Naga-Waukee War Memorial Golf Course is a par-72 public championship course in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, that offers 6,830 yards of challenging Kettle Moraine terrain designed by renowned architect E. Lawrence Packard, with rates starting at $21 for 9 holes and extending up to $53 for 18 holes depending on residency status and season.
The course logs 40,000 rounds annually and features dramatic elevation changes, strategic hole layouts, and excellent drainage that keeps it playable when other courses close—plus you can book tee times online up to 14 days in advance or by phone one week ahead.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about rates, notable holes, booking procedures, and insider tips for playing one of Wisconsin's busiest and most respected public courses.
What Makes Naga-Waukee War Memorial Golf Course Stand Out
Naga-Waukee opened in 1966 as a tribute to servicemen and women who fought in World War II, and renowned architect E. Lawrence Packard transformed 200 wooded Kettle Moraine acres into what regulars affectionately call “The Nag.”
Operating as part of the Waukesha County Park System, this municipal facility has earned its place as one of Wisconsin's premier public golf destinations.
The course sits on rugged terrain formed during the glacial age, which creates both dramatic playing characteristics and a practical advantage most golfers don't immediately appreciate.
Staff describe the property as “built on a rock pile,” meaning the drainage is exceptional.
When other area courses struggle with wet conditions and close to carts or walking, you can usually still play Naga-Waukee with full cart availability.
This geological foundation keeps the course open for business when competitors have to shut down.
With approximately 40,000 rounds logged annually, Naga-Waukee ranks among the busiest courses in Wisconsin.
That volume would destroy most facilities, but the conditioning here remains excellent year after year.
Professional athletes recognize quality when they see it—NFL players J.J., Derek, and T.J. Watt are known to play the course regularly, which speaks volumes about the challenge and upkeep you'll find.
The reputation centers on two factors that matter most to golfers: strategic design and exceptional value. Packard's layout demands thoughtful club selection and course management rather than just bombing driver on every hole.
When you compare what you get at Naga-Waukee to what private courses in the Milwaukee metro area charge, the value proposition becomes obvious.
You're playing a course that tests your skills and stays in fantastic shape, all while paying municipal rates that won't wreck your budget.
Location, Contact Information, and How to Book Your Tee Time
You'll find Naga-Waukee at W307 N1897 Maple Avenue, Pewaukee, WI 53072, positioned on the west side of Maple Avenue (also called Highway E).
The course sits half a mile north of Interstate 94 and roughly one mile west of Pewaukee Lake, making it exceptionally easy to reach from the I-94 corridor.
Three hotels nearby make this a popular spot for destination golfers coming from outside the area.
Contact numbers:
- Course direct: 262-367-2153
- Waukesha County Golf Administration: 262-548-7801 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, excluding holidays)
Booking your tee time works through two channels with different advance windows.
Online reservations through the Waukesha County system open up 14 days ahead, giving you the longest planning window.
Phone reservations at 262-367-2153 require a shorter lead time—you can book one week in advance.
Individual golfers can reserve up to three tee times per course per day.
Planning an outing that needs more than three slots?
Contact the clubhouse directly rather than trying to work around the individual booking limit.
They handle group arrangements separately and can customize packages for your event.
The golf season runs April through November, with the course typically closing in late November once winter conditions set in.
The clubhouse stays open with limited hours through mid-December if you need to pick up merchandise or purchase gift cards, but actual play wraps up when the regular season ends.
Pricing, Rates, and Money-Saving Options for 2025
Naga-Waukee structures its pricing around three seasons, with rates that reward county residents, veterans, and players willing to tee off at strategic times.
Spring rates (opening through May 2) set 18 holes at $39 for Waukesha County residents, $30 for seniors and juniors, $32 for veterans, and $45 for non-residents. Nine holes run $21 for residents, $18.50 for seniors/juniors, $19.25 for veterans, and $25 for non-residents.
Summer weekday rates (May 3 through September 28) increase slightly: $41 for residents playing 18 holes, $32 for seniors/juniors, $32 for veterans (this veteran rate applies on weekends only after 12 PM), and $50 for non-residents. Nine-hole pricing goes to $24 for residents, $20 for seniors/juniors, $19.25 for veterans, and $29 for non-residents.
