Some Things Wisconsin Golf

[pmccallum86]

Anyone have a clue if Sedge Valley will do preview play?  I know the course is ready so it's a shame that it's just sitting there waiting until July 1st. 

[The Milkman]

9 hours ago, pmccallum86 said:

Anyone have a clue if Sedge Valley will do preview play?  I know the course is ready so it's a shame that it's just sitting there waiting until July 1st. 

I asked earlier this week and was told no

[eboettne]

On 5/3/2024 at 8:07 PM, pmccallum86 said:

Anyone have a clue if Sedge Valley will do preview play?  I know the course is ready so it's a shame that it's just sitting there waiting until July 1st. 

 

It is a shame but I got shut down a couple weeks ago when I asked as well. 

[Phreddy]

Rain, rain go away.

Flood my course another day...

[TBone0576]

9 hours ago, Phreddy said:

Rain, rain go away.

Flood my course another day...

It's been pretty nuts this year.   I have been out 23 times and I can count on one hand how many times it wasn't cart path only or 90 degree rule.  

[ode1]

Confirmed it's wet...home course has been closed once and it's.been walking only a handful of rounds....being a walker, I do not mind, but damn it'sbbeen playing LONG!

Edited June 4, 2024 by ode1

[Phreddy]

We got almost 2" of rain last night, which is a little crazy to begin with, but the ground is already so super saturated there is no where for it to go.  I'm generally a walker also but hip boots are awkward!

[Jeffreywn]

I played at Geneva National this past weekend and our back 9 got rained out.  I now have a $760 rain check credit (to be used for greens fee only) that I won't be using because I live in Denver.  Is anyone interested in taking this off my hands at a discount?  It's a pin number so I won't need to ship any receipt or anything. 

[BirdieRoll]

Excluding Sand Valley, are there 2-3 courses worth stopping to play if driving from Troy Burne east towards Lawsonia?

 

Wild Rock? Trappers Turn?  Or just keep going straight to Lawsonia?

[ode1]

13 hours ago, BirdieRoll said:

Excluding Sand Valley, are there 2-3 courses worth stopping to play if driving from Troy Burne east towards Lawsonia?

 

Wild Rock? Trappers Turn?  Or just keep going straight to Lawsonia?

Depends on how many rounds you are playing/current itinerary, etc.  If Lawsonia Woodlands is on the list, then I would say yes, there are a few that are just as good or better (my own personal preference)...yes to Wild Rock.  Stevens Point CC (not sure of current policy but in past unaccompanied guest play was allowed, it's much more $ now, but likely in similar range as Lawsonia),  Bullseye in Rapids,  Lake Arrowhead Pines, Northern Bay.  You have to decide if the juice is worth the squeeze vs. getting to your next destination and relaxing vs. making an additional stop/s.

[TBone0576]

A lot of golf planned for the holiday.   Teeing it up everyday from Thursday thru Monday and doing 36 on Friday.   The late morning round on Friday should be interesting as I am playing with my brother in law who is a beginner as well as my stepdaughter and her boyfriend who are also new to the game.  Have the feeling I am going to be pressing them to keep pace and asking them to pick up the ball from time to time.    The brother in law has common sense so it shouldn't be an issue with him.  The other two I'm not so sure about.  Hope everyone has a chance to get out at some point. 

[ESOX ZO]

Playing Sedge twice in Sept, anyone get out there for Opening Day?

[Argonne69]

On 6/28/2024 at 6:52 PM, BirdieRoll said:

Excluding Sand Valley, are there 2-3 courses worth stopping to play if driving from Troy Burne east towards Lawsonia?

 

Wild Rock? Trappers Turn?  Or just keep going straight to Lawsonia?

 

I'd certainly stop at Wild Rock. Fun layout. 

 

[Divot_Forensicist]

10 hours ago, ESOX ZO said:

Playing Sedge twice in Sept, anyone get out there for Opening Day?

I am playing it a week from today! 

[ESOX ZO]

1 hour ago, Divot_Forensicist said:

I am playing it a week from today! 

Nice! Report back 🫡 

[nalaws2]

21 hours ago, ESOX ZO said:

Playing Sedge twice in Sept, anyone get out there for Opening Day?

