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4.8
144 Reviews (144)
5 Stars
114
4 Stars
21
3 Stars
6
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.4
Layout
4.9
Friendliness
4.7
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.5
97.0%
Recommend this course
137 out of 144 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
5.0
4 Reviews (4)
5 Stars
4
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
5.0
Value
4.5
Layout
5.0
Pace
4.8
Amenities
4.5
StaffFriendliness
5.0
100.0%
Recommend this course
4 out of 4 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.8
25 Reviews (25)
5 Stars
21
4 Stars
2
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.5
Layout
4.9
Pace
4.3
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.8
96.0%
Recommend this course
24 out of 25 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Style Traditional/Links
Par 72
Length 7286 yards
Slope 142
Rating 75.8

University Ridge Golf Course is just 15 minutes from the University of Wisconsin campus and downtown Madison. The course's name comes from the defining feature of the landscape, a remnant of the last retreating glacier. The course is perched right where the Wisconsin Glacier stopped, providing the backbone of the ridge that divides the terrain into clusters of hills and valleys. Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed the golf course with distinctly different front and back nines that make it feel like you are playing two courses in one. The front nine plays across grassy meadows, featuring contoured fairways and generous landing areas. Wind will definitely be a challenge on this more open nine. In contrast, mature trees frame most of the holes on the back nine. The golf course finishes with two of its toughest holes: a long par 3 over water and then another long hole, a par 4 that plays uphill.

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University Ridge Golf Course
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Course Details

Year Built 1991
Fairways Bent Grass
Greens Bent Grass
Golf Season Open: 4/01 Closed: 11/01

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Clubs Yes
Pull-carts Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Bunker Yes
Golf School Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes
Dress code Appropriate golf attire.

Food & Beverage

Snacks

Available Facilities

Clubhouse

Accolades

Reviews

4.8
144 Reviews (144)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
19th Hole Scenic Views 14
Drinks 14
Patio Dining 12
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 29
Elevation Changes 20
Forced Carries 15
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 24
A Weekend Splurge 20
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 17
This Course's Location is:
Convenient to the City 21
Worth the Drive 15
In the 'Burbs 8

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 22
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

the course has a few picturesque holes

I have played a lot of courses of equal condition for less money. Most of the holes are quite nice and challenging. I guess I expected more for my money.
Staff was all business, and not very friendly, except for the starter, who was both friendly and helpful.
It will be a while before I consider playing there again.
Sorry, it's just my opinion, and I have played a lot of courses. I would recommend it ,if you wanted to play some where close to home.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great day of golf

The course was in good shape, play was fast and staff was great!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

University Ridge is a must see course - one of the top courses in the Madison Area

Great course in great shape and great staff too. Course was renewed last year or two and it plays well.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Quality Challenge on a Great Venue

Course was in great late Summer shape. Rough was up and sticky...bent grass fairways were wonderful. Recently revamped greens were rolling true and fast. Sand traps were immaculate. A nice challenge for all levels of golfer. Beautiful setting in the rolling countryside of Madison suburbs. Played white tees and spouse played reds, which was appropriate for our level of play.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Play this course!

Played the last two weeks as a twosome and really enjoyed the experience. The practice facilities are first rate, balls are included, huge practice green, and a practice bunker with green rank this course at the top of the list. Every hole is interesting, well bunkered and most involve elevation changes. Greens are fast but fair, and even playing 36 yesterday we weren't bored. Pace of play was excellent! I can't believe I missed playing this course until this year. Easily as good as Wild Rock, The Oaks, The Brute and Blackwolf Run Meadows courses IMO. 10 handicap.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Greens could be faster

Great, fun course to play! Very playable, but with appropriate challenges. Greens could have been faster. Speed on some appeared inconsistent with others. But overall I gave it. 5 Stars since 4 1/2 wasn't an option

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Walked

UW Ridge

UW Ridge is fabulous and the greens are in the best shape in ten years....fast and true. This course is always a joy to play and the staff always friendly/attentive. If you are in Madison, you have to play this course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

All around super golf course!

Great golf course, in great condition. I had a friend from Az and he kept saying what a GREAT course. He can't find a golf course in Az like this. Perfect!!!!!!!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Wonderful golf experience

Perfection!! Impecable fairways & greens price was great on GolfNow.com

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great Time

We da aawsome time golfing to course, will recommand to anyone.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Still a beautiful course

This was my first time playing U-Ridge in several years. The fairways were fast and tight and the greens rolled true. It's always a pleasure to play this course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Interesting layout, conditions to match multiple skill levels

First time at University Ridge and it lived up to its reputation! Course design is beautiful, interesting and requires consideration for each shot.

The staff was friendly and helpful.

Riding is a necessity from my point of view in order to enjoy the round.

A stunningly beautiful course, which helps keep everything in perspective should you hit a bad shot.

I will make it a priority to play again soon.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great customer service

Brian A. in the pro shop was excellent. He made sure everything was in order for us to have a great experience.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 15
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Must play course in Madison!!

Absolutely brilliantly laid out course in the heart of a great city. Has a College feel throughout vs. a stuffy private club atmosphere. Youth abounds in this place but don't be fooled, golf is their #1 priority here & they get it. Pace is great & you will not be disappointed w/the premium they charge vs. the local competition. If you’re in town on business or pleasure make this stop, you won't be disappointed.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Poor weather
Used cart

UW Ridge is a fun, challenging day

Despite the bad weather and terrible mosquitoes, UW Ridge did not disappoint. Excellent course conditions and challenging play. Always a pleasure to play there. Staff is friendly and helpful. Pace of play is good.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Stunning

University Ridge course was worth the drive. Course was in fabulpous shape. Had not been a Badger fan, but after playing the Universities home course, I will be. Transition from Links to more standard american course going from front 9 to back 9 only magnified the beauty of the surroundings.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Average weather
Used cart

Always Enjoy U Ridge

We made really good time on the front but it slowed down tremendously on the back - just under 2.5 hours. Unfortunately that was probably due to the cart path only in effect. Course was in great shape and they did well to try and dry out the greens after all the rain from the past week. Greens a little slow but that was expected. Staff was as always very friendly and helpful. Love playing this course.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 50
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

True Robert Tren Jones DESIGN

GPS can be troublesome at times. Very nice layout and only wish to be able to play it again the next day. Staff very courteous.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Ridge with a view

Getting over the aeration of the greens a few weeks backs- getting faster
Rough coming in nice and thick
Bring your target game

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Fair weather
Used cart

Don't waste your time until the greens improve!

This was the second time playing the Ridge this year and was shocked at how slow the greens are this year. This is supposed to be a "top ten" course in the state and right now with the greens this slow, it's in the bottom ten. Several friends have expressed the same comments and there is no way anyone should pay these rates until the greens get back to some semblance of normal. I'm serious, these greens are terribly slow!

Additionally, unless you are there for lessons, the pro staff seems disinterested in you as a customer. The food seems okay, but they don't have name brand sodas or gatorade type drinks.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Friendliness Poor
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
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