Weekend and holiday rates during summer jump higher.
Residents pay $45 for 18 holes, seniors and juniors also pay $45, veterans maintain their $32 rate, and non-residents hit $53.
The nine-hole breakdown: $28.50 for residents, $28.50 for seniors/juniors, $19.25 for veterans, and $32.50 for non-residents.
Fall rates (September 29 through season close) drop back to spring pricing for all days of the week, which makes late-season golf particularly attractive if you don't mind cooler temperatures.
Two timing-based discounts offer substantial savings regardless of your residency status.
Twilight rates kick in Monday through Friday after 5 PM and on weekends after 3 PM, setting 18 holes at $32 for everyone and nine holes between $17.75 and $22.75.
Early bird rates apply Monday through Friday before 8 AM, with 18 holes at $32 and nine holes at $20 for all players.
Here's the best money-saving option if you live outside Waukesha County: purchase the Non-Resident Discount Card for $30 annually at either Naga-Waukee or Moor Downs Golf Course.
This card gives you resident rates for the entire year.
Play just a handful of rounds and you've already recouped the card cost, making it a smart move for anyone planning to return more than once or twice.
Equipment and practice costs:
- Golf cart: $19 per player (18 holes), $12 per player (9 holes)
- Push cart: $8 (18 holes), $5 (9 holes)
- Club rental: $35 (18 holes), $22 (9 holes)
- Range balls: $12 large bucket, $8 small bucket
Course Layout, Design Philosophy, and Must-Know Holes
Naga-Waukee plays as an 18-hole championship course at par 72, with three tee sets accommodating different skill levels.
The back tees stretch to 6,830 yards, middle tees measure approximately 6,300 yards, and forward tees come in at 5,772 yards.
From the tips, you're looking at a 72.0 rating with a 126 slope—moderately challenging for scratch golfers while remaining accessible if you play from appropriate tees for your handicap.
Both fairways and greens feature bluegrass, which handles Wisconsin's climate well and provides excellent playing surfaces throughout the season.
Packard built his design around the natural Kettle Moraine topography rather than fighting against it.
The routing alternates between tight, tree-lined holes and more open, forgiving layouts, preventing the round from feeling monotonous and forcing you to use every club in your bag.
You'll encounter genuine risk-reward opportunities where aggressive play can pay off, along with forced layup situations where discretion beats valor.
The signature 14th hole stands out as the course's centerpiece—a par-5 featuring a downhill, double-dogleg layout with stunning Pewaukee Lake views from elevated tee boxes.
This hole has become so photogenic that locals use it for prom photos, wedding photography, and special occasions.
The strategic demands combined with scenic beauty make it memorable regardless of how you score.
The back nine delivers the most dramatic terrain. Heart Attack Hill” earned its nickname from the steep climb between the 15th tee and 16th tee, which tests your conditioning as much as your golf game.
Walking the course is feasible if you're in good physical shape, but this stretch alone convinces many players to ride.
Several holes demand specific attention on your first visit.
The opening par-4 tests you immediately with a partially blind fairway that falls away beyond the landing area—local knowledge helps here.
Hole 2, a par-5, can be reached in two shots but features high tee boxes with tree lines that punish anything offline.
Hole 11 flips conventional wisdom—this short par-5 rewards strategic play over power, typically requiring less than driver off the tee to avoid a fairway bunker that sits right in the bombing zone.
The 13th plays as the longest par-3 at 211 yards, with a narrow flight area and elevated green that can play significantly longer when the pin sits back.
Rolling terrain creates several blind tee shots, particularly on the back nine.
First-timers should ask the starter about aiming points rather than guessing, since local knowledge prevents wasted shots on holes you can't see.
The greens are massive, which sounds forgiving until you realize pin placement dictates everything about your approach shot.
Club selection needs to account for which portion of the green holds the flag, not just total distance to the front edge.
That exceptional drainage mentioned earlier also means firm, fast-running fairways during dry periods—the ball will roll out considerably more than you might expect at other courses.
