
Portage Country Club sits in south-central Wisconsin along the banks of the Wisconsin River, in a region where the river corridor creates natural elevation changes and wooded corridors uncommon in the surrounding farmland. The course was designed by Art Johnson, a Wisconsin-based architect who worked primarily in the upper Midwest during the mid-twentieth century and built a regional reputation for routing courses that worked with existing terrain rather than imposing dramatic earthwork. Johnson's designs typically emphasize strategic variety and playability across different skill levels, characteristics evident in courses throughout Wisconsin and neighboring states.
The layout at Portage takes advantage of the river valley topography, incorporating moderate elevation shifts and mature tree-lined fairways that define playing corridors and frame approach shots. The property includes both open stretches where wind becomes a factor and tighter, wooded sections that demand accuracy off the tee. Water features, including the proximity to the Wisconsin River and internal ponds or creeks, come into play on several holes, adding both visual interest and strategic consequence to club selection and shot placement.
Portage Country Club functions as a traditional member-owned facility serving the local community and surrounding Columbia County area. The club maintains a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere typical of smaller Midwestern clubs, where golf is central but the social and family aspects of membership remain equally important. The course hosts regional amateur events and provides a home course for high school and collegiate teams in the area, contributing to the local golf culture in a town positioned along historic transportation routes between Madison and the Wisconsin Dells.
Reviews
Pros - Good variety of holes. Some holes are wide open and others require a more targeted approach. Course is on the shorter side for length but the greens can be very challenging (and some borderline unfair depending on pin placement). It is fantastic value and certainly a fun course to play. Worthy of checking out to play. Cons - Would rank much higher on my list if they were able to fix a few things. The restaurant isn't open in the morning until 11 so if you want food or non-vending drinks you are out of luck. We played extremely fast for a foursome, but were rushed on every hole. 8 minutes tee time spacing is way too tight for a shorter course like Portage especially with the back to back par 3s on the front and a few potentially drivable (depending on skill) par 4s on back. It was very busy when we played which is great and you want to see these courses get played and make money to operate, but it was just way too crowded to really enjoy the round. I also didn't exactly feel like a welcomed guest from the start. It was kind of a vibe of play your round and be on your way feeling from the start and I have played here a handful of times and have always left with that feeling. Also I really miss the original hole 2. That was an awesome and difficult long par 3 hole with view of Swan Lake to start round and essentially it is gone and just kind of replaced it with using the original green and a very crappy located and maintained tee box.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Portage at Portage Country Club has a Course Vaults score of 6.9 out of 10 based on 2 explicit golfer ratings.
Portage was designed by Art Johnson.
Yes. Portage at Portage Country Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Portage is 72.
Portage plays 6,358 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Portage is 130.