Played yesterday, day 2.  Unreal experience, truly feels like you are in the UK.  Greens ran faster than advertised.  Drivable par 4's were so fun.  Course was in 10/10 shape.  Wind was a major factor, despite it being the most treed of the SV tracks.  The meat pies on 12 are a must.  No practice green on site.  The pro shop was small but very well stocked.  The walk in between holes was so refreshing, tiny thin gravel or dirt paths.  18's punch bowl was awesome.  Better than SV's 17th.  We took a forecaddie for our first go at it, would recommend that.  The rickshaws are brand new and nicer than SV/Mammoth.  Immediately a must play and vaulting close to my favorite SV course.  Cannot wait to go back.

[StudentGolfer4]

49 minutes ago, nalaws2 said:

Played yesterday, day 2.  Unreal experience, truly feels like you are in the UK.  Greens ran faster than advertised.  Drivable par 4's were so fun.  Course was in 10/10 shape.  Wind was a major factor, despite it being the most treed of the SV tracks.  The meat pies on 12 are a must.  No practice green on site.  The pro shop was small but very well stocked.  The walk in between holes was so refreshing, tiny thin gravel or dirt paths.  18's punch bowl was awesome.  Better than SV's 17th.  We took a forecaddie for our first go at it, would recommend that.  The rickshaws are brand new and nicer than SV/Mammoth.  Immediately a must play and vaulting close to my favorite SV course.  Cannot wait to go back.

Playing it next week and this has me even more excited. 
 

Where is the course in relation to the main clubhouse? I assume their shuttle system will drop off and pick up from there? Any warm up area or need to use the range by Craig’s porch?

[nalaws2]

1 hour ago, StudentGolfer4 said:

Playing it next week and this has me even more excited. 
 

Where is the course in relation to the main clubhouse? I assume their shuttle system will drop off and pick up from there? Any warm up area or need to use the range by Craig’s porch?

The course is near where the old extended large range used to be.  It is a quick shuttle ride to/from from the main lodge.  They have the new restaurant The Gallery right next to Sedge Valley.  Had a drink there, but didnt eat supper.  Menu looks reasonably priced and nice Italian options.  Also FYI to all, the only range open on the entire property is the small range next to SV/Craigs Porch.  It can get busy and as you know its small so plan accordingly.

[Phreddy]

Here is a nice write up and review of Sedge...

 

https://www.wisconsin.golf/courses/sedge-valley-set-to-open-to-the-public-monday-jumps-to-no-1-in-my/article_a3783b62-34ad-11ef-84d9-07208aa016dd.html?

[StudentGolfer4]

@nalaws2 Were the greens extremely firm because they’re new or were they comparable to the other courses on property? What’s it like when you get out of the fairway? I’ve been looking at every photo I can find but it’s tough to tell. Is there any traditional rough or just fescue like mammoth and SV? Is it hittable, lost ball, too thick to play out of, etc. 

 

What range of distance does your group usually play and what set of tees did you use at Sedge? I prefer to play 66-6800 but can’t decide between the tips and back. 6150 isn’t long, even at par 68 but playing 2.6 strokes over par has me leaning towards the “back” tees instead. 

[nalaws2]

22 hours ago, StudentGolfer4 said:

@nalaws2 Were the greens extremely firm because they’re new or were they comparable to the other courses on property? What’s it like when you get out of the fairway? I’ve been looking at every photo I can find but it’s tough to tell. Is there any traditional rough or just fescue like mammoth and SV? Is it hittable, lost ball, too thick to play out of, etc. 

 

What range of distance does your group usually play and what set of tees did you use at Sedge? I prefer to play 66-6800 but can’t decide between the tips and back. 6150 isn’t long, even at par 68 but playing 2.6 strokes over par has me leaning towards the “back” tees instead. 

I would say the greens were similar in receptiveness to Mammoth, but faster.  The complexes are tougher, partners got into some really tough putts that you don't have on Mammoth.  Visually the fairways can look tight off the tee, but then you get to a ball sprayed a little right or left and you may be surprised to be in an ok spot.  There are fairway bunkers but mostly off the tee, what you see is what you get.  The rough is very generous fluffy stuff.  I had good lies whenever I was in it.  My group always plays Orange tees at Mammoth/SV.  We played the back/orange tees at Sedge.  They didn't have true tips or anything out longer that day.  It was the perfect distance.  IMHO if you are a single digit hdcp that drives it 240-290yd you won't want to play anything shorter.

[mauiman]

Played 99 holes over the holiday weekend at Lawsonia and the courses were in great shape! Only had a handful of holes in the rain. All rounds were under 4 hours too. Never had to wait. Absolute dream weekend in my happy place.

