Golf Course Owners of Wisconsin (GCOW)

Golf Course Owners of Wisconsin (GCOW) The GCOW, established as a non-profit association in 1984, is a member of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA).

The mission of the Golf Course Owners of Wisconsin (GCOW) is to provide education and advocacy on behalf of its members and to promote golf throughout the state of Wisconsin. It is governed by an elected board of directors.

Did you ever wonder what the economic impact of golf was for Wisconsin??
04/17/2026

Did you ever wonder what the economic impact of golf was for Wisconsin??

The 2026 Platinum Passport is available for $429 per book—and inventory is going quickly with the golf season underway. ...
04/09/2026

The 2026 Platinum Passport is available for $429 per book—and inventory is going quickly with the golf season underway. Each passport includes 135 complimentary rounds of golf at 68 premier courses across Wisconsin.

New this year, The Baths of Blackwolf Run joins the lineup of exceptional destinations.
Featured courses also include:
• Wild Rock GC
• The Bull at Pinehurst Farms
• The Oaks GC
• Old Hickory GC
• Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
• Bullseye GC
• Quit Qui Oc GC
• Watertown CC
• The Orchards at Egg Harbor
• Rolling Meadows GC
…and many more.

https://gcow.org/platinum-passport/?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8OD7q7RbUhxKe4PMNF3VRN6P62fL_EjffcMvYkXYdppZ_l-zL778tfTtmQxsosJfODOSOHz_OAOEk9FK95D8vMdO6Oh-24g6jSqHdlCaa096PjNYk&_hsmi=412822413&utm_content=412822413&utm_source=hs_email

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the GCOW Spring Education Day at Western Lakes Golf Club.It was a great day of c...
03/27/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the GCOW Spring Education Day at Western Lakes Golf Club.

It was a great day of conversation, learning, and sharing ideas around food and beverage operations and how courses can continue to grow revenue beyond the game.

From the policy insights to the panel discussions and peer-to-peer conversations, the value came from the willingness of operators to share what’s working at their courses.

We appreciate all of the speakers, panelists, and attendees who contributed to the discussion.

A special thank you to our sponsors and helping us close out the day connecting with fellow members.

We’re proud to be part of a group that continues to collaborate and move the industry forward.

After a full day of discussion and learning, we’ll wrap up the GCOW Spring Education Day with a networking social hour.T...
03/20/2026

After a full day of discussion and learning, we’ll wrap up the GCOW Spring Education Day with a networking social hour.

This is a great opportunity to continue conversations with fellow operators and connect with others in the industry.

The social hour is proudly sponsored by Happy Ending Premier Cocktail.

Thank you to Happy Ending for supporting GCOW and Wisconsin golf.

We hope you’ll stick around after the sessions to connect with other members and enjoy the close of a great day.

📅 March 24
📍 Western Lakes Golf Club
Register here:
https://gcow-310834.square.site/

Understanding the policy and economic forces shaping hospitality is critical for golf course operators today.At the GCOW...
03/18/2026

Understanding the policy and economic forces shaping hospitality is critical for golf course operators today.

At the GCOW Spring Education Day, we’re excited to welcome Kristine Hillmer, President & CEO of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.

Kristine will kick off the day with insights on issues directly impacting golf course food & beverage operations, including:

• Legislative updates affecting hospitality businesses
• Tourism trends and their impact on Wisconsin golf
• Alcohol and emerging beverage alternatives
• The latest conversations around No Tax on Tips and No Tax on Overtime
For courses operating restaurants, bars, and event spaces, these policies and trends have a real impact on how we plan for the future.

Join fellow GCOW members for a day of learning and conversation with other golf course operators.

📅 March 24
📍 Western Lakes Golf Club
Register here:
https://gcow-310834.square.site/

How much revenue is your course leaving on the table?Food & beverage operations are becoming one of the biggest opportun...
03/17/2026

How much revenue is your course leaving on the table?

Food & beverage operations are becoming one of the biggest opportunities for golf courses to grow revenue. From events and tastings to weddings and community gatherings, many courses are seeing 15–25% increases in overall revenue through stronger F&B strategies.

At the GCOW Spring Education Day, we’ll explore ideas that are working right now at courses across Wisconsin.

Topics include:

• Legislative and hospitality updates impacting our industry
• Events that bring non-golfers to your course
• Specialty food and beverage experiences
• Different food & beverage business models
• Peer-to-peer discussion with fellow operators
Join GCOW members for a day focused on practical ideas you can take back to your course.

📅 March 24
📍 Western Lakes Golf Club
Register here:
https://gcow-310834.square.site/

The 2026 Platinum Passport is now on sale. Less than 100 remain, so get yours today! Ready to play more golf this year f...
03/02/2026

The 2026 Platinum Passport is now on sale. Less than 100 remain, so get yours today!

Ready to play more golf this year for less? The 2026 Platinum Passport from the Golf Course Owners of Wisconsin (GCOW) gives you outstanding value with free rounds of golf at participating courses across the state. 64 Courses • 128 FREE Rounds of Golf!

