Ribbon Cutting Officially Opens Grand Geneva’s Wee Nip Short Course

The Ceremony: Traditional

Clinging to tradition, the grand opening fanfare of Grand Geneva’s Wee Nip short course was initiated with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on May 19. But just prior to the red sash being sliced, a skirl from a lone bagpiper called the guests to assemble for the presentation.

Short speeches from Skip Harless, Managing Director of Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Matt Dusenberry of Dusenberry Design, the architect of Wee Nip, and Greg Marcus, President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of The Marcus Corporation emphasized the purpose and objective of adding a third golf course to the Grand Geneva property.

‘Unlike traditional long courses, Wee Nip is meant to provide a relaxed golfing experience—perfect for a casual round without the pressure of a full-length course. It’s designed for golfers to have fun, enjoy the game, and get creative with their shots; the course is designed to be completed in roughly 90 minutes—perfect for a quick yet engaging round’ the trio of speakers explained.

Immediately following the speeches, a ceremonial opening tee shot was next in order, however, rather than just a solitary initial shot, the honor was tripled as dignitaries including Greg Marcus simultaneously hit shots from the teeing ground on holes #1, #4, and #7.

Finally, it must be noted, and importantly noted, that in keeping with the theme of a ‘Wee Nip’, the opening ceremony was highlighted by a toast of Scotch whisky by all willing partakers of legal age. A spirited exclamation of “Cheers!” was vocalized by the majority of guests, but one guest was overheard providing an ancestral banter “Here’s tae us!”.

The Course: Unique

Wee Nip at Grand Geneva, is an 11-hole short course designed by award-winning architect Matt Dusenberry of Dusenberry Design. Wee Nip’s longest total playing distance is 1093 yards if all eleven teeing grounds are max’d out. The total distance changes daily; the most commonly used total distance is set at approximately 990 yards, or an average of 90 yards per hole. An informational sign near the teeing ground for hole number one provides a guide as to the distance of the day’s longest hole.

With short distances for each of eleven holes, par would be construed as 33, but the scorecard shows no designation for ‘par’.

Wee Nip is a walking only course; there are no riding carts or pull carts for rent. Golfers are allowed to bring and use their own push / pull cart. Complimentary ‘pencil bags’, sized to carry five or six golf clubs, are provided to golfers to scale down their own set of clubs for easy toting.

The course is designed and played in three ‘loops’ (holes 1,2,3; holes 4,5,6; and holes 7,8,9,10, & 11) with each loop starting and finishing near the cafe and bar named “12th Hole”.

There are no Wee Burns (Scottish term for stream or small river) at Wee Nip; no water hazards whatsoever. And it could be stated that there are no Wee Berms (Scottish term for raised bank or barrier of earth) at Wee Nip because its array of raised earth aren’t small at all! There are more than several mounds and hillocks on the short course, with locations in fairways and on greens. Specifically, the hillock protruding in front of hole #3’s fish hook shaped green has a LiDAR measurement 30 feet greater than the lower portion of #2’s fairway. And the mounding found on the enormous green of hole #11 has a 8-foot rise from bottom to top.

The hole that is considered to be the ‘signature hole’ by some staff members at Wee Nip is hole #5, named ‘Cathedral’. It is the shortest length hole (only 52-77 yards) on the course but the teeing ground is flanked left and right with hardwood tees. Say a prayer then hit a perfectly straight tee shot.

Arriving at tee #8 golfers will be surprised – you are already on the green! Yes, the teeing ground is part of the 84-yard long green (no fairway). Golfers are asked to use a short tee and ‘drive’ with their putter.

A bonus awaits golfers on the final hole of Wee Nip’s round, the massive green has two holes, two cups with flagsticks. Perhaps recalling the Scottish folk song “O ye’ll tak’ the high road, and I’ll tak’ the low road”, architect Matt Dusenberry gives you a choice. And the typical alternative locations chosen by the superintendent are one location atop the back left mound and one location in the lower right valley.
Adding a chance for a wee bit more challenge and excitement to conclude the round, there is a cup and a pair of dice in the drawer on #11’s teeing ground, allowing the group to pre-set any wagers or determine which is the target hole for the final green.

Note to first-time golfers at Wee Nip: be sure to obtain the tip sheet with hole descriptions, and be aware that the greens are firm; calculate carry distances to the front of the green rather than to the actual hole location. Look and scout all green undulations before hitting your tee shot to end up below the hole and putt uphill.

The Experience: Amiable

Greens fees for Wee Nip are paid in the regular Brute / Highlands pro shop. Wee Nip can be played as a standalone activity or as a fun way to cap off a full day of golf after tackling The Brute or The Highlands.

Wee Nip’s greens fees include two extra features: a complimentary Wee Nip of Scotch whisky is served (must be of legal age) before starting the round, and, replays at no charge can be played if there is time and space available.

Inspired by the centuries-old Scottish custom, Wee Nip embraces the time-honored tradition of enjoying a drink and swapping stories after a round of golf; whether it’s a shot of whiskey, pint of stout, or a favorite cocktail the 12th Hole Bar has it all. So, if you like pina coladas your 12th Hole bartender can mix one up for you. There are plenty of classic hard and soft rock songs amp’d up at Wee Nip and Rupert Holmes is on the playlist.

Relaxing in one of the Adirondack chairs placing your beverage and snack on the whiskey barrel tables or playing a game of cornhole are additional ways to enjoy Wee Nip.