The Golf Courses of Lawsonia (Links) – Played August 2022
- Rankings: None of my four lists
- Location: W2615 S Valley View Drive, Green Lake, Wisconsin
- Year: 1930
- Original Architects: William Langford & Theodore Moreau
- Additional Work By: Ron Forse & Jim Nagle
- Course Access: Public
- Walking Rules: Carts Available
Score Card Information:
- Blue: 6,853 yards, Par 72, 73.6 Rating/137 Slope
- White: 6,494 yards, Par 72, 71.8 Rating/128 Slope (Men’s), 76.3 Rating/131 Slope (Women’s)
- Gold: 5,889 yards, Par 72, 68.7 Rating/132 Slope (Men’s), 73.6 Rating/124 Slope (Women’s)
- Gold/Green: 5,418 yards, Par 72, 66.5 Rating/120 Slope
- Green: 5,078 yards, Par 71, 64.7 Rating/111 Slope (Men’s), 68.9 Rating/117 Slope (Women’s)
My last round of the trip was played at the Langford & Moreau Lawsonia Links. The history books say the course was built for $250,000 in 1930. That is a crazy amount of money and would be equal to about $4.4 million today. When you’re playing the holes, just think about how they were crafted with steam shovels!
In 2000 a tree removal plan took out 150 trees to return the course to its UK-inspired roots. As such, the wind will play a factor when it is present. Let’s take a look at the course in the present day.
Hole 1 – 407 yards – Par 4
Older courses have a higher likelihood of blind shots. Personally, I enjoy them since they are only really challenging the first time you play. The fairway is wide with a bunker on the right and some taller grass on the left.
Notice the pushed-up green with the flat bunker. This is a hallmark of the time. The bunkers themselves are not deep, but the challenge is still there.
Hole 2 – 422 yards – Par 4
Blind tee shot number two here. If you have a cart, I recommend riding up to take a look. The hole bends to the right so finding the proper line is key.
The green site is pretty large which helps if you have a long approach shot.
Hole 3 – 367 yards – Par 4
It’s a relief to be able to see the entirety of the hole from the tee box. This one curves right before arriving at a green with bunkers well below the putting surface.
Hole 4 – 175 yards – Par 3
You must make sure you have the right carry distance for this uphill hole. Anything short is not bouncing up on the green.
The green itself has a fair bit of slope, especially in the left side (front) of this photo.
Hole 5 – 475 yards – Par 5
The first of the par fives is very gettable. The correct line is over the center tree, as you don’t want to venture too far left.
The green is a generous target but long is no good.
Hole 6 – 406 yards – Par 4
Visual deception makes this a tougher tee shot than it should be. The fairway is quite wide and you can see the green from the tee.
Below is the view from the left rough. Take note of the steep slope in front of the green.
This view shows the openness of the fairway to the left. To the right is the ninth hole.
Hole 7 – 146 yards – Par 3
The “boxcar” hole is probably the most well-known at Lawsonia Links. Steep slopes in front and to the right are the main attractions here. The scale belies a green that is a big target. Focus can steer you to a par.
Hole 8 – 322 yards – Par 4
On this short dogleg right, precision over power works on the tee shot. Of course, if you can blast a fade, then fire away.
The green sits on a lofty perch and you must control your spin due to the runoff area to the left.
Hole 9 – 529 yards – Par 5
I found this hole played to every bit of its yardage. The combination of an uphill slope and curvy direction makes this a demanding task.
Keep climbing!
Lackluster layups could leave you behind this bunker. Don’t ask me how I know.
Hole 10 – 217 yards – Par 3
The back nine at Lawsonia Links doesn’t waste any time in testing you. The green is big but so is the distance required to reach it.
Hole 11 – 482 yards – Par 5
In this area of the course, you need to pay attention. Holes are close together and we aren’t professionals, wayward shots happen. Good drives make this hole reachable in two.
Some heaving fairway sits in between you and the green.
Here is a look back at the green.
Hole 12 – 171 yards – Par 3
A fade is preferred on this tee shot but all shapes can be accommodated. Whatever you choose, it’s best to avoid the right bunker.
Hole 13 – 556 yards – Par 5
There isn’t much to say here that isn’t spelled out in the photos. You’ll need solidly struck shots to get to this hole. Avoiding the left side is goal number one.
The left continues to be trouble all the way to the green.
You get dramatic land movement all the way to the green. Stay out of the left bunker or bogey is almost a given.
Hole 14 – 139 yards – Par 3
This has a bit of an infinity-green feel. The putting surface has a good deal of sloping, so shots will run out.
Hole 15 – 379 yards – Par 4
This hole plays longer than the yardage since it is uphill all the way. The green is off to the right just a bit.
If you are far enough back, the view to the green is obscured slightly.
Hole 16 – 435 yards – Par 4
You can blast the driver here right between the mounds. You’ll need it with the distance.
The approach plays open in front and allows for longer run-up shots.
Hole 17 – 363 yards – Par 4
The bunkers on either side of the fairway provide a nice target. There is room to the left past the bunkers but you will be in rough.
Past the bunkers, the hole turns left and proceeds to an interesting green site with bunkering all around.
Hole 18 – 503 yards – Par 5
The last hole is a good chance to end your round on a high note. It’s not overly long but the green will be a challenge to hold with a longer club.
As you can guess, the left is no good for recovery shots.
If you can manage it, a running draw is the best way onto the green from a long distance.
Lawsonia Links was a delightful round of golf. It’s old-school architecture with just a bit of quirk. The holes are not something you see every day. It seems that the word is out since the tee sheet was quite full. Check it out if you can!