The grand opening is not just a ribbon-cutting moment. From May 22 through May 28, the course will be dedicated entirely to local charitable causes, giving golfers a chance to walk the new layout while supporting the community. Details on the featured charities can be found at mailchi.mp/clubatlaclabelle.com/grand-opening-uncle-henrys-backyard.

Behind the Name

The name goes back further than you might expect. Henry Shufeldt was a Chicago distiller who built a considerable fortune after marrying Emeline Egan in 1859. His distillery was good enough to earn a gold medal at the 1878 Paris World's Fair, and he brought his brothers-in-law into the business while establishing family homes in both Chicago and Oconomowoc.

In 1895, Shufeldt built the first golf course in Oconomowoc, right in his own backyard, and in doing so, accidentally launched two careers that would shape American amateur golf. His young nephews, Chandler and Walter Egan, picked up the game on that backyard layout and never looked back.

Beginning in 1902, the Egan brothers became champions in every sense. Between them, they collected college titles at Harvard, Olympic gold medals, Western Amateur championships, USGA Amateur titles, and even an Oconomowoc Open for good measure. All of it traces back to a backyard course their uncle built 130 years ago.

That is a story worth naming a golf course after.

About The Club at Lac La Belle

The Club at Lac La Belle is located in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. For more information or to plan a visit, go to clubatlaclabelle.com.

Those are two very different problems, and knowing the difference can save your group's trip -- or help you plan one that never falls apart in the first place.

I spoke with Brandon Carter, Sand Valley's marketing director, during the summer of last year. He was clear: on-property lodging was scarce, and the rumor floating around golf forums that the whole resort was booked solid simply was not accurate. Tee times were available across all four courses. That situation has not changed heading into 2026. If you want to sleep on property, you are essentially planning for 2027 right now, and even then your best move is to get on their email list and wait for an invitation to book 2028 before the general public gets access. That is the world Sand Valley now lives in.

But here is the good news: you do not need to sleep there to play there.

Stay Off-Property, Play the Best Golf in Wisconsin

The Lodges also packages golf with two of the best budget options in the area. Lake Arrowhead stay-and-play rates run $65 weekdays and $89 on weekends, cart included. Bullseye Golf Club comes in at $69 any day of the week, also with a cart. These are not consolation rounds. Lake Arrowhead and Bullseye are solid, fun golf at prices that let you play five days without your credit card filing a restraining order. Mix those in with a round or two at Sand Valley and you have built a real golf trip with a real budget that does not require a second mortgage.

You can check out accommodations and stay-and-play packages at lodgesofthelakes.com.

The One Catch

Also worth knowing: Sand Valley is walking only. Every course, every round. That is not a complaint - it is part of what makes the place feel like a proper golf destination -- but four days of walking central Wisconsin sand hills is not a casual weekend. Pack accordingly and maybe stretch the morning of.

The Courses

Sand Valley, the original Coore and Crenshaw design that opened in 2017, is still the crown jewel for most visitors. Golf Digest currently ranks it 21st among America's 100 Greatest Public Courses. Dual fairways, enormous sand waste areas, a hidden putting surface, and a back nine that will test your patience and your game equally. This is the course that put the resort on the map and it belongs on every serious golfer's list.

Mammoth Dunes by David McLay Kidd is the big, loud counterpart to Sand Valley's more strategic feel. Wide fairways, gargantuan greens, and elevation changes built around a massive V-shaped ridge running through the property. Where Sand Valley demands precision, Mammoth rewards aggression. Play them back to back and you will feel like you visited two entirely different golf destinations.

Sedge Valley, Tom Doak's heathland-inspired par 68, is the sleeper pick on property. Compact, classically styled, and a quicker walk than its neighbors. Doak took the layout in the opposite direction from Mammoth -- intimate scale, understated holes, and strategic nuance that reveals itself over multiple visits. High praise in a lineup this deep.

The Lido, also by Doak, is the one the golf world has been talking about since it opened in 2023. A precise recreation of C.B. Macdonald's lost masterpiece, it plays like a test of your shot-making vocabulary -- template holes, precise green complexes, and a course that punishes vague intentions. Again, resort guests only.

