Golf in Wisconsin used to be a local secret. Then Whistling Straits happened, and suddenly everyone was flying into Milwaukee with oversized travel bags. But if you head north toward the Frozen Tundra, things get a little more interesting and a lot more accessible. Thornberry Creek at Oneida isn't just "that course near the Packers stadium." It’s actually the official golf course of the Green Bay Packers, which sounds like a marketing gimmick until you actually stand on the first tee and see the scale of the place.
The property is owned by the Oneida Nation. That matters. It’s not just a plot of land; it’s a massive 800-acre footprint that manages to feel secluded despite being minutes from the highway. Most people know it from the LPGA days. Remember when Sei Young Kim shot 31-under par in 2018? That was here. She basically broke the course. People thought the track was "too easy" after that, but honestly, that’s a massive misconception. Unless you’re hitting a 270-yard carry over bunkers like a pro, this place has plenty of teeth.
The Legends and The Iroquois: Two Very Different Vibes
Most courses have a "back nine" and a "front nine." Thornberry Creek at Oneida has 27 holes, but they aren't just interchangeable loops. You have the Legends Course, which is the par-72 championship beast, and then you have The Iroquois, a 9-hole par-36 layout.
Don't sleep on the 9-hole track.
Seriously. It’s often in better shape than the championship courses at other resorts. It’s great for a quick afternoon round if you’ve spent the morning at Lambeau Field. But the Legends Course is where the real story is. Designed by Rick Jacobson, it sprawls through meadows and woods. You’ll see a lot of "Golden Era" design cues here—bold bunkering and greens that actually require you to think about where you’re landing the ball rather than just firing at every flagstick.
It’s wide. Like, really wide.
You can swing out of your shoes on most holes, which is probably why the LPGA players tore it up. But the defense of the course is in the green complexes and the wind. Being so close to the bay, the air gets heavy and unpredictable. One minute you’re hitting a 9-iron; the next, you’re trying to flight a low 6-iron into a gust that feels like it’s coming straight off Lake Michigan.
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Why the Oneida Nation’s Ownership Changes Everything
It’s easy to overlook the cultural significance of this place. The Oneida Nation has invested heavily in the infrastructure here. It isn't just about the grass. The clubhouse is a 52,000-square-foot monster. It feels more like a lodge than a locker room.
The tribe’s commitment to the land is visible in the environmental maintenance. You won’t see scorched earth or neglected native areas. There’s a balance between the manicured fairways and the rugged Wisconsin wildness that surrounds them. They’ve managed to create a high-end "resort" feel without the pretension you get at some of the private clubs in the Fox River Valley.
You’ll see local members, tourists from Chicago, and occasionally a retired linebacker in the same grill room. It’s egalitarian in a way that most high-tier golf isn't.
What Nobody Tells You About the Layout
If you're playing the Legends, you need to survive the opening stretch. The first few holes are relatively open, but the course tightens up as you move into the wooded sections.
- Hole 9 is a classic. It’s a par 5 that finishes right by the clubhouse. It’s the kind of hole that can ruin a good front nine or set you up for a great afternoon.
- The Par 3s are deceptively long. Depending on the tees you choose (and they have several options for every skill level), you might find yourself hitting long irons into small targets.
- The Rough. It’s Wisconsin. It’s lush. If you miss the fairway, you aren’t just "in the grass." You’re in a battle.
One thing that’s kinda wild is the elevation change. You don't expect it in this part of the state, which can be fairly flat. But Jacobson used the natural ridges to create blind shots and downhill burners that make the yardage book look like a liar.
The LPGA Legacy: 31-Under Par
We have to talk about that 2018 tournament. Sei Young Kim’s performance at the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic was legendary. She finished at 31-under. That’s not a typo.
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Some critics said the course was a "pushover." But let’s be real: those women were playing on a course that was perfectly manicured with zero wind and receptive greens. For the average golfer—the guy who slices his driver or the woman who struggles with three-putts—Thornberry Creek at Oneida is a massive challenge.
Since the LPGA moved on, the course has actually leaned more into its "big, bold, and fun" identity. They aren't trying to be Oakmont. They want you to enjoy your round, find your ball, and grab a beer at Sports Pub 91 afterward.
Logistics: Getting There and Staying Late
Green Bay isn't just for football. If you’re planning a trip, the course is located on the west side of the city. It’s incredibly easy to get to from Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB). You can literally be off your flight and on the putting green in fifteen minutes.
Most people stay in downtown Green Bay, but there are plenty of spots closer to the Oneida reservation. Honestly, if you're doing a golf trip, look into the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center. It’s owned by the tribe and usually has packages that include rounds at Thornberry.
The "Pub 91" inside the clubhouse is actually a destination for locals who don't even golf. The food is way better than standard "hot dog at the turn" fare. They do a Friday Night Fish Fry because, well, it’s Wisconsin. If you don't get the perch or the walleye, did you even visit the state?
Misconceptions to Ditch
- "It’s too expensive." Not really. Compared to the $400+ greens fees at the Kohler courses or Sand Valley, Thornberry is a steal. You get a championship-caliber experience for a fraction of the price.
- "It’s only for Packers fans." While the logo is everywhere and the connection is deep, you won't be heckled if you're wearing a Bears hat. (Well, maybe a little, but it's all in good fun).
- "The 9-hole course is for beginners." Nope. The Iroquois has some tight lines and tricky greens. It’s a legitimate test of your short game.
The Professional Experience for the Amateur Golfer
What’s cool about Thornberry Creek at Oneida is the tech. They’ve consistently updated their cart GPS systems and maintenance equipment. The practice facility is also legit. There’s a massive driving range, a dedicated short-game area, and enough room to work on your game without bumping into someone else's backswing.
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It feels professional. From the moment the bag drop team greets you to the way the starters handle the pace of play, there’s a sense of order. That’s often missing from municipal courses or smaller daily-fee tracks.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're actually going to play here, don't just wing it.
First, book your tee time at least two weeks out if you want a morning slot on the weekend. The locals fill it up fast.
Second, play the correct tees. This is the biggest mistake people make at Thornberry. The Legends course can play over 7,300 yards. Unless you’re a scratch golfer, don't play the tips. Move up to the whites or the "Gold" hybrid tees. You’ll have way more fun hitting 8-irons into greens rather than 4-hybrids.
Third, check the wind. Use a weather app specific to the Oneida area. If it’s blowing over 15 mph, the back nine becomes a completely different animal.
Finally, bring your camera. The 18th hole with the clubhouse in the background is one of the most photographed spots in Wisconsin golf. It’s a great way to end the day before heading in for a drink.
Thornberry Creek at Oneida remains a premier destination because it doesn't try to be something it’s not. It’s a high-quality, beautifully maintained, and welcoming facility that honors its Oneida Nation roots while embracing its status as a cornerstone of the Green Bay sports community. Whether you're chasing Sei Young Kim's ghost or just trying to break 90, this place deserves a spot on your Midwest golf bucket list.