Finding a golf course that doesn't feel like a factory line is getting harder. You know the vibe—stacked tee times every eight minutes, a starter barking about pace of play before you’ve even stretched, and greens that look like they’ve been through a war zone. Clifton Hollow Golf Club manages to avoid almost all of that, which is honestly a miracle considering it’s tucked away in River Falls, Wisconsin, just a short drive from the Twin Cities. It’s one of those spots that locals try to keep quiet about, but word gets out when the value is this high.
Most people heading east out of the Metro gravitate toward the big-name, high-dollar tracks. They want the championship pedigree or the clubhouse that looks like a cathedral. But Clifton Hollow offers something different. It’s hilly. It’s quiet. It feels like you’re actually out in nature rather than playing in someone’s backyard. If you’ve ever played the "hollows" of the St. Croix Valley, you know the terrain doesn't mess around.
The Layout at Clifton Hollow Golf Club is a Leg Workout
Let’s be real: if you decide to walk this course, you’re going to feel it the next morning. The elevation changes aren't just for show; they dictate every club selection you make. You’ll stand on a tee box looking at a fairway that looks three clubs shorter than the scorecard says because of a massive drop, or you’ll be staring up at a green that feels like it’s on top of a skyscraper.
The par 72 layout stretches out over 6,800 yards from the back tees. That sounds manageable on paper, right? Wrong. The slopes and side-hill lies make it play much longer and significantly more technical. You can’t just "grip it and rip it" here. If you miss the fairway, the thick Wisconsin rough or the strategically placed trees will eat your par for breakfast. It’s a shot-maker's course. You have to think about where the ball is going to land, but more importantly, where it’s going to roll once it hits the turf.
The variety of holes is what keeps people coming back. You get a mix of wide-open looks and tight, wooded corridors that require a surgeon’s precision with a long iron or a hybrid.
What the Scorecard Doesn't Tell You
Most golfers look at a slope rating and think they know what they’re getting into. At Clifton Hollow, the rating doesn’t account for the wind that whips through the valley. Because the course is situated on such high ground relative to the surrounding river valley, the breeze can turn a simple 150-yard approach into a guessing game.
✨ Don't miss: El Paso Locomotive FC Standings: Why the 2025 Surge Changes Everything for 2026
Is it a 7-iron? Maybe an 8? It depends on whether that gust is coming off the Kinnickinnic River or staying trapped in the hollows. That’s the kind of local knowledge that members here have dialed in, and it’s why first-timers often walk off the 18th green wondering why they shot five strokes higher than their handicap.
Why the "Hollow" Matters for Your Strategy
You’ll hear regulars talk about the "back nine grind." While the front nine gives you a chance to find your rhythm, the back nine is where the course really shows its teeth. The undulations become more pronounced.
Take a look at the par 5s. They aren't just long; they are topographical puzzles. You might have a great drive, but if you’re on the wrong side of the fairway, the slope will block your view of the green entirely. Blind shots are a reality here. It’s not "tricky" in a cheap way, but it definitely rewards those who have played it a few times and know which landmarks to aim for when the flag isn't visible.
- The Greens: Generally large but deceptively fast.
- The Turf: Well-maintained for a public course, though it can get firm in the peak of a dry Wisconsin July.
- The Hazards: Water isn't the primary enemy here; the terrain and the sand are.
Let’s Talk About the Vibe and the "Hidden" Perks
Clifton Hollow Golf Club isn't trying to be a country club. It’s a public facility that prioritizes the experience of the game over the fluff of the amenities. That’s not to say the clubhouse is bad—the grill serves up a mean burger and the beer is always cold—but you’re coming here for the golf.
One thing that people often overlook is the practice facility. They have a legitimate grass range, which is becoming a rarity as more courses switch to mats to save on maintenance costs. If you want to actually work on your game, being able to hit off real turf is a game-changer. There’s also a chipping and putting green that actually mimics the speed of the course, so you won’t be shocked when you get to the first hole.
