[Tim Lewis]

I think it is important to note that normally Keiser looks for three things when developing courses, sand, water, and good architecture. Of course this will be the first project which he has developed that is missing the water. This would help to explain why he was skeptical of taking on the project at first. I personally think that the project will be successful, but will admit that it is definitely a pretty big risk considering that it is the first project that has ventured from his formula which has proved successful time and time again.

[Josh Bills]

Off of Twitter from an hour ago:

Robert Thompson ‏@Going4theGreen

Just off the phone w/ @BandonDunesGolf's Mike Keiser who tells me Tom Doak and Coore/Crenshaw will design his 36 hole project in Wisconsin.

[Howard Riefs]

Looks like Matt Ginella today talked with Keiser about the Wisconsin project.  Matt tweeted about the discussion:

-------

On Bandon owner Mike Keiser's project in Wisconsin, Keiser's still in process of acquiring land, but very likely it happens...

He'll start with 1 course, but Keiser believes it takes at least 2 courses to make a destination, & his business formula is: 1+1=3...

So who builds No. 1? It's Doak or Coore/Crenshaw. And No. 1 will depend on schedule/availability. With C&C at Cabot, Doak likely to get nod.

If Doak gets No. 1, if and when it makes sense to build No. 2, then all things being equal, it's Coore/Crenshaw.

Look for a first course & a modest clubhouse, but given the suitable options in the area, Keiser will hold off on any lodging. For now.

Keiser's successful formula has always featured remote locations, minimalist architects & water. (He won't have water in Wisconsin.)

Keiser told me the land reminds him of Pine Valley. He wants to build "a PV for the public."


https://twitter.com/mattginellagc

[BHoover]

I think Mike DeVries deserves a shot.

[Chris DeToro]

Cannot wait for these courses to be built.  We need some solid new courses in the Midwest

[Andrew Buck]

Look for a first course & a modest clubhouse, but given the suitable options in the area, Keiser will hold off on any lodging. For now.

I really, really hope this happens.

What are the suitable option in the area?  Isn't this still a hike from the Dells?

[Ryan Heiman]

Between Lake Arrowhead rentals and WI Rapids hotels, there is a fair amount of lodging in the immediate area.  

WI Dells is an hour drive, but an easy day trip, and so much lodging.

Stevens Point isn't too far with plenty of lodging too.

[JC Jones]

Looks like Matt Ginella today talked with Keiser about the Wisconsin project.  Matt tweeted about the discussion:

-------

On Bandon owner Mike Keiser's project in Wisconsin, Keiser's still in process of acquiring land, but very likely it happens...

He'll start with 1 course, but Keiser believes it takes at least 2 courses to make a destination, & his business formula is: 1+1=3...

So who builds No. 1? It's Doak or Coore/Crenshaw. And No. 1 will depend on schedule/availability. With C&C at Cabot, Doak likely to get nod.

If Doak gets No. 1, if and when it makes sense to build No. 2, then all things being equal, it's Coore/Crenshaw.

Look for a first course & a modest clubhouse, but given the suitable options in the area, Keiser will hold off on any lodging. For now.

Keiser's successful formula has always featured remote locations, minimalist architects & water. (He won't have water in Wisconsin.)

Keiser told me the land reminds him of Pine Valley. He wants to build "a PV for the public."


https://twitter.com/mattginellagc

C&C at Cabot and Doak at Forest Dunes, perhaps this is further down the road than we think?

[Jud_T]

Keiser told me the land reminds him of Pine Valley. He wants to build "a PV for the public."

Picture the headline on GCA (or the Onion):

"Doak designs course with 153 slope.  Upper middle class hackers across the heartland commit Hara-Kari with dusty 3-iron."  

[RJ_Daley]

I can't wait to hear who is on the starting lineups of the construction teams.  

[Phil McDade]

Between Lake Arrowhead rentals and WI Rapids hotels, there is a fair amount of lodging in the immediate area.  

WI Dells is an hour drive, but an easy day trip, and so much lodging.

Stevens Point isn't too far with plenty of lodging too.

Ryan:

I've looked for two years for decent lodging in Stevens Point; let me know when you find it. (Hilltop has good burgers, though...)

[Jim Nugent]

Looks like Matt Ginella today talked with Keiser about the Wisconsin project.  Matt tweeted about the discussion:

-------

On Bandon owner Mike Keiser's project in Wisconsin, Keiser's still in process of acquiring land, but very likely it happens...

He'll start with 1 course, but Keiser believes it takes at least 2 courses to make a destination, & his business formula is: 1+1=3...

