Door Creek Golf Course
Door Creek Golf Course in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, offers a balanced parkland layout geared toward accessible play and brisk rounds. With fast greens and well-defined fairways, it caters to golfers seeking value and a straightforward, approachable golfing experience.
Course Overview
Door Creek Golf Course, located at 4321 Vilas Rd in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, offers a straightforward yet engaging 18-hole layout designed for golfers seeking an accessible, no-frills experience. This course combines a parkland style with gently rolling terrain, providing a balanced challenge for players across all skill levels. The relatively short par-4s, averaging around 350 yards, encourage a pace of play that suits both beginners and more seasoned golfers looking for a quick round.
The course’s terrain is characterized by fairways lined with mature trees and modest elevation changes that test accuracy without punishing wayward shots too severely. Greens are known to be fast and receptive, rewarding well-placed approach shots and quick decisions around the putting surfaces. Bunkers are present but notably limited in depth and character, functioning more as strategic markers than imposing hazards.
The setting feels tranquil, framed by greenery that softens the golf experience without encroaching on playability. While the course occasionally contends with natural insect activity during warmer months, players find that a little insect repellent suffices to maintain comfort. Walkers are common, given the course’s inviting layout, though cart paths include some gravel sections requiring cautious navigation for carts.
Door Creek maintains a casual atmosphere with services that emphasize value and accessibility rather than luxury. The straightforward clubhouse supports these aims, with daily rate pricing that reflects its community-friendly positioning. However, some policies—such as restrictions on solo tee times and limitations on bringing young children—may influence how visitors plan their rounds. Despite these rules, the course continues to attract local golfers interested in a friendly environment free from the pressure of championship-level play.
This course appeals especially to players looking for an efficient 9- or 18-hole option where solid putting and strategic shot placement come to the fore. Those prioritizing pristine bunkers or resort-level amenities might look elsewhere, but Door Creek’s blend of approachable golf and brisk pace make it a useful option in the Cottage Grove area. Planning for a visit should consider weekday crowd patterns and prepare for moderate weather conditions common to southern Wisconsin.
Course Highlights
Door Creek’s fast, receptive greens offer rewarding putting surfaces that contrast with the limited bunker depth found throughout the layout. The course’s short par-4s encourage a strategic approach emphasizing accuracy and pace of play. Mature trees frame most holes without overwhelming, creating a balanced parkland feel. Policies limiting solo tee times and young children reflect a focus on group play and pace management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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Course Details
Access & Location
4321 Vilas Rd, Cottage Grove, WI 53527, USA
Modest clubhouse with basic amenities and pro shop
Walking welcomed and encouraged; some gravel cart paths advise sturdy footwear
Open to general public with standard tee time reservations; solo play restricted during peak times
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