The Bog Golf Course is in Saukville Wisconsin, north of Milwaukee. At the time, there was a package deal to play The Bog and The Bull, so we decided to play them both.
The Bog was opened on July 15th, 1995, so what it lacks for in history it makes up for with length and challenge. This was a great layout, and one we both enjoyed as you’ll see. From the tips, The Bog plays to 7,221 yards which is a bit too much for me. I chose the next set of tees (Gold) which still measured a healthy 6,709. Strong like Bull!
The first hole is a 491 yard par 5, with the tee shot being slightly uphill. No chance for a warm-up hole here; straight to the wolves! There are bunkers on both sides of the fairway, so keep the tee shot as straight as possible. If you’re lucky enough to go for it in two, take note that there are no less than 12 bunkers within 100 yards of the green waiting for an errant shot. Here’s the view from about 100 out, with the flag right of the bunkers.
The second is “only” 372 yards, so a driver may be too much as the fairway ends. Be aware that there are bunkers on the left side of the fairway that could swallow your tee shot.
The approach is pretty sweet (in my opinion), having to carry some pretty substantial sand depending on the pin position. Note a small portion of the back bunker in the view below; don’t be long and right or it will end up in the sand too.
Throughout the course, some of the tee signs have a clock that shows what time you teed off, the goal being to keep pace of play. I have to admit that I liked this gentle reminder, and am surprised that more courses don’t implement this.
Hole 4 is the longest par 3 on the course at 196 yards from the Gold tees. Luckily, if you can play a fade you can run it on to the green up the left side. The right is littered with bunkers. Oh yeah; don’t be too long up the left as there’s a lateral hazard behind the green. This track is tough!
The 6th is a fun par 4, with a carry over the bog off the tee. There’s an old barn up the left side that’s in play, so try to avoid it.
The eighth is a tight par three, measuring 188 yards. Be wary of the left side. From the tee you can see the non-threatening bunkers, but as you drive up to the green you’re in for a surprise.
The ninth is a 521 yard par five. Be sure to avoid the bunkers on the left off the tee; there’s plenty of room right. The second shot is downhill, so you may have the opportunity of going for it, but the smart play is leaving a full shot in. Again, lots of bunkers guarding the green and OB left.
There’s a well-stocked halfway house between 9 green and ten tee, with clean restrooms, a huge plus for the wife.
The eleventh is a great par three; short but uphill, and lots of trouble. This is probably my favorite type of par 3. Take an extra club and a half here, focusing on sticking the green.
The twelfth is a wonderfully short par four. I didn’t notice at the time, but the eleventh and twelfth are two of the best sequenced holes that I can remember. The tee shot is pretty much blind (green is to the right)…
With an approach into a very shallow green, with water in the front and OB in the back. Truly a great hole.
The thirteenth is an into-the-wind par 3, with some truly spectacular views but don’t be distracted. The bunkers fronting this green are some of the deepest on the course. Stay focused!
Between the 13th and 14th is another restroom; again clean and well-stocked. There was also a clock between the two doors that someone made a house out of. Love seeing this on a golf course.
Fourteen is really something to behold. It’s a par 5 with a downhill tee shot, and uphill approach(es). Favor the left side; the fairway slopes to the right. If you’re strong enough and have a shot at reaching it in two, go for it. There surprisingly isn’t a lot of trouble surrounding this green.
The seventeenth may be my favorite hole on the course. An uphill dogleg left par 5, with a tee shot over tons of trouble. Why am I such a sadist when it comes to golf?
Speaking of trouble on this hole, look at this trouble-maker we found; almost camouflage!
The course finishes with a very scenic tee shot on 18. Hit it up the right side if you can; it will shorten your approach by quite a bit.
We really enjoyed playing at The Bog. I will say that it might be too tough for us to play on a regular basis. Then again, maybe I should’ve moved up a tee (or two). That being said, I’d suggest anyone who is looking for a truly scenic round of golf and a great experience give it a shot. I’d love to hear your comments.
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