Affordable Public Golf Courses in Polk County, Wisconsin: Top Spots for Budget-Friendly Tee Times

If you love golf but want to keep your spending low, Polk County, Wisconsin has plenty of public courses that offer a great round without a high price tag. You really can get out on well-kept courses without breaking your budget.

Exploring public golf courses in this area gives you a chance to try different layouts and take in some scenic views for less. Whether you’re new to the game or have been playing for years, you’ll find options close to home.

1) Frederic Golf Course

Frederic Golf Course offers an 18-hole public course set among mature trees and lush landscapes. The fairways stay in great shape, so it’s a pleasant place to play for all skill levels.

You can book tee times as a visitor or grab a membership if you’re a regular. The course works well for solo rounds or group scrambles.

Golfers like the friendly atmosphere and quality playing conditions. It’s a spot folks return to for good value in Polk County.

Rating: 4.4 (87 reviews)
Location: 905 S Wisconsin Ave, Frederic, WI 54837
Contact: (715) 327-8250
Website: Visit Website

2) Grantsburg Golf Course

Grantsburg Golf Course is a public course that gives you an affordable way to play close to Polk County. It’s open to both beginners and seasoned golfers.

Usually, the course is quiet—a nice pick if you want a laid-back game. The staff are friendly, and they keep the grounds in good shape for a public spot.

You’ll find the course just a short drive from the heart of Grantsburg. There’s parking, and you can call ahead for tee times or more info.

Rating: 4.4 (78 reviews)
Location: 333 W St George Ave, Grantsburg, WI 54840
Contact: (715) 463-2300

3) Cumberland Golf Course

Cumberland Golf Course sits in the northwestern part of Wisconsin. It’s a public, municipal course with 18 holes and a par of 72.

The layout feels both challenging and playable, so it works for a wide range of golfers. You’ll notice well-kept greens and classic Northwoods scenery.

Many golfers mention that every hole feels unique. Some holes even have blind shots, so your first time out might keep you on your toes.

You can grab a membership, book tee times online, and stop by the bar and grill. The staff get good reviews, and people often call this course a good value for public golf in the area.

Rating: 4.8 (55 reviews)
Location: 2400 5th St, Cumberland, WI 54829
Contact: (715) 822-4333
Website: Visit Website

4) Pheasant Hills Golf Course

Pheasant Hills Golf Course sits just east of the Twin Cities in Hammond, Wisconsin. You get an 18-hole layout with championship tees stretching over 7,000 yards.

The fairways are wide, and the roughs stay watered, so you won’t have to worry about dry patches. The greens are big—some over 10,000 square feet.

There are ponds on eight holes, and you’ll see plenty of native grasses, wildflowers, and trees. Wetlands and streams add both challenge and scenery.

You can warm up at the big driving range before you play. The course is public, and you can book a tee time online or by phone.

Pheasant Hills also hosts events, outings, weddings, and banquets.

Rating: 4.7 (167 reviews)
Location: 1025 170th St, Hammond, WI 54015
Contact: (715) 796-2500
Website: Visit Website

5) Krooked Kreek Golf Course

Krooked Kreek Golf Course sits just east of Osceola, not far from the Twin Cities. It opened with nine holes in 1990 and grew to a full 18 holes by 1995.

A winding creek runs through the course, adding natural beauty and some extra challenge. The front nine features larger, flatter greens.

On the back nine, the greens are smaller and more sloped, with some noticeable dips. There’s plenty of room in the fairways, but water and wetlands come into play on 11 holes.

If you plan your shots, you’ve got a better shot at a good score. Golfers who like to weigh risk and reward might find these holes especially interesting.

Rating: 4.7 (112 reviews)
Location: 2448 75th Ave, Osceola, WI 54020
Contact: (715) 294-3673
Website: Visit Website

6) Badlands Golf Course

Badlands Golf Course gives you 18 holes of fun and challenge, just a short drive from St. Paul. The course is known for its scenic views.

If you play during the 4th of July, you might catch fireworks in just about every direction. Families are welcome here.

