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

[JNewsted]

For those of you who have played Sand Valley, what are the conditions like? I know the course is still growing in, but just wondering what to expect when I play there in a few weeks. Any other travel tips (food, etc)?

 

Avoid Archer road. It's dirt. Find Apache.

 

Conditions are not what you'd call perfect. It's a bit slow in spots, but it's been fun in my visits to see it evolve. You'll go back next year and it'll be blazing, but I think most that have been going up will appreciate the grow in and how it's taken shape.

 

Get the Italian Beef. THREE dollars. As a Chicagoan, I was highly impressed. As were some of the guys (who played an 8-some in front of us, thanks bros). Wash it down with an ice cream sandwich. Also- The course is f'ing amazing. Not super impressed with the expensive shirts though, sorry.

[wrbush31]

For those of you who have played Sand Valley, what are the conditions like? I know the course is still growing in, but just wondering what to expect when I play there in a few weeks. Any other travel tips (food, etc)?

 

Avoid Archer road. It's dirt. Find Apache.

 

Conditions are not what you'd call perfect. It's a bit slow in spots, but it's been fun in my visits to see it evolve. You'll go back next year and it'll be blazing, but I think most that have been going up will appreciate the grow in and how it's taken shape.

 

Get the Italian Beef. THREE dollars. As a Chicagoan, I was highly impressed. As were some of the guys (who played an 8-some in front of us, thanks bros). Wash it down with an ice cream sandwich. Also- The course is f'ing amazing. Not super impressed with the expensive shirts though, sorry.

 

#mistwood8

[QMany]

2017 Golf Rates

 

2017 Lodging Rates

 

Golf is about what I expected, lodging a bit higher.

[ode1]

Whar are you guys paying now to play?

[FSCMatt]

It's $125 plus tax for day guests. If you stay overnight it's $100 plus tax. Rooms are $300 a night right now with two queen beds in each room.

[Dr.Frankenputz]

Did you guys carry or take caddies? Is it a course where a push cart is practical? Myself & a couple buddies are considering doing a dells weekend next month & trying to get up to nekoosa. Thanks much.

[FSCMatt]

Did you guys carry or take caddies? Is it a course where a push cart is practical? Myself & a couple buddies are considering doing a dells weekend next month & trying to get up to nekoosa. Thanks much.

 

The pull carts are practical. They are the riksha's with the big wheels. I personally would recommend a caddie for your first time. There are some hidden bunkers and some other things that would be nice to know. We don't quite have yardage books yet so a caddie is your bet bet.

[PuttCurseRepeat]

Any idea if the DMK course will open for (limited) play next season?

[exgolfpro]

Any idea if the DMK course will open for (limited) play next season?

 

Yes, it is supposed to....or at least that was what The Golf Channel said about 3 months ago.

[FSCMatt]

Any idea if the DMK course will open for (limited) play next season?

 

We hope a few holes will be open next year. It's not guaranteed, as of now, but it is likely.

[cardoustie]

After playing Cabot Cliffs I have to make the trek to Sand Valley

 

If I ever win the lottery I will be getting Coore / Crenshaw to do the course

 

They seem to understand how to fit a course to the land and how to give you both bold and safe options. I like the scale of the courses as well. Give some width off the tee so I can play bombs away

[rtraudt]

Any idea how late into the season they will be keeping the course open for preview play? Until the weather decides, or earlier given the fact that it's a young course?

[FSCMatt]

Any idea how late into the season they will be keeping the course open for preview play? Until the weather decides, or earlier given the fact that it's a young course?

 

We're hoping to stay open through October. It really depends on the weather though.

[wrbush31]

Playing on Sunday. Think I'm more concerned about the Italian beefs, ice cream sandwiches, and booze than I am the golf!

[Phreddy]

I played 18 over the weekend. A very special place and it will be even more so at maturity. Nearly 3 hours from Milwaukee and a 4+ hour round means it is a full day to play 18 holes unless you make it a destination. The lodging looks really nice, and when more courses are complete it will become a drawing card.

 

The course looks easier from the tee than it plays. Yes, fairways are generous, but miss them and the bunkers are penal. The bunkers are as large as Saudi Arabia, deep and contoured. The sand is heavy. If you land in the fairway there are few level lies. Not dramatic, but no two iron shots will play the same given modest uphill/downhill/above your feet/below your feet lies. The greens are large and generally tiered. Hit the wrong tier and you will be thrilled to 2 putt. There are some split fairways and if you are playing your first round a caddie is very helpful. The best shot is not the most obvious from the tee or your lie. There is a par 3 that some may consider hokey but I thought was great. We played it at a little over 200 yards, tee shot between mounds and into a punch bowl green.

 

I am a 60 year old walker and carried my bag. The course is very walkable. At present there is no practice range. The course is playing in "preview" condition. That hurt my effort. By the time I felt comfortable with my swing we were well into the first 9 and I wanted to go back and start my round over. Small price to pay for a unique experience at a very cool work in progress.

 

Phred

[CDMackFisher]

Any idea how late into the season they will be keeping the course open for preview play? Until the weather decides, or earlier given the fact that it's a young course?