The Sandbox is the 17-hole par-3 short course that has been part of the lineup since 2018 and still earns its reputation as the best warmup or wind-down round at any American resort. Holes run from 40 to 150 yards across 25 acres of sandy soil with green complexes that will have your group arguing about reads long after you have moved on. Bring two wedges and a putter. Active military play free before noon. Veterans pay $15.

The Commons is the newest addition, officially opening spring 2026 after limited preview rounds last season. Twelve holes designed by Jim Craig -- the same shaper who built the Sandbox under the Coore and Crenshaw banner -- as his first solo design. It plays around 3,465 yards with one par 5, seven short par 4s, and four par 3s, influenced by the great old Scottish links at Prestwick and North Berwick. Plan on two and a half hours. The last three holes run out onto a peninsula jutting into Luna Lake, including what may be one of the better Redan holes built in years. This is the perfect second-round option or a day-of-arrival warmup before you tackle the bigger layouts the next morning.

Do Not Miss Craig's Porch

The Putting Course

Building the Trip

Sand Valley is not out of reach. It just requires a little flexibility and about twenty minutes of planning you were going to do anyway.

Those marquee venues get the headlines. But once you are in Wisconsin with a set of clubs and a few days to burn, the smart move is to dig deeper. Head inland. Find the golf that does not come with a television crew and a waiting list.

That is where Green Lake comes in.

The Motel That Gets It Right

Fourteen double-occupancy rooms. That is it. Which means this works perfectly for a golf buddy group that wants its own scene without sharing a lobby with a youth soccer tournament. The stay-and-play packages Mae puts together cover Lawsonia, Mascoutin, Tuscumbia, and White Lake, the full local menu, and Acorn Ridge is an authorized package host through the Green Lake Chamber of Commerce. At three miles west of Lawsonia on Highway 23, you could practically see the flagsticks from the parking lot. Low budget, high fun. That is the pitch, and it delivers.

The Golf: 99 Holes Across Four Courses

Lawsonia is the headliner and has been for nearly a century. The Links Course is the one that gets ranked nationally, a wide-open, windswept layout that plays nothing like anything else in the state. Ask any regular about a favorite hole and the conversation eventually lands on number seven, the Box Hole, a Langford and Moreau design that stops you mid-stride on the way to the tee. Rumor has it Langford buried a boxcar beneath the green to get the elevation he was after, and standing on the tee you believe every word of it. Hitting that green feels like trying to land a ball on top of a pool table. It is the kind of par three that makes you actually think about your club selection before you start second-guessing yourself out of it. The second course at Lawsonia, the Woodlands, went through a major renovation a few years back and has come out the other side in excellent shape. Two entirely different experiences under one roof, which is reason enough to book two rounds before you even look at the rest of the card.

Tuscumbia is one of the oldest courses in Wisconsin, and it carries that history the way a good old course should, character baked into every bounce. This is not a museum piece you play around respectfully. It is a living, breathing track that rewards local knowledge and punishes assumptions.

Mascoutin and White Lake round out the rotation and give the week enough variety to keep things interesting from first tee to final putt. Four courses, four different personalities, and enough golf to make your hands sore by Thursday.

The Lake

After the Round

The Goose Blind handles the sports bar end of things and does it well. Cold beer, a game on, and a room full of people who are not analyzing your swing. Perfect. Green Lake has ten local restaurants in the rotation, so you are not eating the same meal twice before the week is out.

The Pitch

2026 Stay and Play Packages

Here is what is included: * Lodging at Acorn Ridge Motel * Unlimited daily golf at Lawsonia, Mascoutin, Tuscumbia, and White Lake * Golf cart rental for the first 18 holes * Food and beverage credits at local restaurants and the courses

Wisconsin already proved it can host the biggest events in golf. Turns out it has been hiding some of the best everyday golf in the Midwest right alongside them. Green Lake is one of the best-kept secrets on the regional golf map, and the only question is why it took you this long to find it.

More than 10,000 golf enthusiasts from across the region are expected to attend the show, which features a wide variety of exhibitors, retail outlets, golf destinations, equipment manufacturers, contests, and interactive experiences. Attendees can explore the latest golf gear, discover new golf travel destinations, and connect with golf courses and industry professionals from around the country.

The 2026 show will once again be held at the MOSH Performance Center, located at 7095 S. Ballpark Drive in Franklin, offering a spacious venue and free parking for attendees.

