Chippewa County Girls Golfers Create Dream Course with Unique Holes

In an imaginative project, nine girls golfers from Chippewa County have designed a fictional golf course, selecting their favorite holes based on personal experiences and challenges faced during their games. This collaborative effort highlights their unique perspectives and showcases their connections to the sport.

Course Highlights from Local Talent

Leading the charge, senior golfer Illa Nelson from Blackhawk chose the opening hole at Turtleback Golf Course in Rice Lake. This Par-4 hole stretches 340 yards from the red tees and features a right dogleg, which Nelson finds aligns perfectly with her swing. She recalls a pivotal moment from last year’s Division 2 regionals where she started the round with a double bogey but regained her focus to finish with a score of 95, securing a tie for third place and helping her team advance to sectionals.

Another notable selection came from senior Kinnley Durch, who picked the first hole at Osseo Golf Club. This 299-yard Par-4 is straightforward, providing golfers ample space to maneuver. “You can get comfortable with it,” Durch stated, though she acknowledged the challenge presented by trees on the right and a bunker in front of the green.

Following Nelson’s choice, Ella Petz of Chippewa Falls opted for the second hole at Turtleback. This 519-yard Par-5 features an early right dogleg and presents a unique opportunity for longer hitters to reach the green in two shots. Petz described the hole as “attackable,” despite its designation as the most difficult on the course, given the bunkers positioned short of the green.

Diverse Challenges Across the Course

Senior Olivia Bergerson highlighted the sixth hole at Lake Wissota Golf Course, a 309-yard Par-4 that runs alongside Lake Wissota. The hole requires a strategic approach, especially as it turns sharply before the green. Bergerson appreciates how the layout complements her game, allowing for shots through short grass while navigating surrounding trees.

Sophomore Caitlen Ketterhagen, who is relatively new to golf, selected No. 6 at Pheasant Hills in Hammond. This 136-yard Par-3 involves a tee shot over water, which initially caused her anxiety. However, she managed to par the hole during her first varsity tournament, marking a promising start to her golfing journey.

Stanley-Boyd senior Allie Goodman chose No. 8 at Whispering Pines in Cadott, the shortest Par-4 at just 195 yards. Despite its length, the hole presents challenges with a creek before the green and trees to the right. Goodman fondly remembers birdieing this hole in one of her early rounds, setting a high standard for future performances.

Freshman Jordyn Bellrichard picked No. 16 at Bloomer Veterans Memorial Golf Course. This 261-yard Par-4 offers a conservative route for golfers but allows for more daring plays to cut the corner. Bellrichard noted the opportunity for a lucky bounce off the road that runs alongside the hole, although golfers must be cautious of nearby homes.

Completing the dream course, senior Isabelle Collicott selected No. 17 at Lake Wissota, the shortest hole at just 81 yards. While it may seem straightforward, the hole presents its own challenges with rocks and bunkers near the green. Finally, Taylor Schmidt chose the 18th hole at Lake Wissota, a 229-yard Par-4 that requires a shot over a river. Despite its difficulty, Schmidt appreciates the scenic beauty during sunset, stating, “Even if you put up a double on the hole, it’s still nice.”

This project not only reflects the golfers’ individual preferences but also showcases their collective love for the sport. Through their selections, the girls have crafted a fictional course that captures the diversity of challenges and experiences found in the game of golf.