So who builds No. 1? It's Doak or Coore/Crenshaw. And No. 1 will depend on schedule/availability. With C&C at Cabot, Doak likely to get nod.

If Doak gets No. 1, if and when it makes sense to build No. 2, then all things being equal, it's Coore/Crenshaw.

Look for a first course & a modest clubhouse, but given the suitable options in the area, Keiser will hold off on any lodging. For now.

Keiser's successful formula has always featured remote locations, minimalist architects & water. (He won't have water in Wisconsin.)

Keiser told me the land reminds him of Pine Valley. He wants to build "a PV for the public."


https://twitter.com/mattginellagc

C&C at Cabot and Doak at Forest Dunes, perhaps this is further down the road than we think?

Can't the architect firms work on more than one project at a time? 

[Jud_T]

Certainly shuttling between Forest Dunes and this project wouldn't be that difficult as long as he's got enough good associates to go around.  In fact it might be the easiest commute Tom's had in a while.

[William_G]

the data from Bandon's success does point to year round golf in a low maintenance fashion as successful

however, closing down a business can be better than running it when it is costly to keep the doors open.

the data from Bandon no doubt also confirms the passion of the golfer from Minnesota and Wisconsin not to mention Chicago

the Sand Valley courses could end up being the best golf courses within 200 miles of Minneapolis, "can you say road trip"  

[Derek Dirksen]

Between Lake Arrowhead rentals and WI Rapids hotels, there is a fair amount of lodging in the immediate area.  

WI Dells is an hour drive, but an easy day trip, and so much lodging.

Stevens Point isn't too far with plenty of lodging too.


Ryan:

I've looked for two years for decent lodging in Stevens Point; let me know when you find it. Wink (Hilltop has good burgers, though...)




I spent 6 months in Stevens Point (Sentryworld) this year and there is not much for high end lodging.  I would say the Holiday Inn is the best hotel in town.  The Holiday Inn has plenty of rooms as it has a convention center with it.  There might be some other lodging south of Point in Plover.  BTW, the best dive bar in Point is Papa Joe's.  

[Phil McDade]

An update from the Milwaukee paper, with a not-so-thinly veiled reference to this very thread midway through the story, and details on pricing and opening:

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/golf/golf-course-visionary-plans-resort-near-wisconsin-rapids-b99145788z1-232685361.html

[Morgan Clawson]

Phil -  Thanks for posting.  

Interesting to see that David McLay Kidd is in the architect mix.

All the decisions about this project seem so smart.

[Dan Kelly]

This is going to be, as Mr. Trump might put it, HUGE.

[Don_Mahaffey]

"It would make Wisconsin the best summertime place for golf in the world," Keiser said.

Ah...I'm sure it will be good...but best in the world is a nice goal.

[Terry Lavin]

In the law, such statements are called "puffing". Mike is a great salesman and quite the puffer. Hyperbole or not, it will be great. I've spoken with Keiser and Josh Lesnik and I've seen the photos. Awesome potential.

[Tom Allen]

Sorry if this was already posted, but here is yet another article on this exciting (for me) development.

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/golf/golf-course-visionary-plans-resort-near-wisconsin-rapids-b99145788z1-232685361.html

Being from the Midwest, I would definitely take the short flight from Cincinnati or Dayton to Milwaukee for a destination trip.  I just discovered so much good public golf is not that far from me up in Wisconsin, and this would make it that much better.

[Steven Blake]

This begs to question... With a 36 + hole complex in Wisconsin Rapids, Whistling Straits, Blackwolf Run, Erin Hills, Lawsonia Links, The Bull at Pinehurst Farms, Big Fish, Wild Rock, University Ridge, Troy Burne and Sentry World.  Has Wisconsin moved itself into the top 5 best places to go for public golf? What states are better?

Steve Blake

[Jim Colton]

Matty G tweeted this morning:

@MattGinellaGC: BREAKING (in world of courses & resorts): Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw will build 1st course for Mike Keiser in Nekoosa, Wisc. #SandValley

[RJ_Daley]

I'm sure we'll soon find out which crew members will work the ground.  Some of them are interchangeable with Renaissance crew, I think.  I know I would love to go visit during construction to watch the art work go forward, if invited.   

[Morgan Clawson]

This begs to question... With a 36 + hole complex in Wisconsin Rapids, Whistling Straits, Blackwolf Run, Erin Hills, Lawsonia Links, The Bull at Pinehurst Farms, Big Fish, Wild Rock, University Ridge, Troy Burne and Sentry World.  Has Wisconsin moved itself into the top 5 best places to go for public golf? What states are better?

Steve Blake

Great question, and I think you are correct. California and Oregon are probably better than Wi.  But after that it's a tough call...

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