Crenshaw/Coore to build the first course in Keiser's Sand Valley Project

[mringwelski]

I am beyond excited for this Coore/Crenshaw design in the heart of the Midwest only because of the passion Keiser has for great golf. We're in for a treat.

[QMany]

I'm a huge Crenshaw/Coore fan, especially with sand-based tracks. Where will this be? I'm not familiar with Keiser's Sand Valley.

[trowski99]

Wisconsin Rapids - [url="http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/227229941.html"]http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/227229941.html[/url]

[Waterboy]

That's good to hear. I already cheer for the Renaissance golf guys, but this should be a good one.

[Apex93]

For those familiar with the area, how far will this be from a large airport?

[QMany]

When you said Heart of the Midwest, I was hoping for Kansas!

Still quite the jaunt for me.

[mringwelski]

Nekoosa, WI. I'm not sure where the the exact location is but after looking on google maps there is a large vacant river bed that is just south of Nekoosa. It looks like its more on the northwestern part of the state.

[Skaffa77]

[quote name='mringwelski' timestamp='1389108911' post='8415177']
Nekoosa, WI. I'm not sure where the the exact location is but after looking on google maps there is a large vacant river bed that is just south of Nekoosa. It looks like its more on the northwestern part of the state.
[/quote]

I also would have thought "heart of the midwest" would be KS, IA, or NE. Nekoosa...I know exactly where that is at. I played at Bulls Eye Country Club for a corporate event. Fun course.

[UW Alumni 94]

Here is the link to the article that appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

[url="http://www.jsonline.com/sports/golf/architect-chosen-for-sand-valley-golf-course-near-wisconsin-rapids-b99179150z1-239117091.html"]http://www.jsonline.com/sports/golf/architect-chosen-for-sand-valley-golf-course-near-wisconsin-rapids-b99179150z1-239117091.html[/url]

[UW Alumni 94]

How does one go about becoming a founding member? Any information out there besides the $50,000 price tag?

[mringwelski]

I know at Bandon Dunes it was the business owners in Bandon that were offered memberships. I'd assume Keiser would take a similar approach to Sand Valley, however, Keiser's not in the business for members.

[Colby327]

[quote name='mringwelski' timestamp='1389108911' post='8415177']
Nekoosa, WI. I'm not sure where the the exact location is but after looking on google maps there is a large vacant river bed that is just south of Nekoosa. It looks like its more on the northwestern part of the state.
[/quote]

The area they're looking at is pretty much smack dab in the middle of Wisconsin. Not really close to any airports. It'll be about 2 hours drive from the Madison, WI airport, and 2.5 hours from Milwaukee. There's a smaller, regional only, airport in Mosinee, WI that would put you about 30 minutes away...

[Texsport]

I believe that the marketing strategy is to draw drive-in players from Chicago, Mikwaukee, and Twin Cities.

Walking encouraged, $150-$250 green fees, usually + caddie fees.($100/bag + tip at Bandon).

Typical of Keiser courses-all golf. If it's like Bandon, only 4% of guests are females.

Interesting to see how this plays out.

Bandon or Wisconsin when you want to really play a bunch of expensive ($350-$400/round + lodging), upscale course?

I'll surely be there the first year!

BTW- Bandon is expanding!

Keiser announced 27 more holes called Bandon Links. A muni links course to be designed by Gil hanse, who is finishing the Rio de Janeiro Olympics course.

30 miles south, Pacific Gales course announced, on cliffs above ocean. To be built by the team of young architect David Esler and constructor Jim Haley (Dye, Jones, Kidd courses).

Bandon or Wisconsin?

Texsport

[jeffyjeffmn]

Haven't played any of the other courses but I'm interested now that I am getting ready to move back to the twin cities in the near future.

[QMany]

The positive about Bandon is that there is a long off-peak season with reflective rates. Wisconsin courses, not so much.

[Texsport]

[quote name='QMany' timestamp='1389200469' post='8422395']
The positive about Bandon is that there is a long off-peak season with reflective rates. Wisconsin courses, not so much.
[/quote]

Yea, you can watch groups going off the tees on the Bandon Dunes webcams every day, nearly year round.

