The article and photos were provided by Dick Ellis, publisher of On Wisconsin Outdoors.
With so much to see and do in this far southeastern Wisconsin city, and just one day to do it, what would we do first in Kenosha?
Golf, of course. It’s what we do in Waukesha County (in Wisconsin) when work is behind us from spring through fall. With friends Doug and JoAnn Haberlein of Waukesha, Dan and Robin O’Neil of New Berlin, and Jerry & Donna Walsh of Hartland, Lori and I came ready to challenge the two golf courses recommended by our hosts at Visit Kenosha.
As expected, both courses, Washington Park Municipal Golf Course our first afternoon and Petrifying Springs Golf Course the following morning would take exception to my game and challenge me right back, chewing me up on hole 1, and ultimately spitting me out by the 9th hole and 18th, respectively. My game, how can I put it… remained consistent from our summer Friday night couples league and maintained my well-earned reputation for always bringing home the highest score.
Washington Park Municipal Golf Course
Washington Park Municipal Golf Course, known as “Muni”, offers a well-laid out 9-holes splashed with rolling hills and creeks. To the east as we played lay the Washington Park Velodrome. With a birthdate of 1927 the biking facility for all ages including training by Olympians is the oldest velodrome in the country.
The wives in this group of young seniors in particular use their weekly golf, kayak, and hiking outings as opportunities to stay in physical shape, and almost without exception walk the courses we play. With a few words of advice from the welcoming people at Washington Park, though, they elected to take carts to ensure walking challenges on the moraine-like landscape defining several holes didn’t interfere with the goal of playing the best golf possible.
Our hosts proved correct, and the “girls” were happy to have taken the ride. Washington Park Municipal Golf is the only course within Kenosha city limits and a short journey from the dining and lodging establishments we would choose later that night. Dedicated in 1922 after World War I when residents petitioned the City Council to create a public course, The Muni celebrated its 100th season in 2022.
Taking on Washington Park Municipal Golf Course was pure fun. Despite a certain score that will remain private, we celebrated the day with a cold one on the patio after our round. Perhaps the next golf challenge waiting on the horizon would offer a better ending. Hope, especially in golf, springs eternal.
Petrifying Springs Golf Course
Petrifying Springs Golf Course is known as “Pets” by avid golfers and known too for great value in pricing. “Pets” is one of two championship golf courses operated by the Kenosha County Division of Golf (the other being Brighton Dale Links). The 18-hole course, 6,019 yards from the longest tee, was designed by Joseph A. Roseman and opened in 1936. “Pets” offers a short game practice area, putting green, beautiful views, with ancient oaks and elms lining the fairways.
Alas, after just a few swings it was determined that the game of low scores had once again escaped my capture, and in fact other golfers on other fairways were placed temporarily in great danger of receiving this writer’s well-documented “bonk” on the noggin. But what an experience.
Petrifying Springs Golf Course might simply be nicknamed “The Gem”; a links jewel.
After playing 18, we will without doubt make the one-hour ride again from our homes to take on Petrifying Springs. It was that good for us, from the clubhouse to the fairways to the layout to contemplating our games outside taking in an early fall afternoon in Kenosha.
This writer did again take exception with the scribbling on the scorecard; something just did not add up. We all agreed though, that 24 hours in Kenosha, plus 2 great courses, equals 1 great time.