Morningstar Golfers Club

Morningstar used to be my absolute favorite course in Wisconsin for under $100. The elevation changes make it scenic and fun, while the hazards and fescue make it challenging.

We have noticed in the last few years, however, the conditions of the course have deteriorated, specifically with the green complexes. The greens surfaces themselves look sick and the fringe collar has inconsistent grass that is often longer than the fairway grass.

The weekend rate is far overpriced for what you're getting despite the driving range balls being included.

There are no water jugs available on the course so you have to buy the expensive (small) water bottles from the drink cart. And good luck with stopping for drinks or food at the turn, because the bartender is slow or simply just not there.

I still recommend the course as long as you can get a discount, but I wouldn't pay more than $50 to play there until the course conditions improve.

The Good: Built in a former quarry, Rick Jacobson design 30 minutes southwest of Milwaukee is a well-conditioned, very interesting track with more elevation change than most in the area. Nice fairway and tee box conditions, along with thin, challenging green complexes. Very strong Par 5's and decent variety in Par 4's and Par 3's. Upscale, very nice clubhouse rests at highest point of the club and has superb 19th hole views. Clubhouse includes full restaurant and bar. Good practice facility includes range with full target greens. Staff is nice enough and manages pace of play well. The signs with pin placement are a nice touch.

The Bad: The sand traps are in poor condition and have lots of rocks. Greens, while smooth, are slow and do not hold well at all. No GPS and on-course yardage is to be desired. $85 price tag is a little steep for peak season in the area.

The Verdict: Morningstar is a very strong option in the greater Milwaukee area. If management continues to invest in improvements, can become a premier public course. Fun, challenging track.

Best Hole: Par 5 18th hole is a brute with a downhill tee shot and uphill approach to the course's most challenging green.

Played Morning star early on a Friday morning. We got a special price (not sure if I would pay rack rate to play here). We moved through the course fairly easily. Course was in pretty good shape, the greens were in below average condition. They were very beat up and lots of old ball marks. Besides that this was a really nice course. Great views from the top of #7 and #18. I would recommend this course to lots people, if you can get a tee time...they only take them 2 weeks in advance for the public...WEIRD.

A group of 4 of us took advantage of a Saturday afternoon deal preceded by a lunch in the clubhouse. We were playing slower than the group behind us and let them play through on the 2nd hole. After that, we were continuously harassed by the rangers to hurry-up. We were approached at the end of the 2nd hole, and again at the tee box of the 3rd hole. Micheal Crowley was one of the rangers and was very rude. He told us to pick up some of our shots as to not "give the people behind a heart attack." If Morningstar doesn't want newer golfers trying to learn the game on their course then make it private, or make a minimum handicap. We had one person in our group who it was their 3rd time ever golfing, and first time on a new course. Morningstar's rangers were nothing but discouraging to a person new to golf. They were smothering us until the 9th hole, parking their carts with ours and watching us tee off, then following us down the course, making comments along the way. We felt harassed the entire time and several times asked them to leave. The staff ruined what was supposed to be a nice day of family, golf, and fun. It turned into a stressful, frustrating, and miserable time as long as the rangers were around. This is NOT a course to try and learn the sport. I have played at many different courses, both public and private, and I have NEVER been treated this poorly. I will never return to Morningstar and I will never recommend the course to anyone I know. There are far better courses for a better price, with better staff. Non-members are treated like garbage. Save your money and try out another course.

If you are near the Milwaukee area and haven't played it yet, DO. It is a fun and challenging track that winds through trees and hills making you think upon each shot you take. Bring your game and bring golf balls if you have an off day.