Trappers Turn in Wisconsin Dells Offers a Stunning Trio of Nines

With all the trappings of a private club, Trappers Turn in Wisconsin Dells, WI has forged a reputation as one of the Badger State's most celebrated golf destinations. Trappers Turn sets itself apart from the competition by offering three distinctive nine hole tracks that afford golfers a similar, yet memorable experience depending on the rotation they choose. General Manager and Director of Golf Patrick Steffes has been with Trappers Turn for 14 years and believes it's the property's flexibility that leads to an always busy facility. "While all three nines are very similar, they do each feature several very different golf holes that can only be seen on this property. The Lake nine brings Mystic Lake into play on four of the nine holes. The Canyon 9 (original back nine) has several elevations and has our signature hole #7, a short par-3 into a natural glacier formed canyon. And finally, The Arbor nine combines several water features, many elevated tee shots and a links style golf course into one," stated Steffes.

Ask one hundred golfers what their favorite nine is at Trappers Turn and it's a good bet you'll get 33 in favor of the Arbor, 33 for the Lake, and 33 touting the Canyon. For the 100th response, the smart guy of the bunch would proclaim, "I don't have to decide because I play all three every time!" I concur with that guy; play all three so you get to experience all of Trappers Turn's glory in one fell swoop.

Last year was a breakout season for Trappers Turn, as rounds played and revenue were up, an amazing accomplishment considering the times of economic uncertainty we are experiencing. "We really want to portray that guest satisfaction will make us successful. The economy is definitely a concern, but we feel we just have to fight harder to make the consumer choose Trappers Turn. Sure we do this through marketing and promotions, but again the guest always comes first," explained Steffes.

Much of the credit goes to the brain trust of Trappers Turn and their sister venue, The Kalahari Resort and Water Park, which never seems content to rest on their laurels. Daylene Stroebe, Kalahari's General Manager believes the symbiotic relationship the two entities share is the key. "The more we can make it an all-inclusive experience for our guests the better we both are. We'll take care of you the moment you park your car and we strive to form creative packages for golfers staying at the Kalahari Resort and Water Park. People work hard and they want to be taken care of while on vacation and we're thrilled to do it," said Stroebe. For more information on Kalahari's most recent Stay and Play Packages, please check out the graphic on page -- , or visit their website at www.kalahariresorts.com, or click on the Kalahari Resort tab when visiting www.TrappersTurn.com.

2008 was a year that saw Trappers Turn complete two ambitious projects almost simultaneously. First, the Kalahari Golf Academy was formed under the direction of PGA Professional Jason Manke and Certified Golf Fitness Instructor Dr. Ben Mikla. The Academy consists of over ten unique programs all with one goal in mind - to help you play the best golf of your life. Jason Manke, who won the prestigious Golf Course Owners of Wisconsin "Teacher of the Year Award" last year, is thrilled to unveil a state-of-the-art addition to the Academy in 2009 entitled, Wisconsin Performance Athletics.

"This is a collaborative effort with Dr. Ben Mikla at Luedtke-Storm-Mackey Chiropractic Clinics. We've attended two different levels and passed rigorous medical-based exams developed by the Titleist Performance Institute to learn more about the reasons why people aren't getting better. Utilizing 12 medical screens, we are able to determine IF you are physically able to do what is required for a repeatable and efficient golf swing. It's the exact same tests that the PGA Tour players go through, and the neatest thing about the exam is that we can tell you your strong points, weak areas, and what flaws in your golf swing we are likely to see based on what coordinated movements you can or can't do! On top of that, you get a personal website built for you with basic exercises and stretches with video tutorials - that only take 30 minutes to complete - to help you get more stable and mobile. We've been working on it all winter and it's ready," explained Manke. All programs are either offered indoors at the Kalahari Indoor Theme Park on one of two Full Swing Golf Simulators or outdoors at Trappers Turn Golf Club.

Secondly, a complete clubhouse renovation was finished that included an 75 guest veranda and 250 person banquet facility. The expansion now affords Trappers Turn the ability to host private functions that are separate from their day-to-day golf operations. "One of the improvements we are most proud of is the addition of a brand new $5 million dollar golf clubhouse. We took the existing clubhouse shell and nearly quadrupled the size," stated General Manager Patrick Steffes. "We were unable to provide our guests with a comfortable setting so we completely remodeled and renovated to make one of the best clubhouses anywhere. We now can seat up to 250 people inside the building, 75 people on the famous veranda and a 40 person bar which boasts one of the best views in the Midwest. Finally, we now offer great culinary selections in a restaurant which is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner," concluded Steffes.

But I know as well as you do, this isn't Midwest Meeting Place Magazine, it's Midwest Golfing Magazine, so therefore it's time to breakdown the brilliantly designed Trappers Turn. The 27 hole extravaganza is a Roger Packard/Andy North co-design that opened for play in 1991. The Lake and Arbor nines were the Turn's original 18, while the addition of the Arbor Nine completed the property in 2001. The Arbor Nine received its name thanks to the fact it borders the Rocky Arbor State Park. I didn't want to put Patrick on the spot and ask him to name his favorite nine, but I did ask him to offer up his favorite hole on each nine and why.

"I love hole #9 on The Lake Nine. It's a par-5 ranging from 560 yards from the tips to 430 yards from the front tees. Mystic Lake is down the right side on the entire hole. The Lake Nine ends at the clubhouse with a small green guarded by a bunker and creek
in front. It's my personal favorite hole on the course," stated Patrick. "On The Arbor Nine I love #6. It's a par-4, measuring out at 441 yards from the tips. The hole features an elevated tee shot to a small landing area with bunkers on each side and a natural marsh area separating two fairways to the green. The large green also guarded by several bunkers. It's a very challenging golf hole with a great view," explained Steffes.

"Finally, I really like #9 on The Canyon Nine. It's a par-5 with an elevated tee shot to a two-tiered fairway with a creek which runs down the left side. A large elevated green
makes this one of the best ending holes you could hope for. Eagle is almost unheard of and a par is a great score." [Editors Note: I'd have a better chance making a five-course meal (I don't cook unless a microwave is involved) than making eagle on this wickedly good finishing hole - great choice Patrick!]

In conclusion, Trappers Turn is one of those rare properties that consistently strives to get better, adding amenities and improving services on a yearly basis. Their management team clearly has the same mantra as the World's #1 Player, Tiger Woods, who has always contented if you're not trying to improve you'll never get any better.