With your Platinum Passport you receive:
• Free rounds of golf at many participating courses
• Access to dozens of great Wisconsin golf destinations
• Significant savings compared to regular greens fees
• Opportunities to experience new courses throughout the season

Passes are limited and sell out each year.

Learn more and purchase your pass at:
https://gcow.org/platinum-passport/

The month of March is "Food & Beverage Month" for GCOW, and we have two strong opportunities I encourage you to take adv...
02/27/2026

The month of March is "Food & Beverage Month" for GCOW, and we have two strong opportunities I encourage you to take advantage of.

March 11 -- The Wisconsin Food Expo sponsored by the WRA
March 24 -- GCOW Spring Education Day @ Western Lakes GC

First, through our partnership with the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, GCOW members can attend the Wisconsin Food & Hospitality Expo on March 11 at State Fair Park for just $29 per person — the WRA member rate.
This is a practical event. You’ll be able to see new products, taste and test offerings, explore technology solutions, and attend short, focused education sessions on marketing, operations, AI, and beverage trends. If you’re looking for fresh ideas heading into the season, this is a worthwhile few hours.

EVENT WEBSITE -- https://wifoodexpo.com
REGISTRATION LINK -- https://events.american-tradeshow.com/wra26
Promo Code -- 26GCOW

Then on March 24, we’ll host our GCOW Spring Education Day at Western Lakes Golf Club.

Our focus this year is simple: Food & Beverage Operations for Your Course — Which Model Works Best?

F&B can significantly impact your bottom line. Done right, it can increase total course revenue by 15–25%. We’ll cover smarter menus, staffing models, technology, and event-driven strategies that fit golf operations specifically.

Kristine Hillmer, President & CEO of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, will also provide a hospitality and tourism update that directly impacts our industry.

Lunch is included. We’ll have time to connect with peers. And we’ll draw for a 2026 foursome at Western Lakes.

For more information on our Spring Meeting go to -- www.gcow.org
Register for the Spring Meeting HERE -- https://gcow-310834.square.site/
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to GCOW at (414) 443-3568 or [email protected].

🌷 GCOW Spring Education DayFood & Beverage Operations for Your Course📍 Western Lakes Golf Club📅 Tuesday, March 24, 2026⏰...
02/16/2026

🌷 GCOW Spring Education Day

Food & Beverage Operations for Your Course

📍 Western Lakes Golf Club
📅 Tuesday, March 24, 2026
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Sign up at www.gcow.org. Contact (414) 443-3568 or [email protected] for more info!

💡 Why Attend?

F&B operations can increase total course revenue by 15–25%

Learn smarter menu strategies, staffing models & tech solutions

Discover new ways to drive event-based and non-golf revenue

Stay ahead of legislative and hospitality trends

🎤 Featured Speaker

Kristine Hillmer, MBA, CAE
President & CEO, Wisconsin Restaurant Association

Session: “Policy, Pours & Progress: A Wisconsin Hospitality & Tourism Update”

Legislative updates (No tax on tips, No tax on overtime & more)

Tourism & F&B economic impact

Alcohol trends & alternatives

💰 Revenue Beyond Golf

Weddings & civic events

Business meetings

Holiday & specialty F&B events

Weekly promotions that attract non-golfers

🥂 Panel Discussion

Which F&B Ex*****on Model is Right for You?

Explore:

In-House F&B

Exclusive Catering

BYO Catering

Limited Kitchen Models

Caterer’s perspective

Discussion Topics:

Catering contracts

Staffing & equipment needs

Off-season revenue impact

Customer service differences

🤝 Plus

Networking Lunch

Open GCOW Board Discussion

Social & Cash Bar to wrap up the day

📈 Walk away with actionable strategies to strengthen your F&B program and boost your course’s profitability this season!

🚨 BREAKING NEWS for Wisconsin Golfers! 🚨Blackwolf Run – “The Baths Course” (🏆 2025 GCOW Course of the Year)has just been...
01/31/2026

🚨 BREAKING NEWS for Wisconsin Golfers! 🚨
Blackwolf Run – “The Baths Course” (🏆 2025 GCOW Course of the Year)
has just been ADDED to the 2026 Platinum Passport!

⛳️ 2026 Platinum Passport — ON SALE NOW!
⚠️ Only 100 remain! ⚠️
68 Courses • 135 FREE Rounds — The BEST DEAL in Wisconsin Golf!

⭐️ WHAT YOU GET:
✅ $5,000+ in FREE greens fees
✅ 68 courses / 135 rounds statewide
✅ $0 greens fees for you and a guest
✅ Transferable — share with friends
💸 Just $429 + tax & shipping (same price as 2025!)

🎯 All proceeds support WSGA & GCOW scholarships and golf advocacy — every dollar helps grow the game!

➡️ Don’t wait — selling fast!
👉 www.gcow.org/platinum-passport
📞 (414) 443‑3568 | 📧 [email protected]

Play More Golf • Play New Courses • Save $$$ • Support Wisconsin Golf

Address

11350 W Theodore Trecker Way
West Allis, WI
53214

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 8pm
Tuesday 7am - 6pm
Wednesday 7am - 6pm
Thursday 7am - 6pm
Friday 7am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 8pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

Telephone

+14144433568

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