Course Details
- Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Jr. (1991)
- Course Type: Public, Campus
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 7,259
- Rating: 74.9
- Slope: 144
Course Accolades
- Golf Digest: #3 Best New Public Course (1992)
- Golf Magazine: #7 in Wisconsin
- Golf Week: #3 Campus USA & #10 in Wisconsin
- Golf World: #49 Readers’ Choice Public USA & Wisconsin Course of Recognition
- Top100Courses: #14 in Wisconsin
- Zagat: Top-Rated Values & America’s Top Golf Courses (2012)
Course Score
- Course Conditions: 9
- Green Complexes: 8
- Amenities: 7
- Practice Facilities: 9
- Service: 8
- Course Design: 8
Total Score: 8.03
Course Review
The Good: Fantastic RTJ Jr. design near the University of Wisconsin is one of the best campus courses in the country and future site of Senior tour event. Unique design includes two opposing nines, with the front a prairie feel and the inward nine weaves through woods. Excellent risk-reward Par 5’s, nice variety in Par 4’s, and some strong mid-length Par 3’s. Pristine course conditions and large, challenging greens that putt very well. Superb practice facility includes huge driving range, elaborate short game area, and large putting green. Good pace of play and staff is nice enough. At under $100 during peak season, one of the better values in the state. Layout is devoid of houses! GPS on carts is nice touch (and much needed).
The Bad: Greens, while putting true, don’t hold as well as they should. Clubhouse is good, but does not have overly nice dining or area for banquets. On-course service and restroom areas are lacking for a course charging nearly a Benjamin.
The Verdict: University Ridge is consistently ranked in Top 5 campus courses in the US, and rightfully so. The premier public course in the greater Madison area and one of the most fun courses you will ever play in the great golf state of Wisconsin.
Best Hole: Most holes are great, but the Par 5 16th with a duel fairway and tee cluster to carry is awesome. A hole that can easily yield as many doubles as eagles.
Midwest Golf Tripper 