Sand Valley is a modern golf mecca in the heart of Wisconsin’s Central Sands, a sprawling 12,000-acre resort near Nekoosa with five world-class courses (plus short options) built on massive prehistoric dunes. That’s so cool you can golf on something considered prehistoric.  True links-style golf far from any ocean. Inspired by Mike Keiser’s Bandon Dunes vision, it features firm/fast fescue turf, exposed sand blowouts, strategic routing, and pure, walkable play amid rolling heathland, wild grasses, and serene wilderness. 

 

Quick Facts

  • Five championship courses + short course designs by Coore & Crenshaw,David McLay Kidd, Tom Doak, and a recreated Golden Age classic (The Lido)
  • True inland links: Firm conditions, massive dunes, waste areas, blind shots, multiple angles, and creative recovery options, walk-only (caddies available)
  • Seasonal play: Mid-May to October for ideal weather (60s-80s°F summers, crisp falls); peak summer for long days, fall for colors and fewer crowds
  • Premium resort: Stay-and-play focus with priority tees; top-ranked (Sand Valley & Mammoth Dunes in national top 100 public lists, Sandbox top short courses)
  • Pure golf immersion: Minimalist vibe, farm to table dining, trails, lakes for non-golf activities

Wisconsin has so much to offer, more hills than Illinois, cheese curds, delicious beer, awesome golf, and memories you’ll never forget. 

 

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round marathons (Sand Valley for strategy, Mammoth for drama, Sandbox for fun), post-golf fireside hangs or patio views, and that high-energy, no-distractions golf focus
  • Families: Luxe lodging (cottages, suites), outdoor adventures (hiking, biking, water activities); forgiving short courses; non golfers enjoy nature, tennis, or relaxation

Top Standout Courses

Sand Valley (Coore & Crenshaw)

The flagship. Rolling sand hills with massive exposed dunes, firm/fast fairways, enormous greens, strategic choices, and hidden putting surfaces. Often compared to Sand Hills/Pine Valley hybrids but uniquely its own; a thoughtful, walkable test that rewards imagination and precision.

Mammoth Dunes (David McLay Kidd)

Towering sand features and bold scale,  huge dunes, wide fairways, dramatic elevation, and risk-reward holes with epic views. More power-friendly than Sand Valley but full of drama; a visual stunner with that “wow” factor on every hole.

Sedge Valley (Tom Doak)

Heathland-inspired gem, colorful meadows, thoughtful routing, strategic bunkers, and a shorter par-68 layout for faster, engaging rounds. Subtle yet challenging; provides variety and a nod to classic Old World links in the Midwest.

The Lido (Jim Craig recreation)

A Golden Age revival passionate rebuild of C.B. Macdonald’s lost 1920s masterpiece (once world-class). Timeless strategic test with bold features; exclusive access adds historic magic.

The Sandbox (Coore & Crenshaw, 17-hole short course)

Fun, creative par-3/approach layout, holes 40–140 yards with wild green complexes (double plateaus, lion’s mouth), sand prairie setting. Perfect warm-up, family play, or quick fun; highly ranked short course.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Sand Valley on-site, Cozy lodge rooms, suites, cottages with wilderness views; farm-to-table dining, casual bars
  • Stay-and-play packages include lodging, rounds (priority/multi-course), practice, and perks. Book early for peak season
  • Focus on immersion, walking paths, trails, lakes for paddleboarding/kayaking

All Key Sand Valley Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Sand Valley (Coore & Crenshaw, rolling strategic links)
  • Mammoth Dunes (Kidd, towering dune drama)
  • Sedge Valley (Doak, heathland meadows)
  • The Lido (recreated classic, Golden Age test)
  • The Sandbox (17-hole short, fun & creative)

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via sandvalley.com or specialists. Fills fast, especially summer/fall; multi-round discounts
  • Fly into Milwaukee (MKE)  2-2.5 hours drive, or smaller airports like Central Wisconsin (CWA)
  • Pair golf with Wisconsin favorites: cheese curds, craft beer, farm-to-table eats, or nearby hiking/lakes
  • Walk the courses (caddies recommended for strategy); embrace firm conditions and run-the-ball play; forward tees for accessibility

Go experience the rolling dunes of Wisconsin at Sun Valley. You’ll thank me later,

The beautiful thing about golf is you never know where it is going to take you. Before getting into golf, Indiana might not have been on the radar. French Lick changed that. French Lick Resort is a legendary Midwest golf destination nestled in the rolling hills of southern Indiana, with historic hotels, a casino, spa, and three standout courses (plus nearby access to more). Home to designs by golf architecture legends Pete Dye and Donald Ross, plus the classic Valley Links, it’s a perfect blend of modern challenge, timeless strategy, and stunning panoramic views over the Hoosier National Forest.