You can bring your kids to enjoy the outdoors and learn golf in a relaxed setting. The staff really encourages parents to introduce their children to the game.

The course is open to the public and keeps prices reasonable. You can plan outings or group events, and the clubhouse seats up to 120 people.

Food is made on site by a local cook who’s well-known in the area.

Rating: 4.2 (190 reviews)
Location: 1018 80th Ave, Roberts, WI 54023
Contact: (715) 749-4150
Website: Visit Website

7) Amery Golf Club

At Amery Golf Club, you can test your skills on an 18-hole course in a scenic part of northwestern Wisconsin. There are five sets of tees, so beginners and experienced players both have options.

Walking is easy, but you can rent a cart if you’re not in the mood to hoof it. Water, woods, sand traps, and hills make each hole different.

Water comes into play on nine holes, and you’ll see a mix of doglegs and bunkers. The 10th hole stands out for its views and twin ponds.

You can warm up at the large putting green or the full driving range.

The club hosts tournaments for groups of all sizes, including businesses and family reunions. Inside the clubhouse, you’ll find snacks, drinks, and a pro shop.

The staff work to make your day fun and relaxed. The club is close to lakes, parks, and trails, so you can easily combine golf with other outdoor activities.

Rating: 4.3 (88 reviews)
Location: 601 Deronda St, Amery, WI 54001
Contact: (715) 268-7213
Website: Visit Website

8) Pine Crest Golf Course

Pine Crest Golf Course is a 9-hole public course just north of Dallas, Wisconsin. You can get there from downtown in just a couple minutes.

The course welcomes golfers at all skill levels. Mature trees, water hazards, and sand bunkers give you both a nice view and a bit of a challenge.

There’s a practice putting green if you want to work on your short game. The Club House serves snacks, hot sandwiches, pizza, beer, wine coolers, and even offers complimentary morning coffee.

Carts are available for rent, and the Pro Shop offers lessons if you want to get some tips. Memberships and league play are options, too.

You can join special events or take advantage of discounted play during the season. The staff do their best to make sure you enjoy your round.

Rating: 4.6 (120 reviews)
Location: 404 16 1/2 St, Dallas, WI 54733
Contact: (715) 837-4653
Website: Visit Website)

9) Five Flags Golf Course

At Five Flags Golf Course, you’ll find a nine-hole course set among gentle hills and rolling greens. It suits all skill levels, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve swung a club for decades.

The fairways and greens stay in great shape, so every round feels pretty enjoyable. You get 3,136 yards to play with, and the course has a par of 36.

There’s a driving range and a putting green if you want to practice a bit. They encourage course management, so you can actually focus on getting better each time.

Built in 1986, Five Flags has always been locally owned. It opens daily at 7 AM and stays open until dusk, so squeezing in a round isn’t too tough.

Rating: 4.6 (47 reviews)
Location: 1855 145th St, Balsam Lake, WI 54810
Contact: (715) 825-2141
Website: Visit Website

10) Whitetail Golf Course

Whitetail Golf Course sits tucked away just a short drive from several nearby towns. You get a peaceful round here, surrounded by fields and woods.

It’s open to the public, so anyone can play. The layout works for a range of skill levels, and the fairways are kept tidy.

The greens roll true, which is always a plus. If you don’t have your own clubs or cart, you can rent them right at the course.

After your round, there’s a small clubhouse where you can grab food or a drink. The staff are friendly and keep things relaxed.

Rating: 4.5 (217 reviews)
Location: 8414 760th Ave, Colfax, WI 54730
Contact: (715) 962-3888
Website: Visit Website

What Makes a Golf Course Affordable?

What really makes a golf course affordable? It’s not just one thing. It depends on stuff like who owns it, where it’s located, and when you play.

Public and municipal courses usually set lower prices, so more folks can play without paying a fortune.

Factors Influencing Pricing

Prices jump around based on ownership, the services they offer, and even the time you show up. Municipal courses, run by cities or counties, often have lower green fees because public money helps support them.

