If you’ve spent any time driving through the rolling terrain just outside of Green Bay, Wisconsin, you’ve likely seen the signs. Honestly, most people know the place because it used to host the LPGA. You might remember those insane scores from the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic, where players were basically treating the course like a video game on easy mode.
But Thornberry Creek at Oneida golf course isn’t just a ghost of a former pro tournament site. It’s the official course of the Green Bay Packers. That’s not just marketing fluff; you’ll actually see players and alumni out there. It’s a massive 27-hole complex owned by the Oneida Nation that manages to feel both prestigious and surprisingly laid back.
What You’re Actually Playing: The Legends vs. The Iroquois
Let’s get into the weeds.
The Legends Course is the big one. It’s the par-72 championship track that stretches out to nearly 7,000 yards from the tips. If you want to feel like a pro, this is where you go. It’s manicured. It’s wide. But don’t let the width fool you. The bunkering is strategic, and if the wind starts whipping off the nearby fields, your scorecard is going to feel the heat.
Then there’s the Iroquois.
It’s a 9-hole par-36 layout. Some folks call it the "secondary" course. They’re wrong. It’s a blast. It’s a bit more wooded and requires a lot more precision than the big course. If the Legends is a broadsword, the Iroquois is a scalpel. You’ve got to be smart here.
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Why the LPGA Scores Were So Low (And Why You Still Might Struggle)
Remember 2018? Sei Young Kim shot 31-under par here.
Thirty-one under.
People saw those scores and thought the course was a pushover. It’s a common misconception. The reason the pros tore it up wasn't because the course is "bad" or "too easy." It’s because the fairways at Thornberry Creek at Oneida golf course are kept in such pristine condition that pros get perfect lies every single time. Combine that with massive, receptive greens, and elite players will pin-seek all day.
For the rest of us? The mortals?
The challenge is different. The elevation changes are subtle but frequent. You'll find yourself standing on the 14th tee, looking at a beautiful view, and completely forget that you need to account for a 20-foot drop. The greens are fast. If you’re above the hole on a hot July afternoon, good luck. You’re basically putting on a marble kitchen counter.
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The Packers Connection
It’s impossible to talk about this place without mentioning the Green Bay Packers.
The relationship is deep. They hold their annual alumni tournament here. It’s the kind of place where you might be hitting balls on the range and realize the guy three stalls down has a Super Bowl ring. But it doesn't feel like a snobby country club. It feels like Wisconsin. People are nice. There’s spotted cow on tap. The atmosphere is unpretentious.
The clubhouse is a beast of its own. It’s huge. If you’re planning a wedding or a massive corporate outing, this is usually the top of the list for Brown County residents. But for the average golfer, the Sports Pub & Grill is the heart of the operation. It’s got that classic sports bar vibe but with better food than you’d expect at a municipal-owned facility.
The Oneida Nation’s Stewardship
There’s a sense of pride here that stems from the ownership.
The Oneida Nation has poured significant resources into making this a premier destination. You see it in the maintenance. You see it in the staff. It’s not just a revenue stream; it’s a landmark. They’ve managed to balance a high-end golf experience with a commitment to the local community.
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Is it expensive?
It depends on when you go. On a weekend morning in prime season, yeah, you’re going to pay a premium. But compared to high-end courses in Kohler or even some of the better tracks in Milwaukee, you’re getting a lot of "bang for your buck."
The Layout: A Hole-by-Hole Reality Check
I won't bore you with a description of all 27 holes. Nobody has time for that. But you should know about a few.
The opening hole on the Legends is a friendly handshake. It’s a wide par 4 that lets you shake off the nerves. But by the time you hit the back nine, things tighten up.
- Hole 13: A par 3 that can be a total nightmare if the wind is wrong.
- Hole 15: A long par 5 that tempts you to go for it in two. Don't. Unless you’re a plus handicap, the risk-reward ratio is skewed heavily toward "risk."
- Hole 18: One of the best finishing holes in the state. The clubhouse sits right there, watching you. If you chunk your approach into the water, everyone eating lunch on the patio sees it. No pressure.
Practical Tips for Your Round
- Book early. Since it’s the Packers' home course and a former LPGA site, tee times disappear fast, especially during home game weekends.
- Check the wind. The course is fairly open. A 10 mph breeze elsewhere feels like a gale here.
- Bring the camera. The views on the back nine of the Legends course are genuinely stunning, especially during the fall color change.
- Don't skip the Iroquois. If you only have two hours, play the 9-hole course. It’s some of the most fun golf in the Green Bay area.
Final Thoughts on the Experience
There are plenty of places to play in Northeast Wisconsin. You’ve got Brown County GC, which is a classic, and you've got the high-end resort stuff further south. But Thornberry Creek at Oneida golf course occupies a unique middle ground. It’s "Big Stage" golf that remains accessible to the average person.
It’s a place where history was made (31-under par, never forget) and where local legends still roam the fairways. Whether you're a scratch golfer or someone who loses a dozen balls a round, the scale of the place is impressive. It feels big. It feels important. And yet, at the end of the day, it’s just a really well-run golf course in the heart of Packerland.
Actionable Steps for Visiting Thornberry Creek
- Check the Event Calendar: Before booking, verify there aren't any major outings or Packers alumni events that might limit tee time availability or close the range.
- Download a GPS App: The yardages on the Legends course can be deceptive due to the elevation changes; having a reliable GPS app (like 18Birdies or Grint) helps navigate the blind shots.
- Explore Oneida Package Deals: If you are traveling from out of town, look into stay-and-play packages through the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay, which is also owned by the Oneida Nation.
- Target the "Shoulder Season": To experience the course at a lower rate with high-quality conditions, book your round in late September or early October when the turf is still firm but the summer crowds have thinned.