Show Hours: Friday, March 13 from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

New for 2026 is the Potawatomi Casino Hotel Main Stage, where special guests from Vibez Golf Club - a group of social media influencers featuring former University of Wisconsin football players - will host a daily Q&A session followed by a free meet-and-greet and autograph opportunity for fans. Sessions are scheduled Friday and Saturday from 2-4 p.m. and Sunday from noon-2 p.m.

Every paid attendee will also receive a free round of golf at Old Hickory Golf Club in Beaver Dam (cart required), making the event not only a celebration of the sport but also a chance to get out and play when the season begins.

The show also includes contests, giveaways, golf travel opportunities, and the chance to preview golf equipment and services ahead of the upcoming season. For golfers looking to shake off winter and start planning their next round or golf trip, the Greater Milwaukee Golf Show offers something for players of every level.

Tickets are available online and at the door, with discounted advance tickets offered prior to the event.

For tickets, schedules, and additional information, visit: www.greatermilwaukeegolfshow.com

DOWNLOAD BUY ONE GET ONE FREE VOUCHER

This is Wisconsin's Ultimate Golf Party. It marks the start of the golf season in Wisconsin. If you are counting down the days until your first tee time, this is where the season begins.

Save $5 and Buy Advanced Tickets

Who

What

Every General Admission ticket includes: * Admission to the show * A FREE round of golf at Old Hickory Golf Club * You read that right. A free round just for showing up.

New for 2026 - VIP Ticket Package

Each VIP package includes: * Everything in the GA ticket including admission and one FREE round at Old Hickory Golf Club * A second FREE round at Old Hickory Golf Club * A dozen Bridgestone golf balls * Potawatomi 20 dollar Reward Play coupon * Oceanbound Plastic golf tees from Tidal Golf * Contest Card with one free play in Long Drive, Long Putt and Closest to the Pin * Buy 1 Get 1 Free Long Drink alcoholic beverage coupon. Must be 21 to redeem. Valid only at the show * Discounted round at Brighton Dale Links and Petrifying Springs Golf Course. Valid Monday through Thursday anytime. 35 dollars per person for 18 holes with cart. Valid for 1 to 4 players

If you like value, the VIP package loads your bag before the snow even melts.

Where

Easy access. No downtown traffic. Plenty of room to bring your foursome.

When

Why Attend the Greater Milwaukee Golf Show

At the Greater Milwaukee Golf Show you can: * Hit the latest drivers and irons * Roll putts and test new gear * Meet local courses and lock in early season deals * Discover golf travel destinations * Find stay and play packages * Grab tee time specials and buy adanvance rounds

You can also compete in Long Drive, Long Putt and Closest to the Pin contests. Bring your buddies. Settle winter bragging rights before the first outdoor round.

Want to plan a buddies trip? Talk directly with resorts and golf destinations. Want to join a league or find a new home course? Local courses are ready to talk. Looking for deals and steals? This is where they show up.

The Greater Milwaukee Golf Show is not just an event. It is the unofficial tee shot of the Wisconsin golf season.

Advanced tickets are on sale now. Buy online and save 5 dollars. Gather your foursome. Mark your calendar. Start your season at the Greater Milwaukee Golf Show.

+++++

Golfers will remember in the spring of 2020 what the prospects were for golf. Because the COVID pandemic was at its strongest then, there was no golf then, and we did not know when we would be able to get back out on the fine Wisconsin courses.

During that spring, I was walking in a neighborhood near my Madison home. In the University Hill Farms neighborhood, many of the streets are named after Wisconsin counties. While bemoaning the lack of golfing opportunities while on one of those county-named streets, first, the idea of playing golf in that county popped up. Then, 'what about playing golf in every Wisconsin county?'

What would that be like? How many counties are there? (72) How many have golf courses? How many don't? Is this even feasible?

There was no question whom I would ask. Wayne Woock of Fitchburg, Dave "Boomer" Schultz of Germantown and I have been playing golf together for decades. When asked, they enthusiastically jumped in. We would at least start down this "all counties" road.

Over the next weeks and months, while not playing golf, we developed some guidelines for what we later named the Wisconsin Counties Golf Expedition (WCGE.) It had to be 18 holes of golf in every WI county that had a regulation golf course, that is, no executive or par-3 courses. It would be at moderately-priced public courses. It would not be on the few courses that straddled a county line. We later established that the golf round had to be together - the three of us - simultaneously.