[Divot_Forensicist]

On 7/3/2024 at 6:53 AM, nalaws2 said:

Played yesterday, day 2.  Unreal experience, truly feels like you are in the UK.  Greens ran faster than advertised.  Drivable par 4's were so fun.  Course was in 10/10 shape.  Wind was a major factor, despite it being the most treed of the SV tracks.  The meat pies on 12 are a must.  No practice green on site.  The pro shop was small but very well stocked.  The walk in between holes was so refreshing, tiny thin gravel or dirt paths.  18's punch bowl was awesome.  Better than SV's 17th.  We took a forecaddie for our first go at it, would recommend that.  The rickshaws are brand new and nicer than SV/Mammoth.  Immediately a must play and vaulting close to my favorite SV course.  Cannot wait to go back.

I played Sedge Valley three times last week. It is a fantastic addition to the stellar selection of courses at Sand Valley Resort.

 

On the first day I played Sedge Valley in the morning and then Mammoth Dunes in the afternoon, reason being that on a golf architecture discussion board, Tom Doak responded to someone who reviewed the course and said: “I think you have done a good job of explaining what we were trying to build: ‘the anti-Mammoth Dunes’” (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,72346.0.html?PHPSESSID=81025d640c634f290f1eacf57406c1ea). Thus, I thought it would be fun to compare and contrast the experiences playing each course one after the other. To emphasize the intended contrast, the first round I played the Middle (Green) Tees, which come in at 4,777 yards at Sedge Valley and the Orange Tees at Mammoth, which total 6,587 yards. As you all likely know already the former course is par 68 and the latter par 72.

 

 

This experiment worked in the sense that the difference in scale—especially the walk itself (I carried my own bag)—is noticeable. Surprisingly, however, Sedge Valley was much more open from the tee than I had anticipated. The fairways are generous, but course knowledge is helpful for placing your drive as some of the fairways have large contours that steer you toward trouble, such as bunkers and blind approach shots. Angles of approach are especially important because the green complexes are what give this course its teeth. That being said, from the Middle Tees I mostly had short irons or wedges into greens and therefore was able to score even if I missed the ideal landing spot from the tee.

 

 

The next day I played two rounds at Sedge Valley, both from the Back (Orange) Tees, which measure 5,829 yards (the Black Tees at Mammoth, to continue the comparison, are 6,988). The extra distance really makes the course a better strategic test. Whereas the prior day I easily hit my targets off the tee, it was more challenging to do so from the back and I found more trouble—being ever so slightly further from the green on approach resulted in having my ball being above or below my stance, a side-hill lie, some of my approach shots being more at the whims of a chance bounce, or leaving more challenging putts. There are several drivable par fours on the course, some of them with less than driver (e.g., playing from the Middle Tees [222 yards] I drove number 12 with a 3 hybrid and then from the Back Tees [278 yards] I drove it again the with my driver). From the Middle Tees I always went for it, from the Back Tees more often than not the better play is to play to your number for the approach shot.

 

 

Overall, Sedge Valley is a fun course because it makes you think and execute a variety of golf shots in a serene prairie setting, whereas Mammoth Dunes is fun because it is visually sublime in its magnitude as you hit shots bounding across its expansive terrain toward massive greens guarded by intimidating bunkers—the former is a thinker’s/shot maker’s golf course, the latter is a bomber’s golf course. As I mentioned, I played Sedge Valley three times in two days and it kept me interested and if my attention waned due to exhaustion from carrying 36 per day in the heat and humidity I paid the price. As might be expected, the greens were slower than other courses on site—I left every putt short but two during my first round. Otherwise, although it has had a steady stream of play it is in wonderful condition like the other courses on the property.

 

 

As nalaws2 has mentioned, there are no practice facilities near Sedge Valley (having one paltry range for the entire resort is something they need to address). They are building a one-acre Himalaya putting green (à la the Punchbowl at Bandon Dunes) beside the Sedge Valley pro shop—it is mostly shaped but they have not seeded it yet. The pro shop is small but has good merchandise (personally, I love the logo). The Gallery Restaurant is located near the bag drop and pro shop, but they do not serve breakfast or lunch—only dinner; so if you are scheduling rounds, be certain to build in enough time to shuttle up to Craig’s Porch or Mammoth Bar to grab a bite to eat. We ate at the Gallery for dinner and it too is a nice addition to the resort—food was better than either Aldo’s or Mammoth Bar in my opinion. The building is located near the grass tennis courts (the old ones and four new ones), and the restaurant overlooks an indoor “court tennis” court (https://sandvalley.com/courttennis).