🔗 Read more: Duke Football Recruiting 2025: Manny Diaz Just Flipped the Script in Durham
The staff is generally laid-back. You aren't going to get the "country club snub" here. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or someone who loses a dozen balls a round, the atmosphere is welcoming. It’s the kind of place where you can wear a comfortable polo, grab a six-pack for the cart, and just enjoy the four hours (or five, on a busy Saturday) that you’re away from your phone.
How It Compares to Other River Falls Options
River Falls is a bit of a sneaky golf destination. You have River Edge nearby, which is another solid choice, but Clifton Hollow usually wins on pure scenery and "adventure" factor. While River Edge might feel a bit more traditional, Clifton Hollow feels more rugged.
Pricing is another major factor. In an era where a round of golf in the suburbs can easily clear $100 with a cart, Clifton Hollow stays remarkably competitive. You get a "resort feel" without the resort price tag. That’s why you’ll see license plates from all over the East Metro in the parking lot. It’s worth the 30-to-40-minute drive from St. Paul.
Seasonality and Timing Your Visit
Wisconsin golf is a short-lived blessing. The course usually opens as soon as the frost leaves the ground in April and stays open until the snow flies in November. If you want the best experience, try to book a mid-morning tee time in late September. The fall colors in the St. Croix Valley are legendary, and playing Clifton Hollow when the leaves are turning is basically like playing inside a postcard.
Just be warned: the shadows get long and the leaves can make finding a ball in the rough a nightmare.
💡 You might also like: Dodgers Black Heritage Night 2025: Why It Matters More Than the Jersey
Technical Tips for Playing Your Best Round
If you’re heading out there this weekend, keep these three things in mind. First, don't over-club on the downhill shots. The air is thinner than you think when you're perched on those ridges, and a ball will sail forever. Second, pay attention to the grain on the greens. Everything tends to pull toward the lower parts of the valley, even if it looks like it's breaking the other way.
Third, and most importantly, stay below the hole. Putting downhill at Clifton Hollow is like putting on a marble floor. You’d much rather have an 8-footer uphill than a 3-footer downhill. Trust me on this one.
The Reality of Course Conditions
No course is perfect. Because Clifton Hollow is a public course with high traffic, you might see some wear and tear in the high-traffic areas. The bunkers can be hit or miss depending on the recent rain—sometimes they’re fluffy, sometimes they’re packed tight.
But honestly? For the price point, the maintenance crew does a hell of a job. They prioritize the surfaces that matter—the greens and the fairways. If the fringes are a little shaggy, who cares? You’re there to play, not to inspect the landscaping with a magnifying glass.
Practical Steps for Your Trip to Clifton Hollow
If you're actually going to do this, don't just wing it.
- Book Online Early: Their weekend slots fill up fast, especially during the summer. Use their website to snag a spot at least a week out if you want a prime morning time.
- Check the Wind Forecast: If it's gusting over 20 mph, bring extra balls. The wind on the ridge holes can be brutal for a slice.
- Bring Your Rangefinder: Because of the elevation, your eyes will lie to you. You need a laser that calculates slope if you want an accurate yardage.
- Hydrate: I mentioned the hills. Even in a cart, the sun hits hard on those open ridges. There isn't a ton of shade on every hole, so pack water.
- Post-Round Stop: Hit the bar for a "Transfusion" or a local brew. The patio has some of the best views in the county, and it’s the perfect spot to tally up the scores and realize you probably shouldn't have gone for it on that par 5.
Clifton Hollow is a testament to what public golf should be. It’s challenging, it’s beautiful in a raw, Midwestern way, and it doesn't try to be something it’s not. It’s just golf. Pure and simple. Whether you're a local or making the trek from the Twin Cities, it's a staple of the River Falls community for a reason. Go play it. Just don't blame me when a side-hill lie ruins your best round of the year.