Getting To Know: Watertown Country Club

Whether you have played a course 20+ times a year or looking to play the course for the first time, insights from an insider can help enhance your golf experience. Below is an interview with Shaun Finley who shares some valuable tidbits about the course, memorable holes and must eats and treats at the 19th.

Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property
Watertown Country Club is a classic style course that plays to a par of 70 and will offer challenge to the skilled player while presenting playable conditions for the novice player. The course features mature trees lining the fairways as well as the Silver Creek that comes into play on 11 of the holes.

The course also features three par 5's and five par 3's that add to the challenge of the course.

While not overly long in length, the course requires precision both off the tee and from the fairway. Well manicured greens offer a challenge with both their speed and subtle breaks.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course?
Watertown Country Club provides all players, regardless of playing ability, the opportunity to enjoy their round. This classic style course offers a challenge whether you are a longer or shorter hitter.

Great conditions from tee to green highlight your experience here at Watertown CC.

Guest have a unique opportunity to play our private country club without being a member. Guests may play without a member by having a group of 12 or more players. There may be some time restrictions. 2012 is the first year we have had this offer and have already had a great response. Interested parties may contact Shaun Finley at shaun@watertowncc.com or at 920.261.1375.

What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course?
With length not at a premium, accuracy is of the highest importance. If playing a round here at Watertown Country Club, there are a number of holes where you can leave driver in the bag.

On the greens, keeping the ball on the correct side of the hole will go a long ways in producing a good score. With green speeds reaching 11-12 on the stipmeter, staying below the hole is key.

Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course?
The course has hosted a number of WPGA and WSGA Events over the years. Most recently in 2012 WCC hosted the USGA Junior Am. Qualifying and a WSGA Net Partners event.

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
Our 2nd hole is definitely our most talked about hole. This par 4, although not overly long in length provides a difficult test. With trees lining the fairway, the tee shot requires an accurately placed shot.

After the tee shot, the true challenge begins. The second shot plays slightly uphill to a green well guarded by bunkers as well as a creek 20 yards short of the green. Shots coming up short of the green will roll by down the slope leaving a difficult up and down.

The green is well-sloped from back to front leaving no easy two-putts.

Without a question, par's are few and far between.

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It? My favorite hole is the 17th hole. At 535 yards, this par 5 is your traditional risk-reward par 5.

With a well placed tee shot avoiding one of the 4 fairway bunkers, longer hitters have the opportunity to reach the green in two. Second shots must avoid a creek 40 yards short of the green. If going for the green in two, I reccommend taking plenty of club.

If laying up, more fairway bunkers come into play. A well positioned lay up will leave you with a short run to attack for your 3rd shot.

It's a great hole to set up a strong finish to your round.

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole?
I would highly recommend our Build-A-Burger. With plenty of options to suit your tastes, our members rave about our burgers!

Who Holds Course Record and What Was Their Score?
Our past Golf Professional Gene Frank holds the course record of 8-under par 62. His round featured 9 birdies and 1 bogey. The record was established in 1978.

Back Tee Stats
Par: 70
Yardage: 6405
Slope: 124
Rating: 70.6

More Information
Watertown Country Club
1340 North Water Street
Watertown, WI, 53098
920-261-1375
www.watertowncc.com