In that summer of 2020, we determined that we had previously played in 16 counties, mostly in southern Wisconsin, but a few in the north. That left 56 counties. Whew! It helped that we were either retired or semi-retired.

By September, 2020, golf courses were back to being open, so our first course on the WCGE was Whispering Springs in Fond du Lac County. We played in three other "new" counties that fall. Starting in 2021, we played in an average of 10 new counties each year - through a combination of one-day trips (southern WI) and two or three-day trips (northern WI.)

Finding these golf courses all over Wisconsin took quite a bit of what we lightheartedly called "research." One of the features of the GolfWisconsin Golf Course Guide is that it's searchable by counties. This was valuable in determining which courses are in which county. https://www.golfwisconsin.com/golfcourses/

People ask about our favorite or best course. We find it really hard to answer because there have been so many of both. At the risk of leaving out some of our favorites, we did like: Wild Ridge in Eau Claire, Turtleback in Rice Lake, Northwood in Rhinelander, and Royal St. Patrick's in Wrightstown.

Unique layouts include Apostle Highlands in Bayfield, (The views!) Peninsula State Park in Door County, and Pine Hills in Shawano County.

Two surprisingly good golf courses are in very northwest Wisconsin: Nemadji in Superior, (especially the East Nine,) and Siren National in Burnett County.

We did play some destination courses, especially before the pandemic. They include: Brown Deer Park in Milwaukee, SentryWorld in Stevens Point, Blackwolf Run in Sheboygan County, Trappers Turn near the Dells, and The Golf Courses of Lawsonia in Green Lake County.

Probably the overall biggest surprise to us was the number of good courses in rural or remote areas. By 'good' we mean the course is well-designed, on an undulating or somehow unique property, and well taken care of - with moderate or fast greens. Some of these courses are: Bass Lake in Deerbrook, Clifton Highlands in Prescott, Glacier Wood in Iola, Hayward GC in Hayward, Hunter's Glen in Crivitz, Nicolet in Laona, Northbrook in Luxemburg, Pheasant Hills in Hammond, Spooner GC in Spooner,

This is not to ignore the many, quality courses in more urban areas: greater Milwaukee, greater Madison, and the Fox River Valley including Green Bay.

We experienced outstanding hospitality at Plum Lake in Vilas County (one of our favorite 9-hole courses,) Tanglewood Greens in Menomonie, which re-opened in 2024 after many years of closure, and at our "last" county (in mid-August, 2025,) at Waushara CC in Wautoma. Jeff (the G.M.,) helped out by recording our putt-outs on the 18th and final green, and showed us around their "3rd nine," which we didn't play.

We came across a few counties which had only a 9-hole course or courses. The solution to get in 18 holes was easy: play the course twice. We did like that on the 2nd time through, we knew the holes a little better. One of the WCGE challenges on 18-hole or more courses is that every hole was a new hole to us. In order to avoid hazards, etc., we really had to pay attention to the scorecard maps and any on-the-hole signs.

Sadly, Boomer became ill and died in April, 2022. We knew that he would have wanted us to finish out the WCGE. So, Wayne and I dedicated the final four years to him. There are now "Boomer Balls" hiding out on courses all over Wisconsin. Since he left us, we seemed to endure more-than-usual rainy and turbulent summer conditions; we suspect Boomer had something to do with that.

Well into our final year of the WCGE, we learned that a county that previously did not have a golf course, now had one. Spread Eagle in Florence County re-opened in June, 2025 after many years of closure. So, on our last multi-day trip, we had to add in a day for two trips around this 9-hole course in very NE Wisconsin.

As the remaining counties ticked down late this summer, friends and relatives asked us if we were going to celebrate our accomplishment. Well, good idea. So just five days after our last county, we hosted an open house where golfing and non-golfing relatives and friends celebrated this milestone, and we displayed the scorecards, documents and even a counties map detailing our golfing play.

When we started this WCGE, we didn't think about what we might learn. But learn we did. We saw that Wisconsin has many more good, public golf courses than we would have thought, and they are located all over the state. That there is only one county (Menominee) that doesn't have a golf course illustrates how much golf is appreciated here. And we re-learned that golf course operators and golfers in general are very welcoming and friendly, everywhere. We felt like we were in a large, loose community - of those who just appreciate golf!

