The Lasting Legacy of Lawsonia

I've always contented that often times the best things in life are the one's you accidentally find. Such was the case for Victor and Jessie Lawson and the story of how they stumbled upon their lasting legacy. It was 1887 and the Lawson's, who were newspaper tycoons from Chicago, headed three hours north to the tranquility of Green Lake County, Wisconsin. While on a boat trip, heavy winds and rain came out of nowhere forcing an emergency docking. As thunder and lightening raged around them, the Lawson's were able to find shelter on a remote parcel of land Mr. Lawson dubbed "Lone Tree Point." Impressed by the stunning natural topography of the land, The Lawson's purchased 1100 acres and vowed to create an extravagant hideaway so the rest of the world could find refuge just as they did by accident.

Golf became part of Lawsonia's legend in 1929. At the beginning of the depression, the property was sold to H.O. Stone & Co. of Chicago, five years after Victor's passing. Architect William Langford (who also designed more than 50 courses over a brilliant career) was given an unlimited budget to create a course straight out of the British Open rotation. At a price tag of nearly $250,000, The Lawsonia Country Club opened to the public in 1930. The Country Club included a casino, an outdoor pool, and a Crystal dinning room - making it a bastion of luxury for stars of screen and stage in the 1930s.

In 1939, only nine years after The Links Course opened, it was ranked in the top 65 courses in the world. In a true testament to the timeless nature of The Links, GolfWeek Magazine in 2009 still includes it within its Top 100 Classic Courses rankings. Needless to say, there have been numerous courses build nationally since 1930.

Before we get into why the Links Course is so highly thought of, it's important to note Lawsonia consists of two Championship venues, with the Woodlands Course being completed some 60 years after the Links. The Woodlands is exactly opposite of the wide open spaces found on the Links, with stately country club-esque tree-lined holes around every thrilling dogleg. Simply stated, if you're looking to play two courses that are as challenging as they are beautiful, then twin tee times at Lawsonia is a must.

Gary Zimmerman, who served as Lawsonia's Director of Golf from 2004-2009 offered these thoughts on his pride and joys. "I truly believe that what separates The Golf Courses of Lawsonia from other golf facilities is that the staff thinks they run a private course rather than a public facility. Actually we do try very hard to treat each golfer that comes to Lawsonia as our personal guest, deserving our personal service," stated Zimmerman. "We offer some of the finest golf in the Nation, both Lawsonia courses are ranked in the top 10 in Wisconsin, with the Links as #3 public course and #54 "Classic" course in the country. Both courses here at Lawsonia are unique and totally opposite in design. The Links being of Scottish design features wide open fairways, large sand trapped elevated greens and bunkered fairways. In contrast, the Woodlands has tree lined fairways, well trapped greens elevation changes as much as 65 feet, and water on several holes," concluded Zimmerman.

Even though the courses of Lawsonia have a rich traditional that goes back 80 years, they refuse to rest on their history and are always looking for ways to improve your experience. Head Golf Professional and new Director of Golf Jeff Kleinke explains what a busy off-season they've had. "First, Lawsonia was named the 2008 Golf Course of the Year of by the GCOW (Golf Course owners of Wisconsin). We are very honored and humbled by the award as it is the first time we have received it. To me it means Lawsonia puts golfers first and we provide a great one-of-a-kind product at a fantastic price.

"We have renovated the former Terrace Restaurant as it is now called 'The Caddyshack.' The area is complete with new paint, a larger menu, two 42" LCD TV's, Caddyshack movie photos, golf photo's and it was remodeled with an Irish Pub feel. We now have an outside deck which overlooks the golf course. We want this to become a relaxing atmosphere for the golfer to sit back and tally up their scorecards after the round and tell tall tales of the past and present," stated Kleinke.

