University Ridge Golf Course
University Ridge Golf Course offers a well-balanced 18-hole public layout blending open parkland and tree-lined holes. Known for top-tier practice facilities and strategic variety, it challenges players of all levels while providing an inviting setting just outside Madison, Wisconsin.
Course Overview
University Ridge Golf Course stands as a premier public 18-hole championship layout on the outskirts of Madison, Wisconsin. Known for its thoughtful routing and well-maintained terrain, this course combines strategic challenge with scenic variety, appealing equally to low handicappers seeking a stern test and casual golfers looking for an enjoyable day on the links. The grounds showcase a parkland style that shifts smoothly between open, gently rolling fairways and tree-lined corridors, creating a dynamic playing field with subtle elevation changes that demand attention from tee to green.
The course’s reputation for quality practice facilities is well earned, with a comprehensive driving range and short-game area that draw players aiming to sharpen every element of their game. University Ridge is also home to the University of Wisconsin Badgers golf teams, which speaks to its level of challenge and conditioning. The front nine presents a more open layout, encouraging long, precise tee shots, while the back nine’s tighter design among mature hardwoods tests accuracy and course management.
Throughout the round, golfers encounter bunkers that protect vulnerable greens and water features that come into play on select holes, adding both strategic options and visual interest. Playability is carefully balanced; while the course can be demanding on windy days, the fairway widths and conditional tee placements allow golfers of varying skill levels to engage positively with the routing.
University Ridge’s clubhouse offers inviting amenities including a well-stocked pro shop and a restaurant with views over key holes, ideal for post-round reflection. Walking is encouraged on this course, with gently undulating pathways well suited for players who prefer to experience the nuanced terrain on foot. For those planning a visit, early morning tee times provide calm conditions, and seasonal course conditions are generally held in high regard thanks to diligent groundskeeping.
This golf facility combines the spirit of competitive play with accessible, well-appointed surroundings, making University Ridge a standout destination in Central Wisconsin's golfing landscape.
Course Highlights
University Ridge is distinguished by its dual-nature design where the front nine showcases expansive, open fairways encouraging length, and the back nine moves into tighter, tree-lined corridors demanding precision. The course is renowned for its excellent practice facilities, including a driving range and short-game area. Bunkers are strategically placed to defend greens, and elevation changes add to the strategic depth across varied holes. The course’s connection to the University of Wisconsin golf program enhances its profile and upkeep, hosting competitive collegiate events alongside public play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Beth Ann
Great landscaping. Wow the AmFam Golf championship was staffed great. The fire pits🔥were going because it's a chilly day. Great cheeseburger 🍔 I had free tickets!
Hunter Brandon
Got lessons from Ryan here. After my 3rd lesson I shot my best round ever. He has helped my game in every aspect of it. Swing fundamentals, approach shots, chipping near green, bunker, long/short irons, woods/driver, etc. Definitely recommend getting lessons from him if you’re trying to improve your game.
Jason
4.5 stars. Played here today for the first time in over a decade. Course was fun and challenging. The rough was very punishing today (I know, just keep it in the fairway) . The practice facility is probably the best I have seen and the staff is awesome as well. Would have gone 5 stars but while it was a fun course and in great shape, it didn’t give me the “OMG I wonder if I have time for another 18” feels.
Mark McCorkel
So, for the past 6 years, I've been traveling down to Madison, WI from the Twin Cities, pretty much every month like clockwork for my work. Every year, I've been trying to play University Ridge in Madison and for the past 6 years of trying to play, I was always met with the course either being 100% booked, closed for an event, hosting tournaments or league night. So, for 6 years, I've been trying to play this course, and today, I finally made it happen! And it was worth the persistence and wait! University Ridge has constantly ranked among the top courses in WI and Midwest. It plays host to the Champion's Tour's American Family Championship since 2016 and is home of the U of WI Badgers golf team. Everything about this club is top-notch! The proshop is well stocked with a great variety of top brands and products. The bar & and restaurant have great food and drinks, with nice views down 1 and 9. The practice range is one of the nicest around and rivals any private club in the area. I was paired with 3 college students, and the course was fairly full, being the only nice day in the forecast this week (50° and sunny with little wind). We played in about 4:10 and the pace was just fine; being cart path only didn't help with pace at all, but it gave me the opportunity to snap a ton of pictures without hindering anyone's pace. What I loved about the course was the diverse mix of holes and elevation changes. At no point did the course feel repetitive or boring. For early April, the conditions were as good as anyone could ask for, other than some snow lingering in shaded areas. University Ridge rose to my favorite Madison golf course today. It's so hard to list favorite Wisconsin courses as the state is littered with amazing golf courses! But if I had to, it's top 10 for sure and should be on your radar if you haven't played it.
Hunter Brandon
Got lessons from Ryan here. After my 3rd lesson I shot my best round ever. He has helped my game in every aspect of it. Swing fundamentals, approach shots, chipping near green, bunker, long/short irons, woods/driver, etc. Definitely recommend getting lessons from him if you’re trying to improve your game.
Алина
Beautiful golf course within Madison area range. The grounds are well maintained. However, the food only served till 5 pm. At least on Friday that we’ve experienced.
C W
Staff is very nice and they are really focused on food and a quick turn.
Chris Young
TipTheCap
University Ridge is the best Public Course in Southern Wisconsin. It is that way because of the great staff, to the amazing beautiful golf course, and its a challenge but fun as well. Course can play really tough on windy days. The front nine and back nine are quite different. Front nine fairly wide open and back nine you are playing among the trees. High Recommended: I'm a local and I play this course 10-15 times a year.
Jason
4.5 stars. Played here today for the first time in over a decade. Course was fun and challenging. The rough was very punishing today (I know, just keep it in the fairway) . The practice facility is probably the best I have seen and the staff is awesome as well. Would have gone 5 stars but while it was a fun course and in great shape, it didn’t give me the “OMG I wonder if I have time for another 18” feels.
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Course Details
Access & Location
9002 County Rd PD, Verona, WI 53593, USA
University Ridge Clubhouse featuring pro shop, restaurant, and practice facilities
Walking is encouraged and supported by well-maintained paths and manageable terrain; comfortable golf shoes advised.
Reservations recommended, especially on weekends and during tournaments; walk-ins accommodated as availability permits.
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