 

 

A couple of final notes: 1. The Commons is located right across the road from Sedge Valley. It will be a 12-hole executive course (part of the “family friendly” setting they are going for). It has already been seeded (see pictures below) and so I would anticipate it opening sometime next year (at least for preview play). 2. Talking to staff, they mentioned that there are already plans for another course designed by Gil Hanse, as well as a spa (see comment above about being family friendly). They also mentioned that the Keisers bought additional land in the area for more expansion.

 

 

As always, the pictures do not do the course justice.

Edited July 18, 2024 by Divot_Forensicist

[ESOX ZO]

15 hours ago, Divot_Forensicist said:

I played Sedge Valley three times last week. It is a fantastic addition to the stellar selection of courses at Sand Valley Resort.

 

On the first day I played Sedge Valley in the morning and then Mammoth Dunes in the afternoon, reason being that on a golf architecture discussion board, Tom Doak responded to someone who reviewed the course and said: “I think you have done a good job of explaining what we were trying to build: ‘the anti-Mammoth Dunes’” (https://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,72346.0.html?PHPSESSID=81025d640c634f290f1eacf57406c1ea). Thus, I thought it would be fun to compare and contrast the experiences playing each course one after the other. To emphasize the intended contrast, the first round I played the Middle (Green) Tees, which come it at 4,777 yards at Sedge Valley and the Orange Tees at Mammoth, which total 6,587 yards. As you all likely know already the former course is par 68 and the latter par 72.

 

 

This experiment worked in the sense that the difference in scale—especially the walk itself (I carried my own bag)—is noticeable. Surprisingly, however, Sedge Valley was much more open from the tee than I had anticipated. The fairways are generous, but course knowledge is helpful for placing your drive as some of the fairways have large contours that steer you toward trouble, such as bunkers and blind approach shots. Angles of approach are especially important because the green complexes are what give this course its teeth. That being said, from the Middle Tees I mostly had short irons or wedges into greens and therefore was able to score even if I missed the ideal landing spot from the tee.

 

 

The next day I played two rounds at Sedge Valley, both from the Back (Orange) Tees, which measure 5,829 yards (the Black Tees at Mammoth, to continue the comparison, are 6,988). The extra distance really makes the course a better strategic test. Whereas the prior day I easily hit my targets off the tee, it was more challenging to do so from the back and I found more trouble—being ever so slightly further from the green on approach resulted in having my ball being above or below my stance, a side-hill lie, some of my approach shots being more at the whims of a chance bounce, or leaving more challenging putts. There are several drivable par fours on the course, some of them with less than driver (e.g., playing from the Middle Tees [222 yards] I drove number 12 with a 3 hybrid and then from the Back Tees [278 yards] I drove it again the with my driver). From the Middle Tees I always went for it, from the Back Tees more often than not the better play is to play to your number for the approach shot.

 

 

Overall, Sedge Valley is a fun course because it makes you think and execute a variety of golf shots in a serene prairie setting, whereas Mammoth Dunes is fun because it is visually sublime in its magnitude as you hit shots bounding across its expansive terrain toward massive greens guarded by intimidating bunkers—the former is a thinker’s/shot maker’s golf course, the latter is a bomber’s golf course. As I mentioned, I played Sedge Valley three times in two days and it kept me interested and if my attention waned due to exhaustion from carrying 36 per day in the heat and humidity I paid the price. As might be expected, the greens were slower than other courses on site—I left every putt short but two during my first round. Otherwise, although it has had a steady stream of play it is in wonderful condition like the other courses on the property.

 

 

As nalaws2 has mentioned, there are no practice facilities near Sedge Valley (having one paltry range for the entire resort is something they need to address). They are building a one-acre Himalaya putting green (à la the Punchbowl at Bandon Dunes) beside the Sedge Valley pro shop—it is mostly shaped but they have not seeded it yet. The pro shop is small but has good merchandise (personally, I love the logo). The Gallery Restaurant is located near the bag drop and pro shop, but they do not serve breakfast or lunch—only dinner; so if you are scheduling rounds, be certain to build in enough time to shuttle up to Craig’s Porch or Mammoth Bar to grab a bite to eat. We ate at the Gallery for dinner and it too is a nice addition to the resort—food was better than either Aldo’s or Mammoth Bar in my opinion. The building is located near the grass tennis courts (the old ones and four new ones), and the restaurant overlooks an indoor “court tennis” court (https://sandvalley.com/courttennis).

 

 

A couple of final notes: 1. The Commons is located right across the road from Sedge Valley. It will be a 12-hole executive course (part of the “family friendly” setting they are going for). It has already been seeded (see pictures below) and so I would anticipate it opening sometime next year (at least for preview play). 2. Talking to staff, they mentioned that there are already plans for another course designed by Gil Hanse, as well as a spa (see comment above about being family friendly). They also mentioned that the Keisers bought additional land in the area for more expansion.

