Norsk Golf Club (9 holes) | Mount Horeb, WI | Par 36

A pretty basic, bland setup at the Norsk, as there’s not a lot of real estate to utilize. Hence, there are only two sets of tees two choose from, with the longest tees measuring less than 3,000 yards. Not surprisingly, the course is filled with shorter par-4s and a par-5 (hole #2) that measures under 425 yards. There isn’t much in the way of real trouble on the course, and there isn’t any water anywhere. The par-3s – there are three in the 3-3-3, par 36 setup – are the stars of the show.

Overall, the course is in good shape, and, most importantly, the greens roll well. The tee boxes and fairways provide good grass to hit from. The bunkers are on the lower end of sand volume, from what I found, but they’re not bad to play out of.

Not much in the way of space to practice. There is a small putting/chipping green before the first tee, but that’s it. No range, so no chance to hit balls before your round.

The clubhouse is a bar/bowling alley first, with golf seeming to be an afterthought. The bar area is nice, with big TVs all around for before or after the round. I just didn’t see anything int he way of golf necessities available inside. Make sure you come prepared.

Basic carts that get the job done. That’s about all you can say. You can tell they’ve been running for a while. but I had no real issue the last time I played there.

The staff inside was very friendly and accommodating. They’re going to be the ones to take care of all your needs while on the course, as there isn’t a beverage cart on the course regularly.

The Norsk is on the cheaper end of the spectrum, but I feel there is solid value. The course isn’t going to challenge the more experienced player, but you might leave feeling pretty good about your game, and who of us doesn’t need that from time to time. If you’re looking for a low-key, low-cost round at a course that is going to take it easy on you, the Norsk is a good option.

The Norsk is short – in some places, very short – without a lot of imminent danger lurking. There are a few spots where out of bounds creeps up, and there are some trees here and there that you have to avoid, but for the most part, this is a course most relatively experienced golfers can handle pretty easily.

Taking your shot on a couple drivable par-4s or reaching a par-5 in two always adds to the fun, and you have those chances at the Norsk. I enjoy courses that have three par-3s and three par-5s, giving you more chances at a rare eagle or even an ace. The course is in good shape, and the greens roll well, so you can enjoy a shorter, easier course, but still play in good conditions.

The downhill par-3 5th hole is probably the most dramatic hole on the course. It’s a short iron in for most as you hit down into a large shelved green. A well-struck shot will seem to be in the air for 30 seconds. Anything that is short of the green will repel back down the hill, leaving a difficult up-and-down. Missing long will leave you with a touchy chip back down the hill.

The par-4 7th hole is the longest par-4 on the course, and it’s paired up with a small, slanted green. The dogleg right hole is protected with a fairway bunker at the bend that will grab any unsuccessful attempts to cut the corner. Anything pulled to the left could meet one of the few sections of OB on the course, as the terrain will kick the ball out of play. Once you’re on the green, it offers some tricky putts, especially towards the front side.

The last hole at the Norsk could also be deemed the toughest. It’s a longer par-5, measuring 500 yards from the blue tees. But it’s the tee shot that is worst part of the hole. The hole doglegs to the left severely, with large trees all down the left side of the fairway that make a straight shot down the fairway extremely difficult. In order to advance the ball down the fairway far enough, you’ll need to hit a tee shot that moves right to left, and that type of demand doesn’t really fit with the rest of the course.

I was in the area for a wedding the night before, so I might some friends to play Norsk. Fall was definitely creeping into the temps, and the wind was up, but the course was in pretty good conditions. The greens were sneaky quick if you weren’t below the hole, and there are some spots that can make you feel pretty silly (and I did). This was a fun round because you don’t have to hit it great to still around fairly well. You’re more likely to lose your ball in a wide expanse of rough than in a penalty area.