Best Public Golf Courses in St Croix County, Wisconsin: Top Picks for Golf Enthusiasts

If you love golf in Wisconsin, St Croix County gives you some solid choices. Public courses here welcome everyone, whether you’re just starting out or have been swinging for decades.

This article will help you find the best public golf courses in St Croix County, so you can plan your next round with confidence. These local spots offer a mix of challenge, scenery, and convenience—pretty much everything you’d want for a day on the course.

1) Kilkarney Hills Golf Course

Kilkarney Hills Golf Course sits just outside River Falls. It’s a public course known for being well-maintained and fun for all skill levels.

The fairways and greens stay in great shape, and the place keeps getting better every year. Golf carts have GPS and USB chargers, so you can keep your phone alive while you play.

People really like the friendly staff and fair prices. Compared to Twin Cities courses, Kilkarney Hills is a good value.

The clubhouse is a comfy spot to hang out before or after your round. There’s also a banquet facility with recent upgrades, making it a popular pick for events and weddings.

You get views of the St. Croix Valley from the reception rooms, which is a nice bonus.

Rating: 4.5 (356 reviews)
Location: 163 Radio Rd, River Falls, WI 54022
Contact: (715) 425-8501
Website: Visit Website

2) Pheasant Hills Golf Course

Pheasant Hills Golf Course has a full 18-hole public course with championship tees. The course stretches over 7,000 yards, so experienced players get a real test.

Beginners can relax with wide fairways and a welcoming layout. The greens are massive—some over 10,000 square feet.

You’ll find 13 ponds on the property, so there’s plenty of scenery and challenge. Certain holes force you to pick between a safe shot or a gutsy one over water.

They’ve got a large driving range for warming up or practice. The roughs are kept up nicely, and there’s lots of native grass and wildflowers.

Facilities here support events, outings, weddings, and banquets. It’s a versatile spot.

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

3) Troy Burne Golf Club

Troy Burne Golf Club is a championship-style course in Western Wisconsin. The course opened in 1999, designed by Tom Lehman with architects Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry.

They set out to make a fair but tough course that fits the landscape. You can play as a daily-fee guest or join a league if you want a regular golf night.

Season passes are limited, so it feels a bit exclusive. The layout tests everyone, and you’ll need to think carefully about shot placement, especially near the bunkers and those quick greens.

Course conditions stay top-notch, with reviews often mentioning the care given to greens and fairways. The club’s got an upscale vibe and high-end facilities.

If you want an impressive round in St Croix County, you can’t go wrong here.

Rating: 4.6 (202 reviews)
Location: 295 Lindsay Rd, Hudson, WI 54016
Contact: (715) 381-9800
Website: Visit Website

4) River Falls Golf Club & Events

River Falls Golf Club sits on the east side of River Falls. This public golf club is known for friendly service and well-kept grounds.

The layout is enjoyable for golfers at many skill levels. Tony and Holly Bloom, a local family, run the club and really care about quality and community.

Tony has experience in engineering and golf, while Holly brings a lifelong connection to the game and helps with other area businesses. The club is also a popular spot for weddings and events, with banquet facilities for groups big or small.

It’s family-friendly and designed for both locals and visitors who want a relaxing day outside.

Rating: 4.7 (210 reviews)
Location: 2120 E Division St, River Falls, WI 54022
Contact: (715) 425-7253
Website: Visit Website

5) White Eagle Golf Club

White Eagle Golf Club sits in a quiet, wooded area just east of the Twin Cities, in Hudson. The course is famous for its natural scenery and peaceful atmosphere.

It’s a solid spot if you want a break from city noise. The course stays in excellent shape, and some holes will definitely challenge you.

Golf carts come with GPS to help you keep track of your game. Many players rave about the views.

White Eagle isn’t just about golf. The clubhouse and event center, finished in 2018, have lofted ceilings and a bright, open design.

The event space fits up to 200 guests and often hosts weddings or group events. Membership is limited, but you don’t need to join to play.

The staff is helpful, and groups seem to have good experiences with outings and leagues. You can book a tee time or set up larger events, depending on what you’re after.

