The Oaks Golf Course | Cottage Grove, WI | Par 71

The Oaks has some layout issues, and you experience them right away. The 1^st, 3^rd, 4^th and 6^th holes all run parallel to each other, so you’re going to run into situations where someone is hitting from the wrong fairway, thus causing some confusion and backup. This often lends to rounds taking closer to five hours than four. The best time to make a pit stop in the clubhouse isn’t at your typical “turn”, but between the 7^th and 8^th holes. There’s nothing wrong with it, it’s just a bit unusual. The front nine employs a 3-3-3 setup, with three each of par-3s, par-4s and par-5s. I find this to be the best setup leading to the most variety. Two of those par-5s on the front are back-to-back, and very good scoring opportunities. Overall, the front nine is quite forgiving off the tee, with the approach shots and the shots around the green being more important. The back nine is a par 35, with three par-3s and two par-5s. The back offers more challenge off the tee, especially if you’re playing further back. The course plays more difficult overall during the summer months, as missing the fairway means you’re usually hitting out of dense rough, or possibly even from some areas of long fescue. Long searches for balls in the fescue on #8 and #9 are another reason for slow play.

The Oaks got a makeover during the 2022 season, improving on what is usually a well-manicured track. Many bunkers were re-done, along with the removal and addition of others. The course has excellent drainage, so it handles heavy rainfall very well. Greens are usually receptive, but tricky and can be rather quick. Pay attention to not be above the hole too often on certain greens, and playing more break is usually a good idea.

The entire practice area is centralized just a few steps off the first tee. There’s a good-sized driving range that has a consistent, flat hitting area, and several clear, measured targets to utilize. The range is paired with a large, dramatic putting green that mimics many of the putts you’ll see on the course. And while you can chip on the putting green, there is a separate chipping area that offers mounds, shaved areas and a bunker. A training shed takes some of the weather variable out for individual lessons and club fittings.

The Oaks clubhouse is welcoming and bright with everything you need for your round and a large selection of branded apparel. The Oakleaf restaurant offers some excellent grub for before or after your round, or to-go when you make the turn. During the winter months, part of the restaurant seating area is converted into three Trackman simulator bays, so you can keep your game sharp in the off-season.

The Oaks got a brand new fleet of carts before the 2023 season, and they are outstanding. They have point and measure touch screen GPS, an electronic scorecard option, individual ball and club cleaners, and some of the comfiest seats you’ll find. The Oaks uses the GPS to help keep the course in great condition, too. Make sure you obey the rules of road, or you may find yourself slowly backing up in shame when the cart gets shut down for driving in a restricted area.

The staff at the Oaks are some of the best around. Director of Golf Shaun Finley has been recognized as the best in his field on more than one occasion. He and Lead Instructor Joey Leonard offer individual and group lessons, and have developed an outstanding junior program. All the staff, whether it be the pro shop staff, the starters or the beverage cart drivers have never been anything less than friendly and helpful. They go out of their way to make sure your experience is top notch.

The Oaks has been typically priced above average in the Madison area, with peak-time greens fees running about $90. The course has invested heavily the past few years, redoing many of its bunkers and re-designing the #2 green, which was very problematic. I would like to see a small bag of range balls included with your greens fee. One of the best offerings you’ll find in the area is the Oaks’ 6-after-6 promotion. During the summer months, two players can play the first six holes with a cart for $20. This is designed to help introduce less experienced players to the game and course, but anyone can take advantage.

One of the nicest thing about the Oaks is that you can spray the ball off most tees. It’s not overly long, so if you can just keep your ball in play, you’ll have an opportunity to score. The challenge ramps up when you’re around the greens or if your shots are especially wayward, as long rough can pop up and make things difficult. There’s a good amount of elevation change, especially on some key approaches and the par-3s. There are a few areas with forced carries, depending on the tees you play, which can add to the challenge. Finally, expect the wind to blow when you’re there, as the course is pretty exposed. Make sure you’re taking it into account, especially on those shots with elevation changes. Overall, if you select the appropriate tees, the Oaks is a fair and playable course that will provide some opportunities for birdies and some double bogeys.

The Oaks offers five par-5s, three that are on the shorter side, which can help lead to some birdies, or even an eagle. That in itself makes the course fun to play. Tee shots are not too demanding, and you can spray it without getting into too much trouble. The course setup leads to a variety of shots. There are some short holes, there are some long holes. Holes that favor right to left off the tee, and ones that favor left to right. Congestion of some holes in a few areas, mostly on the front nine, can be frustrating, and lead to having to take extra time to play.

Hole #18 is in the running for toughest hole, but it’s also my favorite. I love challenging risk/reward holes to close out the round, and this one has got it. A good tee shot moves right to left between the fairway bunkers, and if placed properly, you’ll hit a speed slot on the left side of the fairway that will make going for the green in two a good option. However, a long shot into a green that is elevated and offers a narrow landing area is not easy. The same issues await if you lay up, making a precise approach shot a must. If you end up long of the green, you’re in serious trouble, and coming up short will leave you in a large bunker. Surprisingly, a pulled tee shot on this hole will give you the best angle to come in on, though you’ll have to hit at the green blindly over trees.

Most of the holes I find to be more difficult are on the back, and that includes the hole I fear the most. Hole #14 is a par-4 that requires a good tee shot to get into position to have a chance at the green. With penalty area all up the left side, players might find themselves bailing out to the right, but that has its own challenges. While coming in from the right isn’t as difficult as it once was thanks to Mother Nature’s tree removal, it’s still a daunting approach that has a forced carry over wetlands and some very large trees. The green is pretty large, but has a lot of break and two-putts are no sure thing. You’ll need to execute quality shots in all phases to get away with par on this one.

The par-5 9th is one that I have heard several people say they’re not a fan of. While I don’t mind the hole now, it’s definitely an odd layout. You start by either not hitting driver on a par-5, or by aiming to the right of the fairway, essentially towards the cart path, to avoid running out of fairway. A left tee shot will result in either a penalty shot or a lie with the ball severely above or below your feet for a blind second shot. To add to it, everything kicks to the left towards the penalty area and bunkers after that, so you have to play to the right, which brings in fescue and some unappealing approach angles. If you know where to aim, it’s not a difficult hole to navigate. Don’t get greedy and take what the hole gives.

Took advantage of a beautiful fall day to play a full round at the Oaks for the first time in 2026. My group and I discussed how calm it was as we hit balls on the range. By about hole #4, the wind had come, as it usual does, gusting to over 15 mph at times. It’s just something you’re going to deal with at the Oaks. The course overall was in good shape, and that rough is gnarly. Avoid it as much as you can, because it is pretty penal. My round went very well, with three birdies on the day.