Complete Guide to SentryWorld Golf Club in Stevens Point, WI

SentryWorld Golf Club in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, stands as the state's premier destination golf course, featuring Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s championship design, the world-famous Flower Hole, and an all-inclusive $275 experience that covers everything from GPS carts to unlimited food and beverages.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about playing this nationally-ranked course, staying at The Inn, dining options, and booking your visit.

Keep reading for detailed information about course highlights, pricing, accommodations, and how to make the most of your SentryWorld experience.

SentryWorld Overview: Wisconsin's Flagship Golf Destination

SentryWorld represents a remarkable achievement in golf course design and corporate vision.

When Sentry Insurance CEO John Joanis envisioned Wisconsin's first destination golf course in the early 1980s, he turned to legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. to bring that dream to life.

The result was so exceptional that Jones Jr. himself calls SentryWorld his “Mona Lisa” – high praise from an architect who has designed courses worldwide.

The course opened on June 13, 1982, and has continuously evolved to maintain its championship standards.

Major renovations in 2013-2014 enhanced the playing experience, while additional improvements in 2021 prepared SentryWorld to host the prestigious U.S. Senior Open championship.

Course Specifications:

  • Par 72 championship layout stretching 7,145 yards from the tips
  • Course rating of 74.4 with a slope rating of 139
  • Bent grass playing surfaces throughout
  • 200+ acres of meticulously maintained parkland terrain
  • 35 acres of spring-fed lakes woven throughout the design

The golf industry has taken notice of SentryWorld's excellence.

Golf Digest ranked it #49 among “America's 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses” in 2025, while GOLF magazine placed it at #81 on their “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” list in 2024.

These national rankings reflect the course's ability to challenge accomplished players while remaining accessible to the public.

What sets SentryWorld apart isn't just the championship-caliber design or pristine conditions – it's the complete destination experience that Sentry Insurance has created.

You're not just playing a round of golf; you're experiencing a carefully crafted environment where every detail has been considered to enhance your day on the course.

The Famous Flower Hole and Course Highlights

SentryWorld's 16th hole has achieved legendary status in the golf world.

This 200-yard par 3, known simply as the “Flower Hole,” features approximately 33,000 flowers surrounding the green in an ever-changing kaleidoscope of color.

It's arguably the most photographed hole in golf, and for good reason – nowhere else will you find such a stunning fusion of athletic challenge and artistic beauty.

The flower display isn't static. Each year brings a new design, with flowers grown at Heath Farms in Coloma and planted around Memorial Day.

This seasonal transformation keeps the hole fresh for returning visitors and creates a unique backdrop for every round.

There's even a local rule that adds character: you can't retrieve balls hit into the flowers.

Don't worry though – the grounds crew recovers between 2,000 and 3,000 balls at season's end, so you're not alone if your tee shot finds the petals instead of the pin.

Other Notable Holes:

The 3rd hole presents an early test with its short par 3 design featuring water hazards and unforgiving steep fallouts that punish anything but precise shot-making.

Meanwhile, the 5th hole offers classic cape-style architecture where you can play conservatively or take on risk for greater reward – the kind of strategic decision that makes great golf holes memorable.

During the 2023 U.S. Senior Open, the 6th hole proved to be the championship's most difficult test, separating contenders from pretenders with its demanding layout.

The 9th hole rounds out the front nine as a shorter par 5 that might seem forgiving on the scorecard but presents multiple strategic challenges that reward smart course management over raw distance.

Premium Playing Conditions

SentryWorld's commitment to excellence extends beneath the surface.

SubAir systems installed under every green provide consistent playing conditions regardless of weather, while drip irrigation systems around each bunker ensure perfect sand conditions throughout the season.

These technological investments mean you'll experience tour-quality conditions every time you play, whether it's May or October.

Golf Rates, Booking, and All-Inclusive Experience

SentryWorld's 2025 day guest rate is $275, but this isn't just a green fee – it's a comprehensive golf experience that eliminates the nickel-and-diming common at many premium courses.

The golf season runs from May 30 through October 1, with tee times spaced at 20-minute intervals to ensure you're never rushed through your round.

You can book up to 90 days in advance, though the course closes every Monday for maintenance to keep conditions pristine.

Planning ahead is smart, especially during peak season when demand is highest.

Discount Opportunities:

Local residents from Portage, Wood, Marathon, and Waupaca counties receive reduced rates with proper ID verification.

Active military personnel and junior golfers 18 and under also qualify for discounts, though these reduced rates can only be booked within seven days of play – no advance reservations at discount pricing.

What's Included in Your Round

SentryWorld operates on a simple philosophy: “Once you've paid, if it's on the course, it's on the house.” Your $275 covers everything you need for an exceptional day of golf:

  • GPS-equipped golf cart with premium features
  • All gratuities throughout your experience
  • Unlimited food and beverages at two on-course refreshment stations

The refreshment stations aren't your typical halfway house snack bars.

You'll find hot meals, premium snacks, craft beer, wine, cocktails, and locally made ice cream – all unlimited throughout your round.

Whether you want a full meal at the turn or just grab a cold beverage between holes, everything is already paid for.

This all-inclusive approach means you can focus entirely on your golf without worrying about additional costs piling up.

The only thing you'll need to bring is your clubs and your A-game – SentryWorld handles everything else to ensure your day is memorable for all the right reasons.

