The Ridges Golf Course

The Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids occupies land shaped by glacial activity in central Wisconsin, where sandy soils and rolling terrain create natural conditions favorable for golf. John Murgatroyd designed the course to work with this topography, routing holes through corridors of mature pines and hardwoods typical of the region. The property's elevation changes and ridge formations give the layout its name and provide the basis for varied hole presentations across the eighteen holes. Wisconsin Rapids sits in the heart of Wisconsin's cranberry-growing region along the Wisconsin River, and the course reflects the area's blend of forested uplands and sandy lowlands. Murgatroyd's design incorporates these natural features into the playing strategy, with holes that move across ridgelines and through valleys. The sandy subsoil provides firm playing conditions and allows the course to drain well, extending the season in a climate where weather can limit play. The Ridges serves as a public facility for the Wisconsin Rapids community and visiting golfers exploring central Wisconsin. The course fits within the tradition of regional public golf designs that prioritize playability for a range of skill levels while taking advantage of distinctive local terrain. Its wooded character and natural movement across the property distinguish it from flatter layouts common elsewhere in the state.