Sand Valley Announces Sixth Course as ‘The Commons’ Will Be the Perfect Afternoon Round

Sand Valley is already recognized as a Top 100 destination for golf, but in the heartland of Wisconsin, the property is already preparing for its next big project, known as “The Commons.”

A planned 12-hole track that will open up sometime next year, The Commons is described as “an afternoon course” because of its reduced number of holes and its easy-on-the-eye aesthetic.

Inspired by the village greens of Scotland, Michael and Chris Keiser, along with architect Jim Craig, wanted to bring the spirit of European links golf to Wisconsin, while also offering plenty of amenities on the rest of the property.

Tucked into a peninsula into Luna Lake, the land where “The Commons” is being developed was originally slated for residential use. However, land clearing initiatives inspired the Keisers to build another golf course:

“We had spent about a year planning this walkable, Scottish-style neighborhood on the peninsula. But all the planning had been on paper. Once we finished clearing the trees and digging the lake, I went out to see how the peninsula looked, and it was obvious that it looked perfect for golf.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Its 12-hole layout pays homage to the original routing of Prestwick, home of the first 12 Open Championships. Eventually in 1882, Prestwick got its additional six holes and became a full 18-hole course for the Major Championship.

But make no mistake, The Commons encapsulates the traditional feel of links golf with the challenge of water-wrapped fairways and greens. Basically nothing on this course is flat, as the landscape offers bold shapes and contours that provide a challenge to even the most seasoned golfers.

It’s a fast start, too. The first hole will be a part 5 that plays “over a wild, rumpled fairway straight out of the old country.” Architect Jim Craig has developed some fantastic holes at various courses, including Rodeo Dunes in Colorado. The Keisers knew that with Craig, many of their concerns would be lifted.

At first, they thought the water holes would “feel disjointed or out of place with the rest of the course,” something that was relieved with Craig came on to make things flow a little better.

Michael Keiser said:

“Jim Craig sees things that don’t exist. He has this ability to conjure holes out of a blank slate. I’ve come to trust that. We always knew he would create a great course. What I didn’t realize was how beautiful it would be. Jim has both the vision and the execution. He’s done it here, and I know he’ll do it with his course at Rodeo Dunes.”

Incredibly, this is Craig’s first ever solo design credit. He also designed The Sandbox, a 17-hole, Par 3 Course that is on the property.

Sand Valley will open The Commons in 2026.

Cover Image via Golf