University Ridge Golf Course

Great track. I was in Madison for 3 days and played the University course the first day. Played Hawk's Landing the second. I wish I would have gone back to University and skipped Hawk's. I was a single with an 830 am Friday tee time and was paired with 3 others. Two guys were high handicappers but were a pleasure to be around, mostly because they played quickly. The other was an older gentleman that likely was a player in his earlier years. In fact, he dropped his first ACE ever on #8! Great moment. At any rate, this place is truly top-notch. From the great clubhouse / lounge, to the staff, to the practice area, to the course itself. It's clearly a university course from all of the Badger gear, and as a Mid-Westerner / Big Ten supporter, I thought it was great. On the course, the bag boys, starter, and rangers were all friendly and helpful. And $65 for 18 before 9 am is a bargain. The course is unique. The entire front nine is a prairie / links style track. Open, rolling, tight, and very few trees. The bunkers and rough punish off target shots. While tough, it's very playable. The back nine is a stark contrast to the front. Narrow, plenty of elevation changes, and heavily wooded. Actually, you're straight in the woods. It really is great. The bunkers were soft, white sand. The fairways were in pristine, actually perfect, condition throughout. The greens? Wow. The greens. Big, fast, and true. Classic Robert Trent Jones. Multi-leveled and deceptive. Tough reads. But when you get the right line and correct speed, there are makeable putts out there. Speed is the name of the game. On approach, they're firm. Good shots will hold, bad ones won't. Bring your A game. Even if you don't, you'll still enjoy the scenery and you'll get much needed practice with the thick, nasty 2nd cut. If I'm ever in the Madison area again, I'm playing this course.

a must play if golfing in madison.