a serene backdrop.
How to Get There 🔎
By Air: The closest major airports are Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE, 90 miles away) or Dane County Regional Airport (MSN, 70 miles away). From either airport, renting a car is recommended, as public transportation options to Green Lake are limited.
By Car:
From Milwaukee: Take I-94 W and WI-23 W for about 1.5 hours.
From Madison: Take US-151 N and WI-23 W for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
From Chicago (about 180 miles away): Drive via I-94 W and WI-23 W, approximately a 3-hour trip.
Local Access: Lawsonia is easily accessible by car, with ample parking at the facility. The rural setting means traffic is minimal, but plan for limited ride-sharing options like Uber or Lyft in Green Lake.
Accommodations: Nearby options include the Heidel House Hotel & Conference Center or Green Lake’s bed-and-breakfasts.
For budget travelers, there are campgrounds or chain hotels in nearby Ripon or Fond du Lac (20–30 minutes away).
Some golfers opt to stay at The American Club in Kohler (about 1 hour away) for a more upscale experience, combining Lawsonia with other regional courses like Whistling Straights.
Amenities 🧘♂️
Clubhouse: The Lawsonia clubhouse is modest but functional, offering a pro shop with basic golf merchandise, apparel, and equipment. The clubhouse includes a bar and grill serving classic Midwestern fare like burgers, sandwiches, and local craft beers, perfect for post-round relaxation.
Practice Facilities: A driving range, putting green, and chipping area are available for warm-ups. The practice facilities are straightforward but sufficient for preparing for a round.
Dining: The on-site restaurant offers affordable, hearty meals. The 19th hole features a deck with views of the course, ideal for unwinding after play.
Lodging: The Langford Lodge, located on-site, provides basic but comfortable accommodations for golfers looking to stay close to the course. It’s a convenient option for multi-day visits, with packages that include golf and lodging.
Other: Limited spa or luxury amenities compared to resort courses, but the focus is on the golf experience. The course is part of a 36-hole facility, with the Woodlands Course as a secondary option, offering a parkland-style contrast to the Links Course.
Unique Features 😮
Scottish-Inspired Design: Lawsonia Links draws heavily from Scottish links courses, with wide fairways, deep bunkers, and bold, undulating green complexes that are among the most dramatic in the U.S. The greens are known for their severe contours, requiring precise approach shots and creative putting.
Historic Architecture: Designed in the 1930s, the course retains its Golden Age charm, with minimal modern alterations. The layout feels authentic, with holes inspired by classic templates but adapted to the Wisconsin landscape.
Signature Holes:
Hole 7 (Par 3): Known as the “Boxcar Hole,” this par-3 features a green set within a natural amphitheater, framed by steep bunkers and a railway boxcar in the background—a quirky nod to the area’s history.
Hole 14 (Par 4): A dramatic dogleg with a severely sloped green, considered one of the boldest in the country, demanding accuracy and strategy.
Terrain and Scenery:
The course cascades through dairy-land pastures and meadows, offering a mix of open, windswept holes and tree-lined fairways. The lack of housing or development around the course enhances its timeless feel.
Value for Money:
At $50–$120, Lawsonia offers a top-tier golfing experience at a fraction of the cost of bucket-list courses like Whistling Straits ($400+) or Pebble Beach ($800+).
Golf Digest panelists have called it “perhaps the best course in Wisconsin” and “the most under-the-radar golf course in the country.”.
Walkability:
The course is highly walkable, with a routing that flows naturally over the rolling terrain, enhancing the traditional golfing experience.
Best Time of Year to Play 🗓️
Peak Season (June–August):
Summer offers the best weather, with temperatures in the 70s–80s°F and lush course conditions. Greens are at their smoothest, and the long daylight hours allow for extended play. However, this is the busiest time, so book tee times well in advance (up to 3 months recommended).
Shoulder Seasons (May and September–October):
These months provide excellent value and quieter fairways. May can offer cooler temperatures (50s–70s°F) and potential discounts, while September and October bring stunning fall foliage, enhancing the scenic beauty. The course plays firm and fast in early fall, ideal for links-style golf. Be aware of occasional rain in spring and fall.
Avoid: November–April, as the course is typically closed due to Wisconsin’s cold winters and snow. Late fall (November) or early spring (April) may offer limited play, but conditions can be soggy or unpredictable.
Additional Notes ✍🏻
Booking: Tee times can be booked online via the Lawsonia website or by calling the pro shop. Early reservations are advised, especially for weekends in peak season.
Course Conditions: The course is meticulously maintained, with firm, fast fairways and greens that are often praised for their quality. The links-style design means wind can be a factor, adding to the challenge.
Who It’s For: Lawsonia Links appeals to golfers who appreciate classic architecture, strategic play, and value. It’s challenging for low-handicappers but forgiving enough for mid-to-high handicappers due to its wide fairways. The course’s walkability and lack of pretension make it ideal for purists and casual players alike.
Local Attractions: Green Lake offers fishing, boating, and hiking for non-golfers. Nearby Ripon is home to the Little White Schoolhouse, the birthplace of the Republican Party, and charming small-town dining. For a broader golf trip, combine Lawsonia with nearby courses like Sand Valley or Erin Hills (both within 1–2 hours).
Lawsonia Links stands out for its combination of world-class design, affordability, and lack of mainstream hype.
Despite accolades from Golf Digest and other publications, it remains overshadowed by Wisconsin’s more famous resorts like Whistling Straits or Kohler.
Its rural location and unpretentious vibe keep it off the radar of many golfers, preserving its charm as a true hidden gem.
Golfers consistently praise its “bold green complexes” and “Scottish soul,” making it a must-play for those seeking an authentic, high-quality golf experience without the hefty price tag.
For more information or to book a tee time, visit their website:
Or contact their pro shop directly. If you’re planning a golf trip to Wisconsin, Lawsonia is an essential stop for a memorable and affordable round.
Until next time,
— The Duffers Crew
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