Quick Facts

  • Championship golf heritage: Courses by Pete Dye (2009), Donald Ross (1917, restored), and Tom Bendelow (1907 origins)
  • Dramatic terrain: Elevation changes (highest point in Indiana on the Dye course), volcano bunkers, contoured greens, and forest vistas
  • Year-round play: Great spring/fall conditions; mild summers; winter escape potential
  • Historic resort vibes: Two grand hotels (French Lick Springs & West Baden Springs), casino, spa, dining, and shuttles to courses
  • Top-ranked: Pete Dye course often #1 public in Indiana (Golfweek); Donald Ross consistently #2

It really is special that in every part of the United States there are absolutely beautiful courses. It provides people with a reason to go somewhere they may never have considered, to talk to people and see how folks in those parts of the world live.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round days mixing brutal Dye drama with classic Ross strategy, post-golf casino action, steaks, or beers, easy 36-hole potential
  • Families: Luxe historic hotels with pools, spa, kids’ activities, casino fun; shorter Valley Links for beginners or relaxed play

Top Standout Courses

Pete Dye Course

The modern masterpiece, sketched on a napkin and carved into hilltops at Indiana’s highest point. Over 8,100 yards from tips, volcano bunkers, massive elevation drops, three man-made lakes, and 40-mile panoramic views. Hosted the Senior PGA Championship (2015); pure adrenaline and bucket-list drama.

Donald Ross Course

Step back to 1917: a classic, rolling meadow layout with undulating fairways, contoured greens, and strategic genius. Hosted the 1924 PGA Championship (Walter Hagen win); restored beautifully. More playable yet nuanced, a joy for shot-makers and history buffs.

Valley Links (9-Hole)

Charming, walkable regulation nine (par-36) tracing back to Tom Bendelow’s 1907 original. Park-like feel, great for families, warm-ups, or quick rounds while enjoying the historic resort grounds.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • French Lick Springs Hotel: Classic historic vibe, near casino and Valley Links
  • West Baden Springs Hotel: Stunning dome architecture, luxury elegance
  • Valley Tower Hotel: Modern, convenient access
  • Packages include rounds on Dye/Ross, replays, breakfast, and resort perks

All Key French Lick Golf Courses at a Glance

  • Pete Dye Course (hilltop drama)
  • Donald Ross Course (classic strategy)
  • Valley Links (9-hole historic fun)
  • Nearby: Sultan’s Run (Pete Dye disciple design, 30 min away, often bundled in packages)
  • Plus short course options and massive practice areas

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via frenchlick.com or golf specialists; includes priority tees, replays ($200-$400 extra on Dye), and multi-course deals
  • Fly into Louisville (SDF) or Indianapolis (IND); drive 1 to 2 hours
  • Pair golf with resort classics: casino gaming, spa treatments, historic tours, or Indiana eats (steaks, bourbon)
  • Use shuttles everywhere; consider caddies on Dye for strategy; forward tees make it fun for all levels

Hawktree Golf Club is North Dakota’s premier public golf destination, a standout Jim Engh design on the outskirts of Bismarck, set across rolling hills, native prairie grasses, and sweeping views with dramatic elevation changes, black-sand bunkers, water features, and that wide-open Great Plains feel. Often ranked among the best in the state (and nationally acclaimed as a top public course), it’s a challenging, fun links-style layout that’s pure prairie golf joy, unexpected for the region and worth the trip for serious players seeking something unique.

Quick Facts

  • One championship 18-hole course: Par-72, over 7,000 yards from the tips, public daily-fee
  • Prairie links style: Natural elevation shifts, rough fescue-like grasses, strategic bunkers (including signature black sand), water on several holes, and wildlife-filled open terrain
  • Seasonal play: Late spring to early fall; peak summer for warm days (70s-90s F) and long daylight; shoulder seasons for value and fewer crowds
  • Top acclaim: Frequently #1 or top public in North Dakota (Golf Digest, Golfweek); Jim Engh’s bold, creative design with big visuals and shot-making rewards
  • Public-friendly: No resort on-site, but easy Bismarck lodging nearby plus packages through local deals or the Triple Golf Challenge (with Links of ND and Bully Pulpit)

Dakota has a rich history full of both Native history and the history of the U.S.A. From pioneering towns to Native memorials there is a lot to learn there, plus golf!

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-energy rounds with elevation drama and risk-reward holes, post-golf beers at the clubhouse grill, friendly bets on tough approaches, and easy multi-day play (pair with nearby courses for a ND golf road trip)
  • Families: Forgiving forward tees and wide fairways make it accessible; Bismarck-area hotels with pools/spa; non-golfers enjoy city sights, Missouri River activities, or nearby parks

Top Standout Course

Hawktree golf course

Hawktree Golf Club (Jim Engh Design)

The main event — a modern masterpiece that weaves fairways around Burnt Creek, with eight holes hugging the water and others climbing hills for panoramic prairie vistas. Bold contours, elevated tees (watch your ball fly forever), huge greens with subtle breaks, and creative bunkering — challenging from the back but playable up front. Signature holes feature dramatic drops, forced carries, and that “wow” factor Engh is known for. Often called one of the most fun and visually stunning courses in the Midwest — a bucket-list stop for prairie golf fans.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • No on-site resort, but Bismarck has plenty: Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, or Hampton Inn (many with packages or deals near the course)
  • Golf packages: Check northdakotagolf.com or local CVB for Bismarck bundles; Triple Golf Challenge pass for Hawktree + Bully Pulpit + Links of ND saves big
  • Nearby lodging options include vacation rentals/VRBO for groups wanting space

All Key Hawktree Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Hawktree Golf Club (18 holes, Jim Engh prairie links masterpiece)
  • Plus full practice facility, driving range, putting green, and pro shop
  • Nearby pairings: Bully Pulpit (Medora), The Links of North Dakota (Williston) for epic ND trips

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times early via hawktree.com or apps like GolfNow; peak summer weekends fill up; GPS carts