The Woodlands: The forgotten track of the two Golf Courses of Lawsonia in central Wisconsin

GREEN LAKE, Wis. - Don't pass on the Woodlands, the forgotten round at the Golf Courses of Lawsonia.

Sure, Lawsonia Links is the nationally ranked draw that classic course lovers rave about, but if you're in this neck of the woods, the Woodlands is well worth playing. The contrast alone makes for a great 36-hole day.

The Woodlands, a 1983 Rocky Roquemore design that was once a top-20 public course in the state, winds through a forest of pines and evergreens, revealing a few surprises along the way. The second fairway runs into a deep 100-year-old stone quarry, where many approach shots end up (including mine). The 168-yard third hole drops 65 feet to a green with trouble on all sides.

The rest of the round isn't quite so dramatic, although golfers never get bored playing up and down the flowing elevations. Water impacts four holes, the par 5s at no. 7 and no. 11 and the par 3s at no. 8 and no. 16. The only knock? The bunkers aren't always in prime shape. If you avoid them like you're supposed to, then you won't even notice.

Golf packages are available by renting any of the three houses on the property or by staying at the nearby Heidel House Resort & Spa, a lakeside retreat on Green Lake home to fantastic indoor and outdoor pool complexes. The 6,514-yard Tuscumbia Country Club, the oldest course in the state (dating to 1896), resides across the street.