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3.2
72 Reviews (72)
5 Stars
36
4 Stars
23
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
3
1 Stars
6
Conditions
3.1
Value
2.3
Layout
4.0
Friendliness
2.4
Pace
3.1
Amenities
2.4
15.0%
Recommend this course
64 out of 72 reviews
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3.0
1 Reviews (1)
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0
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Conditions
3.0
Value
2.0
Layout
4.0
Pace
3.0
Amenities
2.0
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2.0
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1 reviews
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About

Holes 18
Type Resort
Par 72
Length 7223 yards
Slope 131
Rating 74.4

The Castle Course at Northern Bay gives you the unique opportunity to play some of golf's greatest holes all in one place. This championship course features seven holes that are replicas of the most famous holes of seven different PGA Tour courses, including Augusta National and Bay Hill. It is the only golf course of its kind in the Midwest. Besides the replicas, the other 12 holes on the course all have unique and challenging designs that are just as interesting. Bunkers are strategically placed throughout and water hazards also come into play frequently. The signature hole is the par-3 10th, which is the replica of no. 17 on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, a hole known primarily for its island green. The Castle Course's replica was voted one of the best par-3 holes in Wisconsin.

Course Details

Year Built 2005
Fairways Bluegrass
Greens Bluegrass
Golf Season April - December

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Clubs Yes
GPS Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Caddies No
Teaching Pro Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted Yes
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes
Dress code Collared shirts & no denim

Food & Beverage

Bar, Grill, Restaurant

Lodging

Lodging Available

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Meeting Facilities, Banquet Facilities, Internet Access

Accolades

  • Golf Advisor: Top Courses in Wisconsin (2015 #7)

Reviews

3.2
72 Reviews (72)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
19th Hole Scenic Views 7
Patio Dining 6
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 13
Water Hazards 11
Undulating Greens 10
This course/club is great for:
A Weekend Splurge 14
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 10
Entertaining Clients 9
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 13
At a Resort 9

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0

Stay and Play Packages

The Golf Pro is rude to guests and accomdates to the owners of the condominiums. The stay and play golf that is offered is limited as guests are not allowed to play after 2pm due league play for condo owners. In addition there is only one restaurant on the property with a limited menu. If you want another dinner option, you have to drive 40 miles to the Wisconsin Dells. I do not recommend this course or its stay and play packages.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Fair
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
1.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Extremely Disappointed

I treated my two sons to golf yesterday at Northern Bay, for their birthdays, only to be extremely disappointed. When I was making my tee time reservations, no one informed me that the greens would be aerated. Not only were they aerated and very sandy, they were extremely long and "shaggy"...basically AWFUL. Not only were the greens very poor, it was obvious that the grass around the greens hadn't been cut for quite a long time.........Not exactly the conditions people would expect while paying top dollar to play Northern Bay Resort.

I should've been informed that the greens were aerated.....We would've rescheduled the special day we were long looking forward to.

Needless to say, neither of my sons nor I can really recommend Northern Bay to friends. We were very disappointed! Too bad we had to drive 2 hours to get to the course.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Poor
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 734
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Michigan Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Cold weather
Used cart

Enjoyable template course

Course has many of its holes as template / recreations of famous holes from other courses. I enjoyed the course and have only played a handful of the original courses the recreation came from. Conditions were great and it was a memorable course.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Great All around

Unique course with all the challenges one could want. Staff was amazing and very accommodating to a larger group as well as a small group. Played two different days with big group and then a twosome the next day. Everything I could ask for in a golf course. Hidden gem for sure.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great Layout

The course is a little out of the way but worth the trip. Replica holes are fund to play, especially the 10th island hole. Fun for any level skill golfer.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Very Unique Course

Unlike some previous posts this course was set up well for our round. Fairways were all cut nicely and the rough was also cut correctly. Having worked at some PGA events "inside the ropes" and played countless rounds of golf I know what should and shouldn't be for course setup. This course was outstanding. Greens were well maintained and fast. Staff was very accommodating. While some of the replica holes were not exactly the same holes in real life, to the average golfer it doesn't matter. They're close enough and not that far from the real thing. Great value for a round of golf and will play again.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
1.0
First Time Playing

Terrible condition

The overall condition of the course was really bad and highly below average. You would get much better greens and fairways at your local park course than this. Some of the replica holes are cool, although they aren’t that close to actually being replicas. The fairway grass was very long and in bad shape. In addition to being in poor condition there are gigantic distances between each hole. The only way you could get me back at this course would be if they completely re did the fairways.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Fair
Friendliness Poor
Pace Fair
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
2.0
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Great course, poor customer service.

Golfed NB yesterday. Temps were 90 degrees so we were surprised to hear they wouldn't have a beverage cart on the course. When we made the turn, we stopped for a drink. When we politely asked why they didn't have a bev cart, we got an attitude from the TWO bartenders. We were told they didn't have anyone that wanted to work the cart. Then I asked for a glass of ice water after getting my drink and was told they weren't doing ice water because they were running low on plastic cups. Seriously. Love the course but for $89, I expect at least the customer service that I would find at a course that doesn't market itself as one of the best in WI.

Conditions Excellent
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Poor
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
1.0
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart

Major disappointment

If I was smart, I would have taken pictures of the golf course to help reinforce this review. In short, we were excited to play this course as it's known as a replica course on some holes, but its own design on the remaining holes.

