Door Creek Golf Course
Door Creek Golf Course offers an approachable 18-hole public layout set in gentle parkland terrain near Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. With well-kept greens, comfortable fairways, and a relaxed atmosphere, it suits golfers of all skill levels looking for an affordable and enjoyable round.
Course Overview
Door Creek Golf Course, located in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, offers an 18-hole public layout that blends approachable design with a natural setting, making it a solid option for golfers seeking a casual yet engaging round. The course meanders through gently rolling terrain common to the region, presenting a mostly parkland style with tree-lined fairways and subtle elevation changes that require thoughtful shot placement without overwhelming the player.
At around 6,200 yards and playing to a par of 72, Door Creek offers a manageable length that caters well to a broad range of skill levels. The fairways provide room to find footing off the tee, while the greens are known to be brisk and true, rewarding well-executed approach shots and accurate putting. Bunkers are present but sparing, often positioned to challenge the angles to the putting surfaces rather than create severe penalties.
The course’s setting near Vilas Road situates it amid natural open spaces, with sections of mature trees providing shade and framing several holes. The landscape’s gentle undulations lend a quiet rhythm to the round, encouraging steady pacing throughout. Players often find their rhythm on the front nine before encountering modestly challenging finishing holes that test both strategic thinking and shot-making.
Amenities include a straightforward clubhouse and a friendly pro shop, supporting a welcoming environment for both local golfers and visitors. Tee time access is flexible, allowing for spontaneous play, and walking the course is popular, given relatively flat terrain and well-maintained cart paths. Seasonal conditions generally permit reliable play from spring through fall, though wetter periods can require more caution around tee boxes and certain fairway sections.
Visitors should prepare for occasional insect activity late in the day during warmer months. Overall, Door Creek Golf Course delivers a balanced experience perfect for golfers looking to enjoy a relaxed yet satisfying round in south-central Wisconsin. The course encourages players to sharpen fundamentals without excessive pressure, and its hospitable atmosphere makes it a frequent choice for those seeking an affordable and accessible golf getaway.
Course Highlights
The course’s parkland design highlights tree-lined fairways and subtle elevation shifts, complemented by well-maintained, fast greens that reward accurate iron play. Bunkers are strategically placed to test approach routes rather than penalize errant shots severely. The landscape captures a relaxed tone with natural Wisconsin woodlands framing several holes, creating a pleasant environment without heavy hazards. Door Creek’s balance of playability and mild challenge makes it a practical choice for golfers developing their game or enjoying a casual round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Zach Franz
Loved this course, awesome place to sneak out for a quick round. Tried to get out for a solo round as I normally do during the week, and apparently no solos when the tee sheet looks like this. Then absolutely pushy to make me pay and go out with 3 other randoms. will take my business elsewhere now. Now no golfers until 1130. Crazy work
Alex Neuenschwander
Price doesn’t match the quality. Next to no sand in bunkers, gravel cart paths with tons of pot holes. Mud in tee shot landing areas. Should be a $45 max price but paid $67. Greens are fast and roll good.
Kyle Marks
This is the only course in the area that doesn’t allow you to bring your kids—and they’re surprisingly arrogant about the policy. It’s as if they believe they’re smarter or better than all the other courses nearby that do allow it. We’re simply trying to introduce our kids to the game in a casual, low-pressure way. There are plenty of other courses around here that welcome that. No, we’re not looking for the “kids play golf” response—most parents with kids ages 2–5 aren’t asking their toddlers to hit the back nine. Sometimes, people just want to take their 4-year-old along for a fun, relaxed experience in a golf cart. What’s more baffling is the reasoning we saw: that kids aren’t allowed because the course is “woman-owned”—as if that somehow explains or justifies the policy. That’s not a logical connection, and frankly, it feels like a weak excuse. And no, it wasn’t my “wife” who left the earlier review - and yes, I’ve played this course multiple times. So let’s not start accusing negative reviewers of being dishonest. Just compare this course’s responses to negative reviews with those of any other course in the area. You’ll notice a pattern. Dismissing legitimate concerns and calling reviewers “liars” is immature and unprofessional. Based on what I’ve seen, I’m inclined to trust the reviewers. The general manager’s behavior especially reflects poorly on the course.
