It’s a muni. Let’s just get that out of the way first. When people talk about New Berlin Hills Golf Course in New Berlin, WI, there’s sometimes this split second of hesitation because it isn't a thousand-dollar-a-year private club with a gated entrance and a caddie master. But honestly? That’s exactly why it’s one of the most respected spots in the Milwaukee metro area. You aren't paying for a marble locker room; you’re paying for some of the quickest greens and most frustratingly beautiful elevation changes in the county.
If you’ve lived in Southeast Wisconsin for a while, you know the reputation. This place used to be New Berlin Hills, then it was a private club (New Berlin Hills Country Club), and eventually, it transitioned back into the hands of the city. Since 1907, this land has been shaped by golf, and you can feel that age. It isn't one of those modern, "bulldozed-flat" courses where every hole looks like a carbon copy of the last. It’s got character. It’s got quirks. It has those "Wait, how did my ball end up there?" moments that define a Saturday morning.
The Layout at New Berlin Hills Golf Course in New Berlin, WI
The first thing you’ll notice when you pull into the lot off Graham Street is that the course looks... compact. Don't let that fool you. While it plays just over 6,500 yards from the back tees (the "Gold" tees), the par-71 layout isn't a pushover. The rating is 71.3 and the slope is 129. Basically, it’s harder than it looks on the scorecard.
Why?
The hills. It’s right there in the name, but people still underestimate how much the rolling terrain messes with your club selection. You’ll be standing on a fairway thinking you have a standard 150-yard shot, but the elevation change makes it play like 165 or 135. Most locals will tell you that the front nine is where you have to make your score. It’s a bit more "gettable." Once you cross over to the back nine, things get a little tighter, a little more technical, and a lot more punishing if you’re spraying your driver.
The Infamous Greens
We have to talk about the greens. Seriously. Ask any regular at New Berlin Hills Golf Course and they’ll mention the speed. Management—currently handled by Greenhouse Golf—has a reputation for keeping these things slick. They aren't just fast; they’re undulating. If you’re above the hole on a hot July afternoon, you’re basically just praying for a two-putt.
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It’s a classic North Hills style. You see a lot of old-growth trees lining the fairways—mostly hardwoods that have been there since the early 20th century. These trees don't just provide shade; they dictate your line. If you’re a "bomber" who likes to grip it and rip it without looking at the map, New Berlin Hills will eat your lunch. It’s a shot-maker’s course. You need to know where the miss is. Usually, the miss is not long.
Why the WSGA Keeps Coming Back
It isn't just weekend warriors who like this place. New Berlin Hills has hosted the Wisconsin State Senior Open and various WSGA (Wisconsin State Golf Association) events over the years. That should tell you something. Pro-level golfers don't spend their time on "easy" municipal courses. They come here because the course requires precision.
One of the coolest things about the history here is the shift in ownership. For a long time, the City of New Berlin has owned the land, but they’ve been smart enough to let professional management firms handle the day-to-day. This has kept the conditions closer to a private club level than your average park-and-play.
- The Signature Challenge: Many golfers point to Hole 14. It’s a par 4 that requires a very specific tee shot to avoid being blocked out by trees on the approach.
- The Par 3s: They are deceptively difficult. None of them are monstrously long, but the bunkering is strategic.
- Drainage: Because of the hills, the course actually dries out pretty well compared to some of the lower-lying courses in the Brookfield or Waukesha area.
The Vibe and the Clubhouse
Let’s be real: some golf courses feel stuffy. New Berlin Hills isn't one of them. The clubhouse is functional and welcoming. The "19th Hole" bar and grill is a staple for the local New Berlin crowd. They do a Friday Night Fish Fry—because this is Wisconsin, and if you don't have a fish fry, do you even really exist? It’s the kind of place where you see guys in work boots sitting next to guys in $200 golf polos, and nobody cares.
Actually, the community aspect is a huge part of the draw. The junior programs here are robust. You see a lot of high school teams practicing on the range or the putting green. It’s a developmental hub as much as it is a championship venue.
A Quick Word on Pace of Play
Is it slow? Sometimes. It’s a popular public course in a heavily populated suburb. If you’re booking a tee time at 10:00 AM on a Saturday, expect a four-and-a-half-hour round. The marshals do their best, but the difficulty of the greens often leads to some "six-putt" scenarios for beginners that can back things up. If you want a quick round, try to get out before 7:30 AM or look for the late-afternoon twilight rates.
Getting the Most Out of Your Round
If you’re heading out to New Berlin Hills Golf Course in New Berlin, WI for the first time, don't try to overpower it. The course record isn't held by someone who hit every drive 320 yards; it’s held by someone who knew how to lag putt.
Pro Tip: Spend at least 15 minutes on the practice green before you head to the first tee. You need to calibrate your brain for the speed. If you treat these like the slow, shaggy greens at a cheap executive course, you’re going to be frustrated by the third hole.
Also, keep an eye on the wind. Since the course sits on a relatively high point compared to the surrounding terrain, the wind can whip across those hills and move your ball significantly more than you’d expect, especially on the more exposed holes on the back side.
Booking and Rates
Pricing is fair. It fluctuates based on the day of the week and whether you’re a New Berlin resident. They’ve embraced dynamic pricing, so you can often find deals if you book through their website or apps like GolfNow. They also offer a "Premier Card" which is basically a loyalty program that pays for itself if you plan on playing more than five or six times a year.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you want to actually score well at New Berlin Hills, stop aiming at the pins. Seriously.
- Play for the middle of the green. Because the greens are so tiered and fast, being on the "wrong" side of the hole is worse than being 30 feet away on the right level.
- Leave the driver in the bag on short par 4s. Accuracy is king here. A 200-yard shot into the fairway is infinitely better than a 280-yard shot into the thick hardwoods.
- Check the event calendar. Since they host a lot of outings and WSGA events, the course can be closed for chunks of the day. Always call ahead or check the online portal.
- Try the food. Don't just rush to your car after the 18th. The patio overlooks the course and it’s one of the better spots in the city to grab a burger and watch people struggle with their finishing putts.
New Berlin Hills remains a gem because it hasn't tried to become something it isn't. It’s a challenging, well-maintained, historic public course that rewards smart play and punishes ego. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or someone just trying to break 100, it’s a mandatory stop on any Milwaukee-area golf tour.
Grab your bag. Charge your rangefinder. Just make sure you’re ready for those hills. They don't call it that for nothing. Luck won't save you on the 18th green, but a good stroke might. Enjoy the walk.