A round of golf has long served as a terrific networking or team-building opportunity for group attendees during agendas otherwise filled with business meetings and seminars. Home to a number of golf courses that welcome groups, including the four highlighted below, Wisconsin Dells is well equipped for golfers.
Trappers Turn Golf Club
Rated 4.5 stars in Golf Digest’s 2004 "Places to Play," Trappers Turn, a championship course designed by Andy North, has amenities including a practice range, dining room and screened veranda, and bar and grill.
According to Patrick Steffes, general manager/director of golf, the course hosts more than 150 group outings per year, ranging from 16 to 216 players.
"Our 27-hole course can easily host large groups while still maintaining a manageable pace of play," he says. "From the initial planning stages until the last golfer leaves the course, every detail is handled by Trappers Turn award-winning staff."
Trappers Turn is also an ideal location for events and meetings, Steffes adds, explaining the Trappers Turn clubhouse is able to host up to 250 guests within its banquet facility, and the veranda adds additional seating for 70 guests overlooking Mystic Lake.
"Dining choices span from traditional fare to uniquely original masterpieces created by Trappers Turn’s own culinary team," he says.
Wild Rock Golf Club
Ranked the "Fourth Best New Course of 2008" by Links Magazine, Wild Rock Golf Club, which is part of the Wilderness Territory that includes Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort, Wilderness on the Lake, Glacier Canyon Lodge Conference Center & Sundara Spa, is a championship course that welcomes all skill levels.
There are a number of ways that groups can enjoy a round of golf on the course, according to Chris Goodwick, director of golf operations.
"Our experienced professional staff can customize your group to any desired on-course format, integrating it with our state-of-the-art GPS system, which provides up-to-the-minute leader boards after every hole along with scrolling results on our giant TVs located throughout the clubhouse," he says.
Goodwick adds that the best way to get maximum value is to utilize the Wilderness Territory’s meeting space, hotel room nights plus food and beverage outlets.
"The more outlets your group utilizes," he says, "the easier it will be for a facility to develop a package for you."
In addition to Glacier Canyon Lodge Conference Center, which has more than 55,000 square feet of function space, is Wild Rock Golf Club’s 19,000-square-foot clubhouse, which is well suited for group functions.
Cold Water Canyon Golf Course at Chula Vista Resort
The historic, 18-hole Coldwater Canyon Golf Course, which has been around since the 1920s, can accommodate groups of up to 300 people.
According to Renata Prellwitz, director of sales at Chula Vista Resort, Cold Water Canyon accommodates all levels of players.
"It’s a great corporate-outings course because it can be played within four hours, which is great for meetings to incorporate after a business day," she says, adding there is a PGA professional on staff who works with planners to design hole events and tournament themes.
There is also a 6,000-square-foot tent that is perfect for outdoor barbecues or post-event receptions for up to 350 people, as well as a clubhouse with a wood-burning fireplace.
Spring Brook Golf Course
Located within Spring Brook Resort, the newest golf course in the Dells area is challenging yet playable for all ages and skill levels.
"Because Spring Brook’s course is a regulation nine-hole, par 36, we’re able to offer an affordable golf outing to groups when compared with larger luxury courses in the area," says Todd Campbell, general manager of the course. "We’re able to handle every aspect of the group’s function, from food and golf to overnight accommodations."
Area charities and organizations often book Spring Brook for fundraising tournaments, Campbell adds, explaining the 9-hole size makes participation more affordable and also more appealing since the outing can be completed in an afternoon.
"Plus, our staff really enjoys assisting with planning and providing tips to organizers for a successful event," he says. "That’s certainly a big help to those who have never planned a golf outing before."
Spring Brook also boasts an 18,000-square-foot clubhouse with a restaurant and bar area that overlooks the 9th hole of the golf course.
For More Info
Cold Water Canyon Golf Course at Chula Vista Resort
608.254.8489
www.wisconsindellsgolf.com
Spring Brook Golf Course
608.254.1460
www.spring-brook.com
Trappers Turn Golf Club
608.253.7000
www.trappersturn.com
Wild Rock Golf Club
608.253.4653
www.wildrockgolf.com