Glen Erin Golf Course

July 1, 2021 admin

Hole #7 with #9 and Celtic House in background

Location: Janesville
Yardage: 6,849 yards
Tees: Orange, White, Green, Burgundy
Holes: 18 (Par 71)
Opened: 2003
Architect: Greg Martin
Category: Local Destination
Weekday Rate: $45
Favorite Hole: #15

Glen Erin is a refreshing break from the typical golf course in Wisconsin. Opened in 2003, this course is one of the newest in the area, but still has an old-school feel. Located right next to the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport, Glen Erin has charm to it while planes fly over to provide a unique experience. The course truly has an Irish links feel, since it was built into the landscape with rolling hills and natural valleys. Glen Erin has four sets of tees so golfers can choose between 6,849 and 5,021 yards. The course rating from the tips (orange) is 72.4 with a slope of 126. There are three par 5’s on the course, which makes the par of the course 71. Hole 8 is a great hole with a fairly open and straightforward tee shot, but a narrow gap for an approach into an inviting green with bunkers short and right. Holes 10 and 18 bookend the back 9 with par 5’s and are very different from each other, other than the yardage (590 yards). Three of the four par 3’s are over 180 yards from the tips, and the greens have multiple tiers so club choice is very important. Most of the course carries true links characteristics with fescue and large undulated greens. There are also pot bunkers and waste areas. The front nine is very open, so players can attack the course at any angle they choose, as long as they avoid the fairway bunkers. Most days at Glen Erin are windy, so the front nine is much more exposed. The back nine has a couple holes that are open, but most of them including #12 and #15 that are very tight and require a very accurate tee shot. There are well-designed fairways on #4, #10, and #17 that reminisce Erin Hills, given the blind tee shot and slope you have to walk up to reach them. Grabbing a pint in their Irish pub after the round is essential! Glen Erin is a very well-designed course cut into the landscape surrounding the Rock River and provides golfers a glimpse of the origins of golf across the pond.