Ryan Brown, Director of Golf at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, remains composed despite managing large charity events on the resort’s two main courses, The Brute and Highlands. These annual golf outings are a regular occurrence at one of Wisconsin’s premier resorts, with the venue hosting an impressive 240 to 260 events each season, ranging from corporate gatherings to friendly trips.
While The Brute and Highlands attract golfers from across the Midwest and even as far as Texas, Grand Geneva has recently enhanced its golfing offerings with the addition of Wee Nip, a distinctive 11-hole short course. Situated on land previously occupied by woodlands and the resort’s original driving range, Wee Nip is far from a mere novelty. It presents a genuine test of a golfer’s short game prowess and provides an excellent opportunity for players unfamiliar with bentgrass greens to hone their skills.
“Wee Nip is a vital enhancement to our existing facilities, Highlands and The Brute,” stated Brown. “It offers a completely different atmosphere and architectural style.” The course’s yardage varies from a compact 649 yards to a challenging 1,093 yards.
Wee Nip lives up to its reputation as a tricky opponent, akin to an annoying younger sibling. It presents a full challenge from the opening 85-yard hole, aptly named “Blackboard,” to the demanding 110-yard, uphill 11th hole, “Aloha,” which features two distinct green options. Missing either green on the 11th, especially the upper one, can lead to your ball rolling back downhill, significantly impacting your score.
For those who achieve the lowest score on Wee Nip, their accomplishment is publicly displayed near the 12th hole’s food truck. After your round, don’t miss the opportunity to try the signature “Wee Nip” shot, regardless of whether your picture makes it on the board.
The design of Wee Nip is the work of Milwaukee-based architect Matt Dusenberry, renowned for his collaborations with Greg Norman’s design company. The greens at Wee Nip are notably large and feature significant undulation. In fact, the combined square footage of all 11 Wee Nip greens exceeds that of the 18 greens on the Highlands course.
Unlike many resort “short courses” that utilize mats for tee shots, Wee Nip allows players to tee off from the grass. Complimentary extra-short wooden tees are provided on the first hole. A lightweight daybag is also available from the starter. Players can use their own clubs or rent a set, typically consisting of a 9-iron, pitching wedge, and putter. Wee Nip is a walking-only course, and while the walk is not strenuous, it does require a “wee nip” of stamina.
“Wee Nip serves as an extension of the game of golf and provides another avenue for our resort guests โ perfect for a second round of the day or a late-evening cap,” Brown concluded. “It’s simply fantastic.”
