Wisconsin Golfer - July/August 2011

which forces players to play across the pond. That tee and its forced carry will be in play during the State Amateur.

Maple Bluff holds the potential for a thrilling finish if the tournament is tight down the stretch. The course closes with two potential birdie holes, but they also penalize players who stray from the fairway. Birdies and bogeys will likely be common on both.

The par- 4 17th, measuring 376 yards with a subtle bend to the left just in front of the green, is one of the most interesting holes on the course. Out-of-bounds lurks along the right side and mature trees line the left, so finding the proper portion of the fairway and correct angle into the

“There’s a risk-reward on a lot of those short par-4s, but the risk may be greater than the reward.”

— Brian Bishop

green can be difficult.

“There are no bunkers or water on that
hole, but there’s OB right and if you’re a
little bit left you’re blocked out,” Bishop
said. “Just a little bit left, and you’re man-
ufacturing a shot.”
No. 18 isn’t long, either, at 382 yards,
but it can be a difficult driving hole because
of a narrow landing area and bunkers in
the fairway. The 18th features probably the
most difficult putting surface on the course,
and it even looks scary from the fairway,
with an obvious slant from left to right.

wasn’t too worried about providing prime course conditions – the course will be in great shape – but that doesn’t mean the State Amateur is just another week in Madison. It is a major event on the state golf calendar.

“I’ve been through a few of these State
Amateurs and State Opens,” he said. “I
won’t say it’s just another tournament be-
cause there’s more hoopla to it now than
there was many years ago. The importance
of the Amateur now is so much more in
the state than it was 30 years ago.”
There is no charge for admission or park-
ing at the Wisconsin State Amateur. For
real-time scoring during championship
week, visit www.wsga.org. ;;

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