Pros:
A wooded course in a semi-secluded setting north of the bustle of Wisconsin Dells, Fawn Creek Winery has added a fantastic 9-hole course around their complex. Elevation and lines are demanding throughout. All tees except 2 are marked by red balls sunk into the ground showing the hole number, the distance, and the front corners of the teeing area, and by each tee is a small wooden bench. The baskets are MachIIIs in great condition.
No hole can be considered fully "open," and the most open one – hole 6 – has a basket perfectly guarded by trees short and long. The fairway demands a small gap being hit, or a high stall over the trees with a rhbh line.
Elevation combined with woods are the biggest positive factor. Hole 2 is a precise right-to-left line with a scary elevation drop 4ft behind the pin, Holes 3 and 5 are downhill shots with small margin for error if you want a birdie. 4 and 8 are a bit more forgiving in the fairway width but take a step up in distance to compensate for the difficulty loss and throw just enough trees near the pin to make them dangerous.
The flatter holes hold the tightest lines. Hole 1 is a short, 215ft hole, with a long rhbh turnover line being the best option. Hole 9 is something else. 285, slightly uphill, with a leaning fallen tree taking away one tunnel option, leaving a very thin gap just to the right of center about halfway down the fairway, then opening into a decently larger landing area. Getting the right distance/accuracy combo on this would be a spectacular shot.
Several spicy pin placements, 2 was mentioned before, but 3, 7, and 8 have trees within 10ft of the basket. Add the slope on the greens of 3 and 4 and you have one more challenge to contend with.
Cons:
All-natural tees aren't the worst thing in the world, but a detraction, nonetheless. The tee markers for hole 2 were missing completely.
Hole 1 butts up against the road on its left and past the basket, and Hole 5's basket sits about 30ft from the vineyard fence, as does the early part of Hole 6.
Other Thoughts:
Be aware that the parking lot may be busy if the winery is open (sign said Memorial Day to Labor Day).
The greatness of this course stems from the fact that it has very few negatives to count against it. It's set into the land well and has a great design to boot. Well worth a stop if you're vacationing in the Dells, just be prepared to throw some good recovery shots after an inevitable tree kick.