In lots of places, public courses cost less than private clubs but still give you a solid experience. When you play matters too—early mornings or weekdays are usually cheaper.

Courses drop rates during slower hours to fill the tee sheet. Walking instead of renting a cart is another easy way to save.

Public courses often keep things simple—fewer staff and basic facilities mean lower costs. Discounts for kids, seniors, or locals pop up pretty often.

If you add all this together, public courses really do help make golf more accessible.

Here’s what you’ll usually find at affordable courses:

• Lower green fees
• Cart rentals are optional
• Fewer extras (maybe just a basic clubhouse and some snacks)
• Special deals for certain groups

Benefits of Budget-Friendly Courses

Affordable courses open the door for more people to try golf. They break down some of those financial barriers that keep folks away.

You’ll see youth leagues and community events at these courses, so it’s easy to bring your family or friends along.

Lower prices mean you can play more often and actually get better, without stressing about the cost. Beginners usually feel more comfortable here, too.

A lot of public courses in Wisconsin run junior and senior programs, helping grow the game. You get a relaxed, welcoming vibe—none of that private club pressure.

Plus, when you play at public courses, you support local parks and rec departments. They often put profits back into maintenance and community projects.

Tips for Enjoying Golf on a Budget

You don’t have to spend a ton to enjoy golf. A little planning goes a long way—especially when it comes to your gear and finding deals.

Equipment Savings Strategies

Golf gear can get pricey fast, but you really don’t need the latest clubs or fancy balls. Check out used clubs at local shops or online.

Most stores clean and inspect secondhand gear, so you can still get something decent. Trade-in programs are another smart move—bring in your old clubs and get credit toward a new or used set.

For golf balls, grab “practice” or bulk packs instead of the top-shelf brands. Borrowing things like rangefinders, bags, or push carts from friends or family works too.

If you’re new to golf or just play for fun, sharing gear is usually enough.

Finding Special Deals and Discounts

Look for local discount cards like the Green Card Wisconsin. It gives you buy-one-get-one-free rounds at a bunch of courses for a small fee.

Many public courses offer twilight rates for late afternoon play—nine holes for less.

Always check course websites or call to ask about weekday specials, junior or senior discounts, and group packages. Some courses run seasonal deals during the off-season.

If you play a lot, look into affordable memberships or multi-play punch cards. They often include cart or range deals and can save you money in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Polk County has several public golf courses that are easy on the wallet and still offer good amenities. You’ll find spots without membership requirements, plus things like driving ranges, club rentals, and nice views.

What are the top-rated affordable public golf courses in Polk County, WI?

Frederic Golf Course, Grantsburg Golf Course, and Cumberland Golf Course get a lot of praise for value and quality. Krooked Kreek Golf Course in Osceola stands out for its scenic setting and fun events.

All of these are open to the public and keep their rates budget-friendly.

Which public golf courses in Polk County offer the best value for money?

Pheasant Hills Golf Course is known for well-maintained greens at a reasonable price. Krooked Kreek also has spacious fairways and competitive green fees, so it’s a favorite for budget-minded golfers.

Can you provide a list of public golf courses with the best facilities in Polk County?

Krooked Kreek Golf Course offers a big driving range and hosts events and tournaments. Frederic and Cumberland both have pro shops and snack bars, while Pheasant Hills rents carts to make things easier.

How can I find public golf courses near Luck, Wisconsin, without breaking the bank?

Luck Country Club is right in Luck and has a reputation for affordability. You can also check out St Croix Valley Golf Course in Dresser or hunt around on local listings and community websites for more options.

Are there any public golf courses in Polk County where no membership is required?

Yep—all the main public courses like Krooked Kreek, Frederic, and Cumberland don’t require a membership. Just pay the green fee and you’re good to go.

Do any public golf courses in Polk County offer free practice areas?

Most public golf courses have some kind of practice area, like a driving range or a putting green. Usually, they’ll charge a small fee if you want range balls.

It’s a good idea to call ahead to places like Krooked Kreek or Pheasant Hills. Sometimes they might have a complimentary practice space, but you’ll want to check before you go.