Course Review: Kilkarney Hills Golf Course

August 27, 2008

Western Wisconsin is known for rolling hills, mature trees and expansive scenery. Kilkarney Hills Golf Course in River Falls, Wisconsin fits this description. Less than ten miles south of I-94, it is surrounded by rural Wisconsin cornfields, and comes upon you suddenly so watch for the turnoff.

The course facility is very compact and tightly put together. It’s a very short walk to the clubhouse, the driving range and the first tee. At only 6500 yards from the tips, it is well within the grasp of most golfers and even being a risk-taker by cutting the corner (like on #12), may have its rewards. As short as the course might be, it still is not for walkers because some of the hills are more like mini-mountains.

The course has few hazards thus allowing for the potential to score well, except for a couple of holes where the green is partially surrounded by water. For an average golfer, the course lends itself to safe drives and approach shots. For better players, this course probably won’t provide the challenge they’d be looking for.

One thing that was very surprising was the absolutely awful bunkers. Although limited in number, they looked like Army tanks had driven through them. The person responsible for their maintenance appears to need a refresher course in bunker raking and doesn’t do a much better job with the cart paths. These oversights are in contrast to the fairways and greens which appeared to be in good condition.

Where this course shines is with its clubhouse and reasonable rates. The clubhouse has a full sitdown bar with hot food options from the kitchen, flat screen TVs, video games, a wonderful balcony that overlooks the course, and a very large event center that can accommodate up to 350 guests. The facility seems to know that its golf course isn’t its strongest suit so it really tries hard to make the experience enjoyable by offering low greens fees, excellent customer service and some of the least expensive memberships around ($699/single).

For a quick and inexpensive round of golf that is likely to boost your golf ego, Kilkarney Hills is a short drive from St. Paul. After your day on the course, you might have enjoyed it so much your stay at the 19th hole might be longer than planned.

Kilkarney Hills Golf Course
River Falls, Wisconsin
800-466-7999
www.kilkarneyhills.com

Excerpt from Hacker’s Guide to Twin Cities Golf (c) 2008-2009
www.hackersguides.com

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