Technology, Amenities, and Championship Events

SentryWorld's golf carts come equipped with GPS technology and Bluetooth audio systems, letting you track yardages while enjoying your own playlist during the round.

For travelers, Ship Sticks service makes getting your clubs to Stevens Point hassle-free – no more airline baggage fees or worrying about damaged equipment.

Championship Golf Heritage

The course's championship credentials received global validation when it hosted the 2023 U.S. Senior Open.

Germany's Bernhard Langer claimed victory at age 65, adding another historic moment to SentryWorld's legacy.

The upcoming 2025 Rolex Girls Junior Championship from June 17-19 will showcase 72 of the world's top junior female golfers, further cementing SentryWorld's status as a premier championship venue.

These major events aren't just prestigious tournaments – they demonstrate the course's ability to challenge the world's best players while maintaining the exceptional conditions that make every round memorable.

Beyond the Golf Course

The SentryWorld Fieldhouse expands your recreational options with tennis courts, pickleball facilities, a golf simulator, and an indoor driving range.

Whether weather interrupts your outdoor plans or you want to work on your game before your round, these indoor facilities keep you active year-round.

Adventure extends beyond the property through access to the 27-mile Green Circle recreational trail, perfect for exploring Stevens Point's natural beauty.

The Outfitter provides equipment rental for every season – bikes and fishing gear for summer exploration, cross-country skis and snowshoes for winter adventures.

This comprehensive amenity package means SentryWorld functions as more than a golf destination.

You're getting access to a complete recreational experience where golf is the centerpiece, but outdoor adventure, fitness facilities, and championship-level competitions create a destination worth extending your stay.

The Inn at SentryWorld: Luxury Accommodations

The Inn at SentryWorld earned global recognition from the LIV Hospitality Design Awards in the Best Boutique Hotel architectural design category – a distinction that becomes immediately apparent when you step inside.

This 64-room boutique property seamlessly blends contemporary design with authentic Wisconsin charm, creating an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.

Every guest room and suite features a private patio or terrace with comfortable seating, and most offer views of either the adjacent woods or the championship golf course.

You'll sleep on Egyptian cotton sheets with premium bedding, while spacious floor plans provide room to relax after your round.

Modern technology integration ensures you stay connected without sacrificing the peaceful retreat atmosphere.

Hotel Amenities and Common Areas

The Inn's common spaces encourage both relaxation and socializing.

The living room centers around a striking two-way fireplace, while the screened-in porch offers a perfect spot to unwind with views of the property.

An outdoor patio with fire pit extends the gathering space into Wisconsin's beautiful evenings.

Practical amenities include a fitness center for maintaining your routine, business center and meeting rooms for corporate travelers, and the Library Café serving specialty coffees and in-house baked breakfast items.

Families benefit from the Kids Club, while The Outfitter provides equipment rental for exploring the surrounding area.

Stay and Play Packages

The 2025 season offers stay and play packages that combine your accommodation with golf, dining, and other amenities at preferential rates.

These packages eliminate the complexity of booking multiple components separately while providing better value than individual reservations.

The Inn transforms your golf trip into a complete destination experience.

Rather than simply finding a place to sleep between rounds, you're staying in award-winning accommodations that complement the world-class golf and create lasting memories beyond the 18th green.

Dining Excellence: From Casual to Fine Dining

SentryWorld's dining options span from relaxed clubhouse fare to Wisconsin's finest culinary experiences.

Whether you want a casual bite after your round or an exceptional dinner to cap off your visit, the quality remains consistently outstanding across all venues.

PJ's – Clubhouse Casual Done Right

Located inside the SentryWorld Clubhouse, PJ's elevates typical golf course dining with locally sourced ingredients and craft beverage expertise.

The restaurant features 28 craft beers on tap, including two exclusive private labels you won't find anywhere else.

Every burger is ground in-house, while the fries come from locally grown potatoes – these details matter when you're hungry after 18 holes.

Summer brings additional appeal with seasonal outdoor seating and the PJ's Live concert series featuring free music every Wednesday night.

It's the perfect way to extend your golf day into an evening of entertainment and local flavor.

Muse at Sentry – Wisconsin's Culinary Crown Jewel

For special occasions, Muse at Sentry consistently ranks among Wisconsin's top 10 restaurants.

Located at the Sentry Insurance headquarters, this fine dining establishment offers an impressive wine selection of over 350 varieties alongside original artwork, including a signed Pablo Picasso print.

Operating Hours:

  • Lunch: Tuesday-Thursday, 11am-1pm
  • Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday, 4:30-9pm

Library Café – Morning Essentials

Start your day at the Library Café inside The Inn, where specialty coffees pair with in-house baked breakfast items.

It's convenient, quality-focused, and sets the right tone for your round ahead.

Booking Your Dining Experience

Reservations for all venues can be made by calling 715-345-1600 or booking online.

Groups of 12 or more can secure 2026 packages in advance, while all reservations require a credit card and follow a 24-hour cancellation policy.

The main address for all SentryWorld facilities is 601 Michigan Avenue North, Stevens Point, WI 54481.

Conclusion

SentryWorld Golf Club delivers a complete destination experience that justifies its national rankings and premium pricing through championship golf, luxury accommodations, and exceptional dining.

From the iconic Flower Hole to the all-inclusive service model, every detail reflects a commitment to excellence that few courses can match.

Whether you're planning a golf getaway or seeking Wisconsin's finest recreational destination, SentryWorld sets the standard for what a world-class golf experience should be.