You know that feeling when you pull into a gravel-adjacent parking lot and just know the greens are going to be better than the clubhouse looks? That’s basically the vibe at Pheasant Hills Golf Course in Hammond, Wisconsin. It isn’t trying to be Whistling Straits. It’s not pretending to be some ultra-exclusive country club where you need a specific logo on your polo just to get a tee time. Honestly, it’s just a solid, challenging, and surprisingly well-kept 18-hole track that sits right in that sweet spot of "tough enough to ruin your day" and "fun enough to keep you coming back."
Most people driving down I-94 between the Twin Cities and Eau Claire probably zoom right past it. Their loss. If you’re a golfer in the St. Croix Valley, you’ve likely spent a Saturday morning here trying to figure out how to navigate the elevation changes without losing a sleeve of balls in the tall grass. It’s a par-72 layout that plays just over 6,500 yards from the tips. Doesn't sound long? Tell that to your quads after you walk the back nine.
The Layout That Most People Underestimate
When you step onto the first tee, the course looks somewhat open. Don’t let that fool you. The front nine and the back nine at Pheasant Hills Golf Course feel like two completely different animals. The front is a bit more traditional—plenty of room to spray the driver if you’re having one of those days where the slice is working overtime. But then you hit the back nine.
The woods tighten up. The hills start rolling. Suddenly, you aren't just swinging; you're mathing. You’re checking the wind, looking at the slope, and wondering if a 7-iron is actually enough club to get up that ridiculous incline. It’s a hilly beast.
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Why the Back Nine is a Mental Game
Take a hole like the 12th. It’s a par 4 that requires a bit of precision. If you’re greedy and try to crush a drive, you might find yourself blocked out by trees or staring at a lie that feels like you’re standing on the side of a mountain.
Then there’s the signature stuff. The par 3s here aren't "gimmies." You’re often hitting over valleys or dealing with greens that have more undulation than a roller coaster at Valleyfair. If you leave yourself above the hole on a dry summer day, good luck. You're basically putting on glass.
What Really Happened With the Course Conditions?
There was a time, maybe a few years back, where people complained about the bunkers or the occasional dry patch. Fair enough. Every public course has its seasons. But lately? The grounds crew has been on a tear. The greens at Pheasant Hills Golf Course are legitimately some of the truest rollers in the region.
- Greens: Fast. Surprisingly fast for a daily fee course.
- Fairways: Generally lush, though they can get firm in August.
- Rough: Thick enough to make you regret missing the short grass, but not so deep you'll lose your shoes.
The bunkers are hit or miss depending on the recent rain, which is pretty standard for Western Wisconsin. If we’ve had a week of Midwest thunderstorms, expect some packing. If it’s been dry, they play exactly how they should.
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The "Pheasant" in the Name Isn't Just for Show
It’s called Pheasant Hills for a reason. You are out in the country. You’re going to see wildlife. It’s not uncommon to have a hawk circling overhead while you’re lining up a birdie putt, or to see a literal pheasant dart into the tall fescue.
This leads to the one thing that gets people: the "native areas."
Basically, if you hit it way off line, don't go looking for it. Just drop and move on. Those tall, golden-brown grass areas are beautiful to look at, but they are ball graveyards. They add a level of visual intimidation that makes the course feel much tighter than the GPS says it is.
Is the Clubhouse Actually Any Good?
Look, if you want a five-star dining experience with a sommelier, you’re in the wrong zip code. But if you want a cold beer and a burger that actually tastes like it came off a grill, the bar and grill at Pheasant Hills Golf Course is peak Wisconsin.
It’s got that "post-round hangout" energy. The staff usually knows the locals by name. It’s the kind of place where you can sit on the deck, watch the groups come in on 18, and argue about whether or not that mulligan on the 4th hole was actually legal. (It wasn't, by the way.)
Addressing the "It’s Too Far" Misconception
I hear this a lot from people living in Woodbury or Stillwater. "Oh, Hammond is way out there."
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Is it though? It’s about 20-25 minutes from the St. Croix crossing. You spend more time than that sitting in traffic trying to get to courses in the North Metro. The drive is easy, and honestly, the pace of play is usually way better than what you’ll find in the heart of the Twin Cities. You can actually breathe here. You aren't being pushed by a marshal every five minutes because some corporate outing is running late.
Practical Advice for Your First Round
If you’ve never played here, you need a strategy. You can't just "grip it and rip it" on every hole.
- Trust the yardage markers. Because of the elevation, your eyes will lie to you. That 150-yard shot uphill plays like 165. Don't be a hero; take the extra club.
- Stay below the hole. I mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. Some of these greens slope severely from back to front. A downhill putt here is a recipe for a three-putt—or worse, putting it right off the green.
- Watch the wind. Being up on those hills means you’re exposed. A "gentle breeze" in the parking lot is a 2-club wind once you get to the higher points of the back nine.
- Bring a cart. Unless you are training for a marathon, just get the cart. The walk from some of the greens to the next tees involves some serious climbing. Your knees will thank you by the 14th hole.
The Verdict on Pheasant Hills
It’s a blue-collar course with white-collar greens. It’s affordable, usually around $50-$70 with a cart depending on when you play, which is a steal considering the quality of the layout. It’s not a "prestige" course, and that’s exactly why it’s great. It’s just golf. Pure, hilly, slightly frustrating, Wisconsin golf.
Actionable Next Steps
- Book early: Weekend morning tee times fill up fast because the local crowd is loyal. Use their online portal; it’s usually more accurate than the third-party booking sites.
- Check the weather: If it's been raining heavily, call ahead to see if it's "cart path only." With those hills, you don't want to be hiking back and forth to your bag all day.
- Stock up on balls: If your handicap is into the double digits, bring an extra sleeve. The fescue doesn't give back what it takes.
- Post-round: Hit the deck for a spotted cow and a burger. It’s the mandatory Wisconsin ending to a round of golf.
Plan your arrival at least 20 minutes before your time. The practice green is right by the first tee, and you’ll want at least five minutes to calibrate your speed to the greens before you start. Seriously, don't skip the warm-up putts.