Texsport

[FSCMatt]

Early last summer there was talk of proposing an idea similar to the Robert Trent Jones golf trail, but just Wisconsin courses around the state, to either the governor or a senator.

This is essentially going to be a Bandon of the Midwest from what Keiser has told the people I know. Up to 5 courses I believe.

[BG5]

Keiser knows what he's doing and he has a solid track record. I am certain that these courses will be outstanding and it appears that Tom Doak will get the nod for the second course as soon as he's done with Forest Dunes. I'm looking forward to it!

[FSCMatt]

https://twitter.com/kempersports/status/421475689234046977

That link shows the distances to the nearest cities from where the course(s) will be.

[duffer987]

[quote name='BG5' timestamp='1389233574' post='8425619']
Keiser knows what he's doing and he has a solid track record. I am certain that these courses will be outstanding and it appears that Tom Doak will get the nod for the second course as soon as he's done with Forest Dunes. I'm looking forward to it!
[/quote]

Wow! That would be fantastic
I thoroughly enjoyed Forest Dunes. Lovely stroll through the woods with some excellent golf holes there too. Played just after they opened up the accommodations and had a very nice dinner as well. It's a bit (a lot) of a hike but will definitely return if they get a second 18 in there.

[ckostrewa]

Another write up about Sand Valley in Nekoosa: [url="http://www.jsonline.com/sports/golf/sand-valley-on-course-to-become-true-american-beauty-b99370835z1-279227112.html"]http://www.jsonline.com/sports/golf/sand-valley-on-course-to-become-true-american-beauty-b99370835z1-279227112.html[/url]

[zonacats23]

Can't wait! Need a time machine.

[Colby327]

Wow! I didn't realize they already were moving trees and had the course routing figured out.

Very exciting. 2017 doesn't seem very far away!

[FSCMatt]

[quote name='Colby327' timestamp='1414076595' post='10338357']Wow! I didn't realize they already were moving trees and had the course routing figured out.

Very exciting. 2017 doesn't seem very far away![/quote]

The routing for the first course has been done. He has the next couple of architects picked too. I'm not sure which one will build the second course yet though.

[Phreddy]

We now have an architect for the second course at Sand Valley.

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/golf/second-course-planned-at-sand-valley-golf-resort-b99402020z1-284708211.html

[QMany]

[quote name='Phreddy' timestamp='1417710835' post='10542285']
We now have an architect for the second course at Sand Valley.

[url="http://www.jsonline.com/sports/golf/second-course-planned-at-sand-valley-golf-resort-b99402020z1-284708211.html"]http://www.jsonline....-284708211.html[/url]
[/quote]
Can't go wrong with Kidd. He did a fantastic job on Bandon.

[irvtrain]

[quote name='QMany' timestamp='1417711352' post='10542325']
[quote name='Phreddy' timestamp='1417710835' post='10542285']
We now have an architect for the second course at Sand Valley.

[url="http://www.jsonline.com/sports/golf/second-course-planned-at-sand-valley-golf-resort-b99402020z1-284708211.html"]http://www.jsonline....-284708211.html[/url]
[/quote]
Can't go wrong with Kidd. He did a fantastic job on Bandon.
[/quote]

Keiser went with Kidd because of Gamble Sands in Washington. I guess Keiser didn't like how tough Kidd designed his other courses after Bandon. Gamble Sands is more "recreational friendly". Should be a great resort.

Edit: Saw an article that quoted Keiser as saying the daily rates will be between $125-$150.

[FSCMatt]

Kidd wanted this badly. He took Keiser to his member/guest. Doak had a legitimate chance, but I'm glad Kidd got it.

[Waterboy]

It's a good choice. I wished Doak had gotten it though.

Wb

[Colby327]

This just keeps getting better and better. 2 amazing courses by 2018. Can't wait!

And if the plan is still 5 courses, there's plenty of land left for Doak to build his masterpiece.