Tony Freeman
You cannot play this course as a single. They will go out of their way to pair you with other groups even if there are many tee times open in between groups. This is definitely new in the last year+ because I have absolutely played this course as a solo before. A) no single wants to play with 2-3 random people B) no group of 2-3 people want to play with a random. C) no single wants to wait an hour just to play with random people I understand being a single golfer on a busy day is a pain and not ideal for the single or the other surrounding groups but on a weekday where there are like 4 tee times in 2 hours it causes no issues for anyone. I feel bad for the pro and workers that have to argue with people on the phone about this policy. I’ve seen others here that have the same problem. Will take my money elsewhere.
Carter Stahl
Fun course! In good shape with fast greens! Par 4’s average about 350 yds. Great service! Great rates. $20 to walk 9 holes at 630p on a Monday. Bugs were a bit thick but a little repellent went a long way! Would definitely play again!
Patrick Empey
I had hoped to play a quick solo round on a Monday morning, and noticed the tee sheet was almost completely open. I called around 7:45 a.m., but was told I couldn’t go out as a single—even though only one group was booked between 7:30 and 8:50. Instead, they asked me to wait nearly an hour to join a group. I understand that every course has its policies, but this one felt unnecessarily rigid. I was ready to pay full price for a quick two-hour round, and with the course sitting mostly empty, it just didn’t make a lot of sense. I ended up going to Yahara instead—far from a perfect course (it literally smells like garbage sometimes), but at least they were happy to let me play. The real reason I won’t be returning, though, isn’t the tee time policy—it’s the way the management responds to customer feedback. After reading through their replies to negative reviews, I was honestly turned off. The tone is defensive, condescending, and dismissive of valid concerns. Everyone gets criticism—it’s part of running a business—but how you handle it says a lot. And from what I’ve seen, it doesn’t reflect the kind of place I want to support. I hope they’ll rethink how they engage with customers, because the course itself has potential. But for now, I’ll be taking my business elsewhere.
Zach Franz
Loved this course, awesome place to sneak out for a quick round. Tried to get out for a solo round as I normally do during the week, and apparently no solos when the tee sheet looks like this. Then absolutely pushy to make me pay and go out with 3 other randoms. will take my business elsewhere now. Now no golfers until 1130. Crazy work
Carter Stahl
Fun course! In good shape with fast greens! Par 4’s average about 350 yds. Great service! Great rates. $20 to walk 9 holes at 630p on a Monday. Bugs were a bit thick but a little repellent went a long way! Would definitely play again!
Matt
Thought this was a lovely course but the pace of play and league blocking off tee times every weeknight from 3 until 530 or later make this not so great for a solo golfer. Shame, because it really is a nice course.
Patrick Empey
I had hoped to play a quick solo round on a Monday morning, and noticed the tee sheet was almost completely open. I called around 7:45 a.m., but was told I couldn’t go out as a single—even though only one group was booked between 7:30 and 8:50. Instead, they asked me to wait nearly an hour to join a group. I understand that every course has its policies, but this one felt unnecessarily rigid. I was ready to pay full price for a quick two-hour round, and with the course sitting mostly empty, it just didn’t make a lot of sense. I ended up going to Yahara instead—far from a perfect course (it literally smells like garbage sometimes), but at least they were happy to let me play. The real reason I won’t be returning, though, isn’t the tee time policy—it’s the way the management responds to customer feedback. After reading through their replies to negative reviews, I was honestly turned off. The tone is defensive, condescending, and dismissive of valid concerns. Everyone gets criticism—it’s part of running a business—but how you handle it says a lot. And from what I’ve seen, it doesn’t reflect the kind of place I want to support. I hope they’ll rethink how they engage with customers, because the course itself has potential. But for now, I’ll be taking my business elsewhere.
Book Your Round
Experience one of golf's most legendary courses
Direct booking • No commissions
Course Details
Access & Location
4321 Vilas Rd, Cottage Grove, WI 53527, USA
Door Creek Clubhouse and Pro Shop
Walking is permitted and encouraged; terrain is gentle but wear sturdy shoes, especially after rain.
Open tee times available; walk-ins often welcome; advance booking recommended on weekends.
Nearby Courses