 

We're hoping to stay open through October. It really depends on the weather though.

We're coming up from Chicago, Quad Cities, and Waterloo in two weeks. Playing University Ridge in Madison on Friday, SV on Sat/Sun, and TBD on Monday. Any recommendations? I've been considering Lake Arrowhead or Northern Bay. Are any of the three courses (two at Arrowhead) standouts?

 

Golf!

[crich88848]

Any idea how late into the season they will be keeping the course open for preview play? Until the weather decides, or earlier given the fact that it's a young course?

 

We're hoping to stay open through October. It really depends on the weather though.

We're coming up from Chicago, Quad Cities, and Waterloo in two weeks. Playing University Ridge in Madison on Friday, SV on Sat/Sun, and TBD on Monday. Any recommendations? I've been considering Lake Arrowhead or Northern Bay. Are any of the three courses (two at Arrowhead) standouts?

 

Golf!

 

Personally, I'd either make the 45minute ride up to Stevens Point to play Sentry World or the hour drive southeast to Lawsonia.

[atn86]

Here's my review/thoughts after spending last weekend playing 36 holes at Sand Valley:

• The course is flat out fun! It's not going to tear you a new one like some of the other destination courses in Wisconsin. But, it is still challenging and very fair.
  
• Amazing set of par 3's. Hole #8 (even though it ate my lunch) is a fantastic hole that fits so well with the land (as do most of the holes).
  
• The caddies there are top notch and absolutely add to the overall experience.
  
• I hope that they keep the rural/minimalist/anti-stuffy vibe once the resort is fully up and running in 2018.
  
• The rooms were extremely nice. Eager to see the finishing touches with the accommodations (a fire pit-gathering area would be nice).
  
• Really cool seeing a course in its infancy stages. Even saw Bill Coore on the property on Saturday, presumably going over changes, etc.
  
• Mike Keiser has something special with Sand Valley. Have never been to any of his other properties, but the guy is a genius in my eyes.
  

[puttnforthe8]

I played 18 over the weekend. A very special place and it will be even more so at maturity. Nearly 3 hours from Milwaukee and a 4+ hour round means it is a full day to play 18 holes unless you make it a destination. The lodging looks really nice, and when more courses are complete it will become a drawing card.

 

The course looks easier from the tee than it plays. Yes, fairways are generous, but miss them and the bunkers are penal. The bunkers are as large as Saudi Arabia, deep and contoured. The sand is heavy. If you land in the fairway there are few level lies. Not dramatic, but no two iron shots will play the same given modest uphill/downhill/above your feet/below your feet lies. The greens are large and generally tiered. Hit the wrong tier and you will be thrilled to 2 putt. There are some split fairways and if you are playing your first round a caddie is very helpful. The best shot is not the most obvious from the tee or your lie. There is a par 3 that some may consider hokey but I thought was great. We played it at a little over 200 yards, tee shot between mounds and into a punch bowl green.

 

I am a 60 year old walker and carried my bag. The course is very walkable. At present there is no practice range. The course is playing in "preview" condition. That hurt my effort. By the time I felt comfortable with my swing we were well into the first 9 and I wanted to go back and start my round over. Small price to pay for a unique experience at a very cool work in progress.

 

Phred

 

 

Glad you enjoyed it...thanks to you I got to experience the course.

 

The main thing that struck me was the similarity to one of AZs best courses(wekopa saguaro) in terms of the design. In particular, the visuals off the tee: The shot in reality is different than what presents itself off the tee. Many times looking back at the tee, I could not believe how different the view was. Also, the ability to play different lines, plus the aggressive vs. conservative play is also available.

[QMany]

LCL

‏

@

larrylambrecht

The first hole at the 2nd course at Sand Valley Golf Resort is on display, play will preview next year.

[PuttCurseRepeat]

Trying hard to get the core group up there next year. Are May/June weekends already filling up?

[BobbyDPlaysGolf]

Just made the trip with the guys. It was very cool. The layout is very fun and there are many different ways to play the holes. The Cottages are a good place to stay, and I'd highly recommend eating out at the dirty oar. Caddies are legit and the staff is as nice as can be. I think they plan on building three more courses there. Exciting stuff for us Midwesterners!

[ohiowilly]

This project really seems awesome. Even though it's still a good hike from home for me, it's not as far as Bandon, Streamsong, Cabot's, or Ireland.

 

We're so fortunate to have such incredible golf in our region. Yes, it's not something most can afford to play weekly, but these destination/bucket list courses as fairly priced, when you factor in the quality of the experience.

 

Mr. Keiser is a genius when it comes to "pure" golf. I've become a huge fan of his. There's a great book available, called "Dream Golf" which lays out the dream of how Bandon came to be, and gives a great idea of what Mike Keiser is all about. I found a copy on eBay for $3-$4, and it was a great read.

 

I really look forward to the opportunity to play the Sand Valley courses soon. You folks in Wisconsin are incredibly fortunate to have the great golf that you have available.

[payerasjl]

Heading to Bandon Dunes next month in my first Keiser experience.

 

Hoping to get out to Sand Valley in the near future... just want to wait and let them finish!