Now back to what you should expect to find when playing the 6765 yard, par 72 Links layout. First off you'll be confronted with a big, bold golf course with defined borders and a classic layout that has stood the test of time. You'll also be deluged with 90 bunkers over the 18 holes, or an average of 4.5 per hole. Pay close attention to The Link's unique back nine configuration as the inward nine starts out par-3, par-5, par-3, par-5, par-3. Then three consecutive par-4's give way to a finishing par-5 that still adds up to a par-36 scorecard. Finally, conditions are always like Sunday at Augusta, except the greens are slightly slower. But if the wind blows like it normally does, keeping your ball below the pin is of paramount importance.

The Woodlands 18 underwent two major hole changes in 2008, as #5 and #6 were altered to usher in a housing project overlooking the lake. The resulting par-4, par-3 combination has quickly curried favor from professionals and amateurs alike. "As far as the acceptance of the two new Woodlands holes goes, the reaction has been extremely positive. The sixth hole, a 182 yard par-3 with the water feature in front of and around the right side of the green has been met with accolades from all that have played it. We believe the hole is much improved and very challenging. As for the 410 yard par-4 fifth, most players love the tee box set back into the woods tight to the right and enjoy the approach shot which still has an incredible lake view in the background," explained Zimmerman.

One thing's for certain, the opportunity to play two world-class courses within one property should definitely cost more than it does. "We have an all-day rate with cart of $99 on the weekdays and $145 on the weekends. The two different courses make it second to none with the change in terrain and dramatic vistas. You can play the Woodlands in the morning and turn around in the afternoon play the Links and think you are in a different part of the country," concluded Kleinke.

In conclusion, this can not be overstated or repeated enough - you'll be hard pressed to find a 36 hole layout in America with the diversity and lore of Lawsonia, a golf course that's been legendary since 1930.

The Woodlands Course

"Everyone loves to talk about The Woodlands "Amen Corner," holes #14 through #18, and also the par-3 third "Cliff Hole," so my selection would be #2 on the Woodlands. This hole is the most under-rated, under-appreciated and misunderstood hole on The Woodlands. I have heard such comments as fill in the quarry, and cut the Cottonwood tree down from in front of the green, mostly from golfers that have gotten in trouble on number two.

While standing on the tee you can't see the quarry or the green, however you can see a huge bunker about 250 yards down the middle of the fairway, you also know there is an abandoned quarry to the left of the fairway 220 yards off the tee, and thick woods on the right. Now, the best shot you can hit is a drive two yards short of that sand trap, in the middle of this narrow, 30 yard wide fairway. This will leave you with a 150 yard iron shot directly across the quarry to a green that slopes form back to front. This position opens up the entire green.

A short tee ball leaves you with a 140 yard second shot, over the giant Cottonwood, or trying to run a 4 iron under the branches which protect two/thirds of the green. Long left on the tee shot will put you in the quarry where if you find your ball you'll have an impossible second shot just to get back to the fairway. If you want to make consistent pars you need "location, location, location" off this tee and a bit of strategy.

The Links

"Several years ago the staff at Lawsonia analyzed the entire 18 holes of the Links Course and much to our surprise the hole with the highest average strokes over par was #15, the innocent 394 yard par-4.

From the tee you'll have a 150 yard carry over an irrigation pond. A 200 yard drive will put you in the large oak guarding the right side of the fairway. If you manage to miss the tree, we have a very deep sand filled bunker positioned to capture your golf ball. The right side of the fairway is tree/brush lined and it narrows about 50 yards from the green. So from the tee you must aim left, this brings a thick strip of fescue into play. So you decide to hit it in the middle of the fairway (good choice) about 160 out, now this leaves an uphill (1/2 club more than you think) iron to an elevated green, bunkered on the front right, front left and long right. This green, like all the Lawsonia Links greens has three distinct landing areas, we call them greens within greens, and if you are not in the correct area you will be tested on your green reading skills, as the slopes are deceiving with some much more severe than you'll read.

Keep your drive left center, take enough club on your second shot, and hit below the pin in the correct landing area, sounds simple. This hole plays 1 1/2 strokes over par, on the average."