Wisconsin golf is a huge spectrum of fine golf and some places that really are nothing more than mowed fields with greens and holes. Kestrel Ridge in Columbus, Wisconsin is someplace in the middle in terms of refinement, difficulty, and overall quality. My first impression of this place was that it was in pretty good condition considering how dry it’s been in this part of the world this summer. The clubhouse somehow feels as if it’s facing the wrong way and is a bit far away from the parking lot, although once down there it quickly felt pretty comfortable considering the clubhouse faces the golf course and not the road.

I called for a T time and visited the website to try to get information about the course before going to play, but I didn’t have all day and so I reserved my spot and away I went. Kestrel Ridge is a reasonably priced round in the mid $30′s weekends and $30 weekdays for 18 and a cart so no one is going broke playing golf there. The staff seemed very friendly and checked me in very quickly and that made me feel good because I had time to enjoy a beverage or go ahead and start at my leisure. Personally nothing is worse than getting to a golf course and being rushed around and told what to do until your on the first tee, I mean aren’t you there to relax and enjoy the game?

On thing I always pay attention to is condition of the greens and fairways and Kestrel Ridge does not disappoint. The grass was lush and getting caught in the rough isn’t going to make the next shot very easy at all. The greens were in fantastic condition and speed was medium to slow, something I am not used to. I found myself putting very well on this day and after 3 I was actually even par and feeling like I could do well.

I must have been good, because my golf karma was exceptional on this day and my drives were in the 290-300 range with consistency and my putting was…well exceptional. Typically I will break 90 about a hand-full of times throughout the season, and this particular day I was playing like I hadn’t played in a couple of seasons. #14 I was able to drive the green and was putting for eagle, and managed to birdie, 15 was almost a good driving to within feet of the green and getting my up and down. Then on 16 I pounded my drive up the hill and missed my second shot long, ended up bogey. On 17 I came across a gentleman named Billy who as it turns out was one of the staff, he introduced himself and asked if I’d care to join him as we would have to wait a bit for the slight bottleneck on 17-18 as this was the hardest part of the course. I managed to par 17 and then on 18 it literally all fell apart. The 18th hole is a slight curve to the right with a canyon down the right side and homes on the left. A tight landing area of gosh maybe 18-20′, there are opportunities slightly right on the two tiered fairway, however risky and with no real reward the smart play is smack down the middle. Billy and I finished and I thanked him for allowing me to join him.

In conclusion, Kestrel Ridge is a nice place. Decent golf at a decent price, the thing that made this place for me was the staff in the clubhouse, restaurant area, and being able to join Billy for the last couple of holes and getting to discuss the course and game with him. The other staff in the clubhouse and on the course were outstanding. I will play Kestrel Ridge again, and hopefully soon.

Visit them online at Kestrel Ridge golf.com

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