Why is this Door County’s Best Kept Secret? Who will not allow the word to spread? Why is it that my new friends at Thornberry Creek at Oneida Golf Facility just down the road had never heard of it? Door County, WI – the Cape Cod of the Midwest. Home to Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant; Peninsula State Park; Eagle Bluff Lighthouse; Fish Boils; and Bay Ridge Golf Course.
An expansive fairway awaits your drive at Hole #1 and the only obstacles between your par and my double bogey are two greenside bunkers and the devilish dome-shaped, small green. Hole #2 – sorry, no comprendo. It is a par 3 if playing from the the 236 yard blue tees and a 210 yard par 4 if you tee it up from the white tees (huh?). I penciled in my par 4, shook my head and moved on to Hole #3. You just let it rip on this long, straightforward par 5 which concludes with a spacious putting surface.
No cart girl sighting yet but there is a Pepsi vending machine for your thirst needs at Hole #4. This par 3 is framed by trees and for your putting pleasure, another small, undulating, and “bowled” green.
Time to grab some liquid refreshment (I can’t find the beer in this Pepsi vending machine!) and since we are the only golfers on the course, I don’t think we will see the beer cart anytime soon. Standing on the tee box at Hole #5 you can be lulled into thinking this is a “ho-hum” hole. However, if your tee shot is short and left, you will have a very difficult approach shot to the green which is situated behind a large tree to the left of the fairway.
Time for a “pit stop”? Your trek to Hole #6 will take you past the clubhouse – a perfect halfway stop for the senior golfer. This hole is a great example of how Bay Ridge is a Tale of Two Golf Courses. Your tee shots should find expansive fairways, but your approach shots will have some difficulties holding the small, bowl-shaped greens. Make sure you aim left at Hole #7 or the pond on the right (that is not visible) will swallow that big banana slice of yours.
Now is your chance big guy! You can do it. Have I shamed you into going for the green at this 233 yard (white) par 4 eighth hole? Hole #9 – you guessed it, wide fairway; small green; and time for that birdie finish.
Birdie: Bay Ridge sets up well for both the high handicap golfer (white tees) and the more advanced player (blue). The wide fairways allow for safe landing spots, but stray shots will be penalized with tree trouble. The small, bowl-shaped greens will challenge any level of player. Oops, the secret is out! Since it is my job to spread the word, Bay Ridge Golf Course will provide a good, quick round before you explore these other attractions in Door County.
You may have noticed the above advertisement at the tee box at Hole #1. Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, is home of Swedish pancakes and goats on the roof. Door County is about the lakes, the art, and everything cherries. We spent our nights at the Lodgings at Pioneer Lane in Ephraim and our days golfing and hiking at Peninsula State Park. There is something for everyone in Door County, WI
2688 S. Bay Shore Drive, Sister Bay, WI 54234; 920-854-4085; www.bayridgegolf.com
Sister Bay, WI 54234
