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Madison / Wisconsin

Long weekend: Golf and the gridiron

Dew sweeps the 554-yard ninth hole at University Ridge in southern Wisconsin.

By Ron Kaspriske
Photo By Danny Rainbow November 2007

Going to a Big Ten football game in the fall is a religious experience for some. But instead of tailgating in the parking lot next to the RV all weekend, why not get in a few rounds of golf? There'll be time enough to celebrate after the big game. Provided the breaks don't beat the boys.

In Madison, Wis., home to the University of Wisconsin, your first choice should be the school's home course -- ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ University Ridge. It's a tough tee time during home-game weekends, but the Robert Trent Jones Jr. parkland course is a beauty routed on rolling terrain through the woods of southern Wisconsin. (Tip: Several holes play a club longer than the posted yardage.)

Also near town are ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ Hawks Landing and ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ The Oaks. Hawks, not as scenic as University but still a good layout, is semi-private (bad news) but does allow limited public play, and tee times can be booked two weeks in advance (good news). The Oaks is only a few years old and is one of the best values in the area. Built on farmland, the fairways are fairly open so you can bomb away with the driver.

If you're having trouble getting tee times near town, head an hour northwest on I-90/94 and play ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ Trappers Turn. Located in the Wisconsin Dells region, the course was designed by two-time U.S. Open champ Andy North and Roger Packard and has 27 holes routed through dense woods.

Can't make it to the area until the spring? Then check out the Dells' new Wild Rock Golf Club, which will open in May. The 7,411-yard course, designed by Dana Fry and Mike Hurdzan, is part of the Wilderness Resort. Until then, nine holes from the original Woods Course are open for play.

VISIT HERE: Even if you don't have tickets for the game, you can take a walk around the University of Wisconsin's beautiful lakeside campus. For football tickets, go to uwbadgers.com.

STAY HERE: The Edgewater ($129-$189, theedgewater.com) overlooking Lake Mendota is a classic hotel opened in 1948. Every room in town sold out? Don't fret. The Wilderness Resort ($130-$235, wildernessresort.com) has 443 rooms.

EAT HERE: If you like suds with your dinner, the Essen Haus (essen-haus.com) is like taking a trip to Bavaria. Staying in the Dells? Try the Ishnala Restaurant (ishnala.com).

GET HERE: Madison is easy to reach from many Midwest cities (less than three hours by car from Chicago). Dane County Regional Airport has direct flights from several cities on the regional carriers of major airlines.