Next spring will mark the 10th anniversary of the opening of Sand Valley Golf Resort in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. A staple on the annual CDGA Member Trip schedule, what started with the Coore-Crenshaw-designed Sand Valley Course has blossomed into a thriving golf playground that now features six layouts, a slew of high-end accommodations, and a reputation that attracts golfers from all corners of the country and beyond. While the likes of Mammoth Dunes, The Sandbox and The Lido may take more of the headlines, Sand Valley’s newest additions combine for the perfect day of golf. With a drive of just under four hours from downtown Chicago, a northerly venture is well worth your time.
Tom Doak was brought in to lay out the intimate Sedge Valley Course, inspired by English heathland design. An enjoyable track fit for golfers of all skill levels, the 18-hole routing, which opened in 2024, measures at just over 5,800 yards and plays to a par 68. Balancing the scale of the resort’s larger courses, Sedge Valley includes 12 par 4s, five par 3s and just one par 5. Some of the par 4s are driveable, playing to exquisite, natural green complexes. Potentially more enjoyable than the layout itself are the meat pies from the turn stand at the 12th tee. For a small price, you can revel in an empanada-style savory pastry of Italian sausage, peppers, pomodoro sauce and mozzarella cheese. (Pro tip - one is simply not enough…)
After a sub-four-hour round, and potentially a bite or drink from The Gallery nearby, golfers can then hop over to The Commons, the resort’s latest debut. Adding to The Sandbox’s short-course resume, The Commons features a 12-hole “afternoon course” routing designed by Jimmy Craig (who also had a hand in the layout of The Sandbox). Inspired by the communal spirit of Scotland’s great courses, The Commons calls for fast play and creativity. The par-5 opener is the only one on the par-45 scorecard, which includes four par 3s and seven par 4s. The four-hole finishing stretch plays around the peninsula of Luna Lake and is the perfect ending to a day in the sand and sun.
In late August, CDGATV traveled to Sand Valley to document a day on both courses, helping CDGA members envision themselves making the journey. Visit the link below to plan out your Sand Valley adventure, or enjoy the video from the day: