Hole #2 – Par 5, 471 yards. There’s water waiting at the dogleg!

It’s a bone-chilling 10 degrees outside as we try to warm ourselves by the Fire Pit at Christmas Mountain Village. We cradle hot toddies at Mulligans Bar and Grill while watching the skiers attack the Double Trouble expert slope and listen as the kids shout in delight as they tumble down the tubing hill. Oh to be warmer and golfing…golfing…golfing… 

Let’s travel back in time to a warm October day on the 9-hole Pines Course at Christmas Mountain Village. I can still feel the warmth on my back as I tee it up at the opening hole – a par 3 of 159 yards (white). I hear the sound of the ball entering the cup on my second shot and visualize the numeral 2 being placed in the first box of the scorecard. Oh happy day – let’s continue this flashback. Hole #2 (see picture above) is a 471 yard par 5 with a dogleg to the left. A big hitter can drive through the fairway, so choose your club accordingly. Your second shot will need to clear a pond (not topped into it). Hole #3 has a pond to carry but it should not create an issue. Of course I thought the same thing back on the second hole! At Hole #4 my wild tee shot crashed into a Porta Potty (which probably saved it from smashing into the house behind it). As always the second tee shot was striped right down the middle on this par 4. Bunkers can come into play with a long tee shot and on this dogleg right, a large tree can block the approach from the right.

Hole #4 – Porta Potty stop.

Holes #5 (wide-open fairway with dogleg left) and #6 (long but straight) are there for the taking. I never was able to determine the yardage at Hole #7. The scorecard and tee marker did not sync up (there were a few holes like this). I hit three tee shots at this par 3 and was still looking for a ball to find the green – maybe I just mishit the three (no way that could ever happen). Hole #8 starts with an expansive fairway that narrows considerably for the second shot. The small, uphill green is hidden from view (you can see the flag), which makes this par 4 a real challenge. Good luck securing par here. As you finish your round at the 326 yard par 4 ninth hole, you should enjoy the journey unless you find one of the many bunkers blocking your way.

Hole #8 – This hole keeps getting narrower and narrower and narrower…

Ace:  The Pines Course at Christmas Mountain will challenge all levels of golfers. The many pine trees (thus The Pines) tower above the course and add to the degree of difficulty that the low handicap player may see as a short course. For the beginner, there are Family Tees that are placed in the fairway for a more enjoyable learning experience. And maybe the most important note about the course…my driver mentioned the carts as being the nicest she had ever driven – Christmas red; padded steering wheel; and powerful acceleration.

Mulligan Bar N’ Grill – An excellent stop whether golfing or skiing.

Wisconsin Dells, in my best description, is a cross between Las Vegas and the Jersey Shore. We were there during the off season (thank goodness) but during the summer and winter seasons the attractions are plentiful. Too numerous to mention here but just a few: waterparks; boat rides; wildlife parks; state parks; wineries; brew pubs; museums; and much, much more. Before our round we spent the morning hiking in Devils Lake State Park. Between our two outings we enjoyed the local brews at Mulligans Bar N’ Grill at Christmas Mountain Village. Speaking of Mulligan’s, it’s time to stop daydreaming about golf and the warmth of Fall and get out of this frigid December air and continue watching by the fire inside!

S944 Christmas Mountain Road, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965;  608-253-1000;  www.christmasmountainvillage.com