Clubhouse, Practice Facilities, and On-Course Amenities
Golf Professional Kurt Mantyla manages the facility and offers both individual and group lessons for players looking to improve their game.
The pro shop carries a well-stocked selection of equipment, apparel, and accessories suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced players.
Staff members know the course intimately and can provide guidance on equipment selection and course management strategies that actually work on Naga-Waukee's specific challenges.
The practice facilities include a driving range with three practice tees.
While relatively small compared to standalone range facilities, it provides adequate space to warm up before your round and work out any swing issues.
The practice putting green deserves specific mention—according to consistent player feedback, it accurately reflects the speed and break characteristics you'll encounter on the course greens, making your warmup time genuinely useful rather than misleading.
The clubhouse dining menu covers the standards you'd expect: sandwiches, pizzas, and snacks. Beverages include soda, beer, and wine.
What makes the experience special is the outdoor patio overlooking the 18th green with Pewaukee Lake visible in the background.
This spot has become popular for post-round relaxation, and you'll understand why once you're sitting there with a cold drink after navigating Heart Attack Hill.
One important restriction: No carry-on food or beverages are permitted on the course or in the clubhouse.
Plan accordingly and support the on-site food service rather than packing your own cooler.
Practical amenities include restrooms and locker facilities in the clubhouse.
Credit cards are accepted for all transactions, so you don't need to carry cash.
Gift cards are available for purchase and work for green fees, cart rentals, merchandise, and food and beverage—making them a flexible option for golfers who like to handle payments upfront or anyone shopping for gifts.
Playing Opportunities, Programs, and Essential Course Rules
Naga-Waukee runs multiple adult leagues during prime season, including men's and women's leagues in various formats.
Contact the course directly for current availability and registration details, as league structures can shift year to year based on demand.
The PGA Jr. League program brings a “Little League” atmosphere to youth golf, combining on-course instruction with team competitions and social activities that make the game fun rather than intimidating.
The 2022 program ran as a 9-hole, 8-round league for $185 per player, which included golf balls, coupons, weekly beverages and snacks, contests and prizes, continued instruction throughout the season, and a final-day team scramble with lunch.
Comprehensive junior golf programming beyond the Jr. League is available through Waukesha County Golf—contact the administration office for specifics.
Golf outings work well at Naga-Waukee for groups ranging from 12 to 72 players.
The course can customize packages around either 9-hole or 18-hole formats depending on your group's preferences and schedule.
Course rules you need to know:
All play follows USGA rules. You must register with the starter before your round, and the starter has authority to make up foursomes to maintain pace of play.
Check with the starter before beginning play on the back nine. Each player needs a golf bag containing at least two clubs and a putter—no exceptions.
Maximum group size is four golfers, and slower groups must allow faster groups to play through when requested.
Proper golf attire is required at all times. Standard course etiquette applies: replace your divots, rake bunkers after use, and repair ball marks on greens.
Golf carts can only be operated by players 18 years or older. Walking is permitted and encouraged if you're in good physical condition, though the significant back nine elevation changes convince most players to ride.
Caddies are not permitted, and no spectators are allowed on the course during play. Staff may ask you to produce your receipt at any time.
First-timer advice:
Course management matters more than raw distance at Naga-Waukee.
Accuracy often beats power here, particularly on tree-lined holes where strategy trumps bombing driver.
Prepare for blind shots, especially on the back nine—don't hesitate to ask the starter for aiming points on holes you haven't played before rather than guessing.
Seriously consider riding rather than walking due to those elevation changes; Heart Attack Hill earns its name.
Bring extra balls if you tend toward wayward shots, as the tree-lined holes and dense rough make recovery challenging.
Expect firm, fast-running fairways during dry periods thanks to that exceptional drainage.
Conclusion
Naga-Waukee delivers championship-quality golf at municipal rates, combining E. Lawrence Packard's strategic design with conditioning that holds up under 40,000 rounds annually.
The dramatic Kettle Moraine terrain, exceptional drainage, and varied routing make this one of the best values in the Milwaukee metro area.
Book your tee time online up to 14 days in advance and experience why regulars keep coming back to “The Nag” season after season.