Now that we have completed this multi-year journey, Wayne and I are not exactly sure what's next- in 2026 and beyond. (No, we're not going to do this in another state.) However, in many Wisconsin counties, we had a tough choice to make: which good course should we play in "this" county? We're thinking that between these other courses that we did not play, and the courses that we want to play again, we will hit Wisconsin highways and roads - experiencing again what a great state Wisconsin is for golf!

Why 14 holes? Because why not. According to Kohler Co., the goal is to keep things fun, flexible, and less time-consuming - ideal for golfers who want a memorable round without committing to the full five-hour marathon. Play 7, play 14, or double back and go for 21. Your call.

Designed by hometown hero Chris Lutzke - a longtime Pete Dye protege - Purebred Farm will blend Dye-inspired quirks with a more relaxed, modern vibe. Think dramatic elevation changes, wide fairways, and a shot at playing in under three hours (unless you get distracted by the scenery, which is very possible). Construction starts this fall and the course is set to open in 2026.

This isn't just a one-trick pony. The new development also includes:

• The Serve, a year-round indoor-outdoor tennis and pickleball complex (because your backswing needs balance).
• A renovation of The Carriage House, adding 4 luxury suites and a fresh update to the Spa at Kohler's sleeping quarters.

Kohler clearly isn't resting on its major-championship laurels. Between Whistling Straits, Blackwolf Run, and now Purebred Farm, it's becoming an even bigger magnet for golf travelers - especially those who like their rounds with a side of spa time or pickleball.

Stay tuned - this "purebred" could be the new thoroughbred in Wisconsin's stacked golf lineup.

Golfers who pick up the VIP Card will gain access to up to $575 in savings on green fees, cart rentals and special playing days at Broadlands. The card is designed for players who want value and flexibility - whether you're scheduling a regular round, coordinating an outing, or introducing someone new to the game. The course plays to 6,884 yards from the back tees and appeals to every skill level thanks to its generous fairways and strategic design by architect Rick Jacobson.

Broadlands VIP Discount Card Only $34.99

2 Complimentary Green Fees 4 BOGO Weekend Gree Fees 4 BOGO Weekday Green Fees 5 Buckets of Practice

= Great Value and up to $575 in Savings!

"We're excited to bring this VIP Card to our community," said Head Golf Professional Andy Spaulding. "At Broadlands we've always focused on great conditions, friendly service and making golf fun. This card gives you access to elevated value-and means you'll be coming back more often because the math now makes even more sense." The course's open, links-style layout, natural fescue hazards and standout holes like the risk/reward 13th and dramatic finishing 18th keep golfers engaged and returning.

The VIP Discount Golf Card is available now through Broadlands' online store and at the golf shop. With the card in hand you'll be able to book tee times online or by phone, take advantage of the savings, and be part of a community of players committed to enjoying quality golf without the premium price. Visit https://broadlandsgolfclub.square.site/product/broadlands-vip-discount-golf-card-1-/ for full details and to secure your VIP Card.

In just its ninth full season, this 12,000-acre sandy expanse has maintained a constant arc of evolution, expansion and improvement. The dynamic Sand Valley course made way for the intriguing Mammoth Dunes course. Which was very quickly joined by the Sandbox short course. Which then momentarily ceded the spotlight to the nationally heralded Lido course. Which almost simultaneously was joined by the rolling and rollicking Sedge Valley course. And all that happened between 2017 and 2024.

The latest bauble scheduled to be added to this spectacular charm bracelet of golf will be formally introduced in Spring, 2026. The 12-hole Commons course will become the resort's sixth layout. Located just north of Sedge Valley, the course was designed by Jimmy Craig, a shaper who worked for Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw (designers of the Sand Valley course) and was the lead associate on their 17-hole Sandbox par-3 course. Already shaped and seeded, the course has received praise from national golf publications who enjoyed a sneak peek. The course-said to be inspired in part by the North Berwick Golf Club in Scotland--consists of one par-5, four par-3s and seven par-4s. The first hole is a fascinating par-5 that ends on a contoured green supported by a massive sand dune. Following the first eight holes that are located on rolling land, three of the final four holes take on a vastly different character as they weave toward, around and across Luna Lake. Like the 6,000-yard Sedge Valley, the course encourages finesse over brawn. Place tee shots in strategic landing areas and be rewarded with open approach shots to greens. Errant tee shots, on the other hand, may wind up in one of the course's gaping bunkers.