For the price, $84, the course conditions were just terrible. Tee boxes were sparse with grass, ant hills everywhere, uncut. Fairways were dry and brown. Greens, while in good shape, were also slow and longer. For the replica holes, they certainly tried, but if you've ever seen or played any of them (other than Augusta), save yourself the trip and wait for the real thing.

This course 'might' be worth the price at $50 / round (max), but it would still need some work. I can play golf at Washington County in Hartford, WI, for less than $50 and it's in MUCH better shape at all times as a public course.

As a side note, what adds to the disappointment is that I was told earlier on in the week the course was in excellent condition. I don't mind if the course isn't perfect, but don't mislead the public about course conditions. On top of that, the golf course deleted our reservation, sent out a cancellation email, to which I had to call them and re-confirm the time we intended to play. They did fix it ahead of our tee time, but it just goes to show the type of experience you can expect. We played in 4:20, but had to wait on EVERY shot on the back nine and never saw a ranger once. The golf shop has GPS, so they should know where the back-ups are and should take care of it.

Stay away - play Sand Valley, spend the money. It's worth EVERY penny. Others would be Wild Rock, Trappers Turn, or Sentry World. Hope this helps others.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Poor
Friendliness Average
Pace Fair
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Previously Played

Not Up To Par

Very disappointed in the current condition of the course. Extremely dry fairways that yield patchy grass. Areas around the greens are also dry and several area had ant hills. The greens weren't bad but for $84, I'd expect above average course conditions. The novelty of Replica holes can only last so long. Also golfed Wild Rock and that course is in great shape. Seems like whomever owns this place the conditions of the course have never been up to par.

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
1.0
Previously Played

Dissappointing

3rd year playing here and wont be back. For $95 a round there should not be ant hills on the greens. Mowing and rolling has not been done. Gps systems not working on carts either day.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Very enjoyable course.

Late March golf. Course was in very good shape. Always enjoy golfing here.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Off the Beaten Path, but worth it!

Golfing here can be a great deal of fun as they have several replica holes from some famous courses - two from Augusta National, Oakmont, Bay Hill and others, but the funnest is hole #10, a recreation of TPC Sawgrass' #17. We were behind a slow foursome whom had won a round at a benefit and after catching up to them on the last few holes on the front 9, were unable to get past them at the turn. We ended up playing hole #10 a second time, which was fun and finally got past them by skipping a hole, then coming back. Some marshals should have pushed them, or at least inform them to let others go by. We were able to finish the last hole just prior to twilight, which is Arnie's BayHill hole, a wonderful finish. I hope the foursome behind us were able to finish!

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Fun to pretend you are golfing with the greats!

Staff were most friendly and helpful. Food and beverages were good -we did happy hour and had appetizers.

Course was fun to play. We tried to do the yardage that the pros use. Since it was late in season the greens had been aerated.

I would love to come back again to play a round with pristine green conditions.

Thanks to all the staff for making our experience a very fun and memorable outing!.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Beautiful Time of Year

When people have put their clubs away I enjoy playing because the course is all yours with not many people.
Fast play, very nice conditions ( except the air-rated greens that you expect this time of year). The changing tree colors make the Castle Course at Northern Bay a must play with it's signature holes.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Always a joy to play

Excellent weather and course conditions. Staff is super friendly and make for a very enjoyable experience.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Must play!

Exceptional course! It is an absolute blast to play especially if you follow professional golf. The replica holes are well crafted and provide you with a unique experience. The staff is excellent and the extra mile they go for you is something I've never experienced golfing throughout central Wisconsin.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Nice resort course!

Love the replica holes. Island green #10 was great. Well conditioned. Great pace of play!

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Don't Pass This One Bye

Great course! Beautifully landscaped. Holes are challenging. Might be pricey but worth the money.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Beautiful Course

Beautiful course, well maintained in excellent condition. Replica holes were very fun to play. Will definitely play again when in the Wisconsin Dells area.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
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Golf Packages

Destination Kohler - To Dye Four Golf Package

FROM $557 (USD)
KOHLER, WI | Enjoy 3 nights’ accommodations at The American Club or the Inn on Woodlake and 4 rounds of golf at Blackwolf Run (River & Meadow Valley Courses) and Whistling Straits (Straits & Irish Courses).

SentryWorld Stay & Play Package

FROM $347 (USD)
STEVENS POINT, WI | Enjoy 3 nights’ accommodations at The Inn at SentryWorld and 2 rounds of golf at SentryWorld Golf Course (site of the 2023 U.S. Senior Open).

Destination Kohler - Champions' Trail Golf Package

FROM $617 (USD)
KOHLER, WI | Enjoy 2 nights’ accommodations at The American Club or the Inn at Woodlake and 3 rounds of golf at Blackwolf Run (River or Meadow Valleys Course) and Whistling Straits (Straits or Irish Course)

SW Michigan Golf Around Package

FROM $127 (USD)
GRAND RAPIDS/KALAMAZOO | Enjoy 3 nights’ accommodations at Quality Inn – Battle Creek and 3 rounds of golf at The Medalist Golf Club, Angel’s Crossing Golf Club, and The Grande Golf Club.

Best of Battle Creek Package

FROM $147 (USD)
GRAND RAPIDS/KALAMAZOO | Enjoy 3 nights’ accommodations at FireKeepers Casino Hotel and 3 rounds of golf at The Medalist Golf Club, Riverside Golf Club, and Binder Park Golf Course.
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