 

 

As always, the pictures do not do the course justice.

Did they happen to have course yardage guide's at the Pro Shop? Also no mention of a caddy I presume you didn't take one? 

[StudentGolfer4]

17 minutes ago, ESOX ZO said:

Did they happen to have course yardage guide's at the Pro Shop? Also no mention of a caddy I presume you didn't take one? 

I think I saw them by the register but not 100% sure. Caddies are available but keep in mind it’s a new course to most of them too. (Of course that depends when you’re going.)

[Divot_Forensicist]

22 minutes ago, ESOX ZO said:

Did they happen to have course yardage guide's at the Pro Shop? Also no mention of a caddy I presume you didn't take one? 

They do have yardage books for Sedge Valley--since I did not take a caddie, I did purchase one--that are helpful.

 

As I mentioned, I carried my own bag. But on the first day my wife played with me and she took a caddie (and the twosome we were paired with also had a caddie). The second round my playing partner had a junior caddie, and in my final round our group was assigned a fore caddie. As noted by StudentGolfer4 the caddies have limited experience on the course since it just opened--the fore caddie in my final group joked with me that after playing three rounds there I knew the course better than the caddies. If you are looking for a caddie when you go, I highly recommend Ben Peterson or Jake (sorry I did not catch his last name).

[ESOX ZO]

1 minute ago, Divot_Forensicist said:

They do have yardage books for Sedge Valley--since I did not take a caddie, I did purchase one--that are helpful.

 

As I mentioned, I carried my own bag. But on the first day my wife played with me and she took a caddie (and the twosome we were paired with also had a caddie). The second round my playing partner had a junior caddie, and in my final round our group was assigned a fore caddie. As noted by StudentGolfer4 the caddies have limited experience on the course since it just opened--the fore caddie in my final group joked with me that after playing three rounds there I knew the course better than the caddies. If you are looking for a caddie when you go, I highly recommend Ben Peterson or Jake (sorry I did not catch his last name).

Yardage book will do! Playing there twice in a couple months, awesome review. Picked a good time to go up to SV for the first time, no excuse as it's just a short drive for me here. 

[nalaws2]

22 hours ago, Divot_Forensicist said:

They do have yardage books for Sedge Valley--since I did not take a caddie, I did purchase one--that are helpful.

 

As I mentioned, I carried my own bag. But on the first day my wife played with me and she took a caddie (and the twosome we were paired with also had a caddie). The second round my playing partner had a junior caddie, and in my final round our group was assigned a fore caddie. As noted by StudentGolfer4 the caddies have limited experience on the course since it just opened--the fore caddie in my final group joked with me that after playing three rounds there I knew the course better than the caddies. If you are looking for a caddie when you go, I highly recommend Ben Peterson or Jake (sorry I did not catch his last name).

I took Kaiden as a forecaddie.  He was great.  Remember, they were open for preview play on a portion of the course for some members and distinguished folks last year.  Caddies who have been around should not be seeing the course for the very first time.

[eboettne]

For those that have played Sedge, how do you rank the 4 full length courses at the resort(including Lido)?

[StudentGolfer4]

7 hours ago, eboettne said:

For those that have played Sedge, how do you rank the 4 full length courses at the resort(including Lido)?

Havent played lido but I’ll chime in. 

If it’s your first time at the resort 

1a Mammoth
1b Sedge

3 SV

 

 

If you have played the courses before

Sedge

SV

Mammoth 

 

Mammoth is a ton of fun. For a first timer I would reccomend it over the other two that I have played. It’s the ultimate resort course. Plenty of memorable holes, fun shots to hit, should present more birdie looks than normal, and won’t leave you feeling dejected when you walk off of 18.
 

However, I don’t think it’s a fantastic golf course to play repeatedly. One of my biggest issue is good shots arent necessarily rewarded. I hit plenty of so so wedges that found a slope and would funnel towards the green/hole. When I fan a wedge out right from 100 yards that hits off the green but I still have a 15 footer for birdie I don’t feel quite right about it. The short driveable holes 6 and 14 are fun but not necessarily risk reward. 6 is a bit more than 14. 14 is driveable and fun but it doesn’t take a particularly good shot. From the correct tees an average to mediocre shot will hit the slope and funnel down towards the green. Compare that to the short 4s at Sedge and there’s a glaring difference.