The Bandon Dunes of the Midwest - Sand Valley

golf travel golf trip planning Mar 01, 2023
The Bandon Dunes of the Midwest - Sand Valley

From the makers of Bandon Dunes, the Keiser family has developed yet another jaw dropping golf resort located in the heart of central Wisconsin. With two world-class courses, Mammoth Dunes and Sand Valley, and the unique "sand box", this golf rcomplex offers an experience like no other.

Let's start with the courses:

  • Mammoth Dunes: Designed by legendary golf course architect, David McLay Kidd, Mammoth Dunes is a breathtaking course that will challenge and excite players of all skill levels. With its rolling fairways, towering dunes, and pristine sand bunkers, this course will make you feel like you're playing golf on the moon. The fairways are generous and often times it is hard to lose a ball here. This track is perhaps one of the most fun and playable of all.
  • Sand Valley: This course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is a true gem. Set amidst towering sand dunes, the course is a walker's paradise, featuring rolling fairways and greens that are a golfer's dream. The par-3 holes at Sand Valley are truly spectacular, and the par-4s will challenge even the most seasoned players. Slightly more difficult than Mammoth, Sand Valley is known as “the players course”.
  • The Sand Box: This one-of-a-kind practice area is a golfer's paradise. 17 holes make up the sandbox ranging from 40 to 140 yards. This may be one of the finest short courses in the United States. The perfect warm up for your round.
  • Lido: Currently in construction is the restoration and embodiment of C.B. MacDonald’s Lido Golf Club in Long Island, NY. Touted as a course comparable in shot quality to Pine Valley and National Golf Links, the Lido was demolished by the US Navy during World War II. The Keiser brothers are bringing this course back to life, this time in Central Wisconsin. What will be a private club, Lido will be accessible to a certain amount of resort guests per day. Plan ahead, you don’t want to miss this.

It's worth mentioning that the caddy program at Sand Valley is top-notch. If you're looking for the ultimate golfing experience, walking the courses with a knowledgeable and experienced caddy is highly recommended.

Now let’s talk about Craig’s Porch, arguably one of the top halfway houses In the nation. Would you believe me if I told you that beers were $2? Well, they are. Unless you get a Spotted Cow - they charge you $3 for that Wisconsin delicacy (if you don’t know what a Spotted Cow is look it up). How about a cocktail? Surely those are expensive, this is a resort you know! Nope, a modest $5 for your transfusion. On top of that, this halfway house offers $1.50 pulled pork or chicken tacos! Aaron Rodgers has publicly endorsed how good these things are (and for that price). If you did a 3-day trip to Sand Valley, you could eat here for lunch everyday and spend next to nothing.

If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy a great meal after a day of golf, you can also visit Aldo's Restaurant. This farm-to-table dining experience offers the freshest ingredients and an extensive wine list, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the course. If you’re in Wisconsin, you obviously need to try the cheese curds. And at Aldo’s their Pork Shank is to die for.

For those looking to make a trip to Sand Valley, there are several options for flying into either Madison or Milwaukee. From there, it's just a short 1.5/2 hour drive to the resort. And when it comes to accommodations, Sand Valley has everything you could ask for. There are numerous cottages, lodges, and suites throughout the property. All of which are top notch.

In addition to golf, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the area. Whether it's fishing, hiking, grass tennis courts, or simply taking in the breathtaking views, Sand Valley has something for everyone.

Sand Valley is a premier golf destination that should be on every golfer's bucket list. With its breathtaking courses, unique practice facilities, and world-class accommodations, Sand Valley is the perfect place for a golf getaway. For more information on Sand Valley, or to help plan your golf trip, contact us today. Our golf trip experts will be happy to assist you in planning the ultimate golfing experience.

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