"The Commons course could be considered an 'afternoon course,'" said Tom Ferrell, vice-president of media and communications of Dream Golf Resorts, in an August interview. "Guests will play one of the resort's championship courses in the morning and might then look to test their skills with a fun, shorter course. While not a par-3 course like the Sandbox, the Commons will be accessible to every handicap level. And at 12 holes, it can be played in a couple of hours." Like every course at Sand Valley, the Commons is designated as a walking-only experience.

The Commons will serve as an extension of the Sedge Valley community residences located near the Sedge Valley course. These residences are located near the Tennis Center which hosts an indoor "court tennis" court, a fully-stocked pro shop and the bistro-style The Gallery Italian restaurant. Guests across the property have access to the both the center and the restaurant.

"I think the Commons course will surprise and delight a lot of people," said Ferrell. "The water holes are unlike anything else at Sand Valley-or on any Dream Golf destination, really." Over the past two years, the grand openings of both The Lido and Sedge Valley courses have basically defined Sand Valley as one of the nation's premier golf complexes. Along with adding 36 holes to this former tree farm in Nekoosa the resort has also added to its accommodations; evolved into a four-season destination; opened multiple dining options, and expanded its unique tennis offerings which includes grass tennis courts. The origins of Sand Valley date to the early 2010's when golf construction executive Craig Haltom came across a parcel of sand, trees and wild vegetation that he sensed would make for a great golf property. Haltom shared his discovery with Michael Keiser, who very quickly shared his enthusiasm. After the land acquisition from the Plum Creek Timber Company, Keiser hired Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw to shape the land into a championship course unlike any other in Wisconsin. From emptied lakebed and forested dunes emerged the humble beginnings of what would quickly evolve into one of America's premier golf destinations.

Honored as the Best New Course of 2017 by multiple national golf magazines, the Sand Valley championship layout appears at first glance to have been designed by Mother Nature. Sand dunes flow into wide expanses teeming with red pines, native grasses and even prickly cacti. The course design is amazingly varied and dramatic. Fairways play hard and fast; thus, tee shots spring forward by 10, 20 and even 30 yards if the ball catches the back end of a hill. Greens are large and massively undulating as they challenge players to consider angles and pin positions on every approach shot. While it is tempting to compare Mammoth Dunes to its sister course, the fact is that the two layouts reside on completely different landscapes. Sand Valley is wide-open with saplings and shrubs lining the layout's perimeters. Trees are a prominent feature on Mammoth Dunes-not necessarily as obstacles but to frame holes. Named Best New Course of the Year by multiple national golf magazines in 2018, Mammoth Dunes was inspired by McLay Kidd's earlier work at Bandon Dunes in Oregon. His stated philosophy is to create courses "as natural as possible, as seamless as possible, and as sustainable as possible." Given 500 acres of pristine land, the architect produced a feast for the eyes complete with remarkable panoramas, extravagantly wide fairways, contoured greens and even a pair of drivable par-4s. The end-result is a course that is unique, fun and visually thrilling.

The Sandbox is an ingenious 1,757-yd. 17-hole creation that serves up loads of fun in a fraction of the time it takes to play a regulation course. Laid out over 25 acres of sandy soil, The Sandbox features holes that vary in length from 40 yards to 150 yards. The green complexes are the featured attractions on the course, with undulations and tiers challenging players to calculate landing areas sometimes far away from the flagstick locations. Depending on the greenkeeper's inclination, some flags on the course have to be ignored as their position just behind a greenside bunker basically eliminate any chances of landing the tee shot anywhere near the hole.

In December, 2023, Sand Valley Resort was selected by the USGA to host four prestigious USGA championships. The Lido will be primary host of the 2026 U.S. Mid-Amateur and of the 2029 U.S. Junior Amateur. In 2030, the resort will host the U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur and will follow that event in 2034 with the U.S. Girls' Junior Amateur.. Five years ago, Sand Valley Resort transitioned into a four-season resort complete with holiday and wellness events as well as cross-country skiing, fat-tire biking and snowshoeing during the winter months. During spring, summer and fall, hiking trails and grass court tennis are the primary non-golf amenities. "The transition from a seasonal resort to a full-season property was the result of demand from our guests, many of whom consider Sand Valley Resort their home away from home," said Carter. "The obvious benefit is that our resort staff can stay in-place year 'round." Sand Valley Resort is just one of four premier US golf resorts in the Dream Golf Resorts portfolio. The first was the Oregon Coast's Bandon Dunes Resort. The vision of Mike Keiser (father of Sand Valley's Michael and Chris Keiser), the resort today encompasses seven true links courses all located along a breathtaking, remote coastline. Bandon Dunes, Old Macdonald, the Sheep Ranch, Bandon Trails and the new 19-hole Shorty's par-3 course have captivated scores of golfers from around the world ever since the original course opened in 1999.

The Dream Golf portfolio is set to expand rapidly in coming months with the introduction of two new resorts in Texas and Colorado. A 40-ft. high sand protrusion nicknamed "Old Baldy" will become the starting point for three holes over two courses at Wild Spring Dunes in East Texas. Set to open for limited play at the end of this year, the first course was designed by Tom Doak and was built on 2,463 acres of land incorporating dense areas of towering pines, steep elevation changes, spring-fed creeks and open savannas. The resort is located in an isolated part of the state a few hours' drive from both Dallas and Houston. Along with first-class accommodations and dining options, planned amenities include a short course and a practice center. The second course was designed by Coore & Crenshaw. Sand dunes towering up to 90-feet high inspired the construction of the first course at Rodeo Dunes in Colorado, less than an hour's drive from the Denver airport. Scheduled to open in 2026, the course was designed by Coore & Crenshaw a rolling site that Coore has called "gifted land" that provides a natural canvas for greens and fairways. "Opening up two resorts and the Commons at the same time is a real juggling act," said Ferrell of Dream Golf Resorts with a laugh. "We would like to think that golfers who have enjoyed great experiences at Bandon Dunes and Sand Valley will be eager to travel to other parts of the country for new experiences.

"Rodeo Dunes will be vastly different from Wild Spring Dunes which is also vastly different from our other properties," Ferrell continued. "But the one important common thread of all Dream Golf properties is our commitment to provide great experiences that will stay with our guests long after they leave the properties." The first course at Rodeo Dunes will be succeeded by a second course designed by the same Jimmy Craig who designed the aforementioned Commons course at Sand Valley. Craig traveled throughout Scotland and Ireland for ideas and inspiration for routing the course alongside a dramatic landscape teeming with sand dunes.

"The support we've received from founders and partners on all of the projects has really helped motivate these ambitious construction plans," said Ferrell. "The name 'Dream Golf' is based upon a single vision of great golf experiences accessible and affordable to the general public."

When asked about the next change coming to Sand Valley, Ferrell paused for a moment before speaking. "All I can tell you today about Sand Valley," he said with a chuckle, "is that we're not done building golf courses there!"

To create your own dream golf package, visit the Sand Valley Resort website :at www.sandvalley.com or Dream Golf Resorts at www.dreamgolf.com

Don't miss the chance to stock up for next season or check off your gift list early. Plus, PGA Professionals will be on hand at many of these sales to answer questions and help you find the perfect fit. Let the savings (and the shopping) begin!

Erin Hills Online Golf Sale Whether it's nostalgia from a past round or inspiration for a future birdie (or birthday) take advantage of early savings of up to 70% on select Erin Hills merchandise and logoed apparel. Online only. Select stock available. No returns or exchanges. Shipping not included. Sale runs from November 4 through November 7.

https://shoperinhills.com/collections/sale

Hartford Golf Sale Hartford Town Hall 3360 Highway K, Hartford, WI 53207

Thursday, December 4 (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM) Friday, December 5 (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM) Saturday December 6 (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) More Information

Milwaukee County Parks Holiday Golf Sale Join us for the Annual Holiday Golf Merchandise Sale at the newly renovated Dretzka Park Golf Shop.

OPEN NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 23, 2025 Nov 28: 8am - 5pm Mon-Fri: 10am - 6pm Sat-Sun: 8am - 3pm

12020 W Bradley Road Milwaukee, WI 53224 (414) 354-7300

More Information