By Dave Begel Contributing Writer Published Feb 23, 2007 at 5:29 AM

Friday is the day OnMilwaukee.com runs its weekend preview, and it's full of events and activities that everyone can enjoy.

Here's my plan for the weekend.

I'm going down to my basement and I'm going to clean my golf clubs, I'm going to clean my spikes, I'm going to wash my dirty golf balls, I'm going to pull the gloves out of my bag and run them in the dryer with fabric softener, I'm going to make sure all my tees are black and in one place in my bag, I'm going to tip my empty bag upside down so all stray tees, candy wrappers and balls with cuts fall out, I'm going to take a wire brush and clean the grooves of my wedges and I'm going to take sandpaper and rough up the grip of my putter.

I'm getting ready for golf.

I know the weather is still lousy, but I'm ready. I'm more than ready. And I've already been thinking about the places I love to play. I'm always looking for others but I've got my 10 favorites. And here they are. But one qualification must be mentioned.

I'm not rich. So greens fees are a consideration. Not a complete barrier, but it is a consideration, which is why I will never set foot in the town of Kohler again.

1. Brown Deer -- One of the greatest golf values in North America. A course with classic design, great conditioning, a wonderful pro and staff and an example of what can happen to public links golf when you set your mind to it.

2. Washington County -- It can be a little pricey on weekends, but it's an outstanding layout with enough challenge for even the best players.

3. Lawsonia -- The Links course has rebounded in recent years and the attention of the staff is so much improved. It remains one of the best tests of golf in the state.

4. Johnson Park, Racine -- Not much as far as amenities go, but it's a great golf course with plenty of challenge. Has wonderful greens and one of the best practice areas of any public course.

5. The Bull, Sheboygan -- Way to expensive for me to play with any regularity, but if someone invites me as a guest or I don't buy gas for a week or two, I love this place. It's about as tough as golf gets and demands both physical and mental skills.

6. University Ridge, Madison -- What a course. It's a jewel that doesn't get a heck of a lot of play. Great length and wonderful greens make it a tough place to score. But if you end up with a good score, it really feels like something special.

7. Nagawaukee, Pewaukee -- This is a place with more interesting holes than just about any other course. The duo of numbers 10 and 11 might rival any two holes anywhere in the state. Plus they have great hot dogs.

8. Dretzka - A Milwaukee county course that has made a real comeback. It's not all the way there, yet, but it's on the way. When this course is well conditioned, it is a heck of a challenge. Plus they have great hot dogs, when the snack bar is open, which is a hit or miss proposition.

9. Brighton Dale in Kenosha - Talk about value for your money. Two courses with outstanding design and great maintenance. You can play, eat, drink and probably play again and still have change left over. It really keeps you coming back.

10. Milwaukee County Club - This is a real, real, real, private club. But I have been lucky enough to play there a couple of times in my life and am holding my breath until someone invites me back again. It is everything, and I mean everything, that a golf course ought to be.

That's my favorite list. I intend, before the start of the season, to do another list of places that you ought to avoid if at all possible. But I'm certainly willing to listen to suggestions. 

Dave Begel Contributing Writer

With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.

He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.

This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.

Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.