Rating: 4.7 (282 reviews)
Location: 316 White Eagle Trail, Hudson, WI 54016
Contact: (715) 549-4653
Website: Visit Website

6) St. Croix National Golf & Event Center LLC

If you want a public golf experience with unique scenery, check out St. Croix National Golf & Event Center. The course was carved by glaciers and winds through a Northwoods forest.

Each of the 18 holes brings its own challenge, so scoring par feels earned. There’s nearly 7,000 yards of play and cool features on almost every hole.

When the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can use one of four indoor HD golf simulators in the clubhouse. There’s also an 18-hole putting course with synthetic greens designed by Dave Pelz—if you really want to test your short game.

The clubhouse isn’t just about golf. There’s a bar and grill called The Grounds, with a new summer menu, pizzas, and salads.

You’ll also find a pro shop, a fitness area, and event spaces for parties or weddings.

Rating: 4.6 (421 reviews)
Location: 1603 32nd St, Somerset, WI 54025
Contact: (715) 247-4200
Website: Visit Website

7) Five Flags Golf Course

Five Flags Golf Course offers nine holes with hilly fairways and rolling greens. There’s a driving range and a practice putting green to help you warm up.

The course is great for all skill levels, and the fairways and greens are kept in good shape. It stretches for 3,136 yards with a par of 36.

Designed and built in 1986, Linda LaMere and Jamie Calabria have owned it since 2009. Five Flags opens daily from early morning until dusk.

It’s not far from Balsam Lake and is known as a friendly place for locals and visitors alike. If you want to reserve a tee time, just call ahead.

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

8) Krooked Kreek Golf Course

Krooked Kreek Golf Course sits just east of Osceola, about 45 minutes from the Twin Cities. The course opened with nine holes back in 1990, then finished its full 18 by 1995.

A crooked creek winds through the grounds, creating some real challenges. Wildlife and wildflowers pop up everywhere, which makes the walk between shots a little more interesting.

The front nine has large, level greens that give you some room for error. Once you hit the back nine, things tighten up—smaller, sloped greens and tough pin placements mean you’ll need to think a bit more.

Water and wetlands show up on 11 holes, so you can’t ignore them. The fairways feel generous, but if you’re careless with your shots, trouble isn’t far away.

This course rewards players who know when to play it safe and when to take a risk. It’s a fun test if you like to mix things up.

Rating: 4.7 (110 reviews)
Location: 2448 75th Ave, Osceola, WI 54020
Contact: (715) 294-3673
Website: Visit Website

9) New Richmond Golf Club

New Richmond Golf Club is about 30 miles northeast of St. Paul. The course covers 173 acres of rolling land with mature trees and some great views.

The Willow River cuts across a few holes—specifically 4, 5, and 7—which adds both beauty and a bit of pressure if you’re not careful. The layout stretches 6,713 yards and mixes in sand traps, water, and well-kept turf.

Flowerbeds and landscaping give the place a nice look. You’ll find your accuracy tested on just about every hole.

If you want to practice, the Joe Swanda Learning Center has 32 hitting stations and practice greens. There’s a big putting green, another practice area, and a bunker so you can work on all parts of your game.

Rating: 4.6 (142 reviews)
Location: 1226 George Norman Dr, New Richmond, WI 54017
Contact: (715) 246-6724
Website: Visit Website

10) Clifton Highlands Golf Club

Clifton Highlands Golf Club sits above the St. Croix River Valley in Prescott, just a quick 35-minute drive from St. Paul. Local golfers love it, and out-of-towners seem to agree.

You’ll find both an 18-hole Championship course and a 9-hole par 3 on site. Dr. Gordon Emerson designed the course, which is famous for scenic views and challenging features.

Golf Digest gave it a 4.5-star rating, which is nothing to sneeze at. There’s a nice mix of wooded areas, sand traps, and water hazards, so you’re not going to get bored.

Each hole feels different, so you have to stay focused. Both seasoned golfers and folks just getting started can have a good time here.

Rating: 4.6 (244 reviews)
Location: N6890 1230th St, Prescott, WI 54021
Contact: (715) 262-5141
Website: Visit Website

What to Expect at Public Golf Courses in St Croix County

You’ll find a bunch of public golf courses here, each with their own unique features and amenities. Some focus on tough play, others on scenery or making things easy for families.

