You’ve probably driven past it a hundred times if you’re heading toward Milwaukee on I-94. That wide-open expanse of green with the massive flagpoles? That's Ives Grove Golf Links. Most locals just call it ives golf course racine, even though technically it sits in Sturtevant. Honestly, it doesn't matter what you call it once you're standing on the first tee with the wind whipping across the prairie. It’s one of those rare muni-style courses that manages to feel like a championship test without the snooty private club energy.
The 27-Hole Identity Crisis (That Actually Works)
Ives Grove isn't your standard 18-hole loop. It’s a 27-hole beast.
Basically, they have three distinct nines: the Red, the White, and the Blue. This is a lifesaver when the Saturday morning rush hits because the starter can move groups around like a Tetris master. If the White course is backed up with a local outing, you might get sent to Red/Blue. It keeps the pace of play moving, which, let’s be real, is the biggest headache in modern golf.
Each nine has its own personality. The Red and White nines have been around since the early 70s, designed by David Gill. They feel a bit more "mature" in terms of how the land has settled. Then you have the Blue nine, which was added later in the mid-90s.
The Blue course is the one that usually scares people.
It’s longer. It’s tighter. It has more of that "links" feel where a wayward drive doesn't just find a tree—it finds a watery grave or a waist-high patch of fescue. If you’re looking to post a low score, you usually hope your rotation includes the Red and White. If you want to test your mettle (and lose a sleeve of Pro V1s), you pray for the Blue.
Sand, Sand, and More Sand
If you hate bunkers, stay home. Seriously.
Ives Grove is famous—or maybe infamous—for having over 110 bunkers scattered across the property. That is a staggering amount of sand for a public county course. These aren't just little decorative pots, either. They are strategically placed right where your "best drive of the day" usually lands.
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The maintenance crew, managed by H & H Fairway Enterprises, does a pretty solid job of keeping the sand playable, but after a heavy Wisconsin rain, those 110 traps can turn into 110 tiny lakes. It’s part of the charm. Or the frustration.
Is it Actually a Links Course?
Purists will argue about this until they’re blue in the face. By definition, a true links course is built on coastal sandy soil. Racine isn't exactly the coast of Scotland. However, Ives Grove captures the spirit of links golf.
The trees are sparse. The wind is a constant factor—it's almost always a two-club wind out there. You have to learn how to hit a "stinger" or a low-running chip because if you put the ball high in the air, the Lake Michigan breeze will take it on a journey to a different zip code.
You've got:
- Huge, rolling greens that require a decent touch.
- Massive elevation changes (surprising for this part of the county).
- Wide fairways that look easy but hide nasty angles.
- Zero protection from the sun. (Pack the SPF 50).
The Local Secret: Range Time LLC
A few years back, the practice facility got a massive upgrade. They partnered with Range Time LLC to create a year-round practice spot. This was a game-changer for the ives golf course racine community.
Wisconsin winters are brutal. Usually, by November, your swing has completely evaporated. Having a facility where you can actually hit balls when there's three feet of snow outside is a luxury most public courses don't offer. They have Toptracer technology now, too. You can see your ball flight data, play virtual courses, and basically pretend you're at a high-end country club while wearing a hoodie and sipping a beer from the Fairway Cafe.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Price
There’s this weird myth that because it’s a "county" course, it’s going to be a goat ranch.
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Wrong.
While it is affordable—especially for seniors and juniors—it’s kept in remarkably good shape. The greens are often faster than the high-dollar resort courses in the area.
| Fee Type | Weekday (approx) | Weekend (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Holes Riding | $42 - $45 | $51 - $55 |
| Senior Rate (58+) | $37 (Special) | N/A |
| 9 Holes Walking | $16 | $17 |
Note: Prices fluctuate based on the season and "Hot Deals" found on apps like GolfNow, but these are the standard ballpark figures for 2026.
Honestly, for fifty bucks on a weekend, you're getting a championship-length layout that is consistently mowed and cared for. The value is almost unbeatable in the Milwaukee-Chicago corridor.
Survival Tips for Your First Round
If you’re heading out to Ives for the first time, don't be a hero.
First, play the right tees. The back tees (Blue/Red combo) stretch out to nearly 7,000 yards. Unless you’re carrying your driver 280 yards consistently, don't do that to yourself. The "White" or "Gold" tees offer plenty of challenge without the misery.
Second, watch out for the water on the Blue nine. It sneaks up on you. Hole #4 on the Blue course is a par 4 that requires a very specific layup or a massive carry over the marsh. Most people try to smash it and end up reloading from the tee. Just take a 5-iron, play it safe, and move on.
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Third, the greens. They are bigger than they look. Being "on the green" doesn't mean much if you’re 60 feet away with a massive ridge in between. Three-putts are the leading cause of death for scorecards at Ives Grove.
The Vibe at the Fairway Cafe
Post-round culture is big here. The clubhouse isn't a marble-clad palace, but the Fairway Cafe hits the spot. It’s got that classic Wisconsin "19th hole" feel.
You can grab a burger, a brat, and a cold drink without feeling like you need to change out of your golf shoes. They also have a pavilion that they built back in 2007 which is a huge hit for local weddings and outings. It’s got those roll-down canvas sides for when the weather turns, which happens about every twenty minutes in Wisconsin.
Why it Matters for Racine County
Ives Grove is more than just a place to chase a white ball. It’s a community hub. You’ll see grandfathers teaching their grandkids how to putt on the massive practice green. You’ll see the local high school teams out there for matches.
The management, H & H Fairway, has run the Racine County courses since 1988. They know the land, and they know the people. They’ve survived the golf "slumps" and the COVID boom by staying consistent.
Real Talk: The Pros and Cons
The Good:
- 27 holes means better availability for tee times.
- Top-tier practice facility with year-round access.
- Links-style layout provides a unique challenge compared to parkland courses.
- Exceptional value for the price.
The Bad:
- Can be very windy, which is frustrating for high-handicappers.
- Minimal shade (seriously, it gets hot out there).
- Some areas on the older nines can get a bit "thin" during a dry August.
Your Next Steps at Ives Grove
If you’re planning a trip to ives golf course racine, here is how to make the most of it.
- Book early online. Their website is usually the best place for the most accurate rates, but keep an eye on third-party apps for afternoon "twilight" specials.
- Arrive 30 minutes early. Use the Range Time facility to get the "feel" of the wind before you head to the first tee.
- Check the rotation. Ask the pro shop which nines are open. If you have the choice, try to play the Blue nine if you want the "true" Ives Grove experience.
- Bring extra balls. Those 110 bunkers and the fescue are hungry. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Whether you're a scratch golfer or someone who just likes to hack it around for a few hours, Ives Grove is one of those places that feels like home the minute you pull into the gravel-adjacent parking lot. It’s unpretentious, difficult, and quintessentially Wisconsin.