Course Layouts and Challenges

St Croix County has several courses with rolling fairways and tree-lined holes. A few, like St. Croix Valley Golf Course, use crowned greens and elevation changes to keep you on your toes.

Hazards—water and bunkers—come into play on a lot of holes. Most courses work for both beginners and more experienced golfers.

White Eagle Golf Club and New Richmond Golf Club offer different tee boxes, so you can pick your challenge level. Expect a mix of short par-4s, long par-5s, and doglegs that reward smart play.

Here’s a quick list of what you might run into:

• Rolling fairways
• Tree and water hazards
• Tee options for every skill level

Want more details? Take a look at the top public golf courses in St Croix County.

Typical Amenities and Facilities

Most public courses here give you the basics—clubhouses with a pro shop, locker rooms, and places to eat. Some, like St. Croix National, have HD golf simulators and a modern clubhouse with good views.

You’ll usually find practice areas with driving ranges and putting greens. Rental clubs and carts are available at many spots.

Common amenities include:

• Practice ranges and putting greens
• Snack bars or grill rooms
• Professional lessons or clinics

Staff are generally friendly, and booking a tee time is easy online or by phone. Want to dig in on amenities? Check out the official site.

Enhancing Your Golfing Experience

You’ll get more out of your round if you show up prepared and know what you’re getting into. Local courses each have their quirks and perks worth noting.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Before you go, check if the golf course has any rules or dress codes. For instance, St. Croix National’s clubhouse has HD golf simulators, a pro shop, and even a bioDensity™ center.

Some courses want you in collared shirts or have strict tee time rules. It’s smart to book your tee time early, especially in peak season.

You can usually reserve online or just call. Arriving about 30 minutes ahead gives you time to warm up and get a feel for the place.

Bring your own clubs if you’ve got them, but some spots—like St. Croix National—offer rental clubs. Take advantage of the practice greens, driving ranges, or simulators if you want to loosen up.

Pack the basics: balls, tees, hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. If you’re playing at St. Croix National Golf and Event Center, you might want to check out the extra amenities between rounds.

Seasonal Considerations and Weather

Golf season here runs best from late spring through early fall, when the weather’s nice and the grass is green. Early spring and late fall can be chilly or wet, so bring layers and check the forecast.

Rain pops up in summer, so toss a light rain jacket and a couple towels in your bag. Mornings stay cooler, but midday can get hot.

If you’re playing in July or August, drink plenty of water and wear a hat. Some places offer twilight rates in the afternoon, which is a good way to dodge crowds and the worst of the heat.

Winter shuts most courses down, but indoor simulators like SCN Golf keep your swing in shape. If storms are coming, call ahead—sometimes courses close for weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

St Croix County has several public golf courses with solid play, well-kept grounds, and good amenities. Here’s what people usually want to know.

What are the top-rated public golf courses in St Croix County?

Some of the top picks include Kilkarney Hills Golf Course, Pheasant Hills Golf Course, Troy Burne Golf Club, River Falls Golf Club & Events, and White Eagle Golf Club. They’re popular with golfers of all abilities.

How do I find the best public golf course in St Croix County based on player reviews?

Check Yelp and similar sites for ratings and feedback from other golfers. People often mention course conditions, staff, and value for money.

What are the green fees for premier public golf courses in St Croix County?

Green fees shift based on the day and season. Courses like Troy Burne and White Eagle usually charge more on weekends or holidays, and morning tee times cost extra.

Which public golf courses in St Croix County offer the most challenging layouts?

Troy Burne Golf Club and White Eagle Golf Club are your best bets if you want a challenge. Long fairways, water, and tricky bunkers will test your game.

Can you recommend a public golf course with scenic views in St Croix County?

For scenery, try Kilkarney Hills Golf Course or Pheasant Hills Golf Course. Both have rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, and peaceful country views. Golfers often rave about the natural beauty on nearly every hole.

What amenities can I expect at the leading public golf courses in St Croix County?

Top public courses around here usually have driving ranges and putting greens. Most spots also feature pro shops and some sort of on-site dining.

River Falls Golf Club & Events, for example, throws in event spaces for group outings or tournaments. You’ll probably notice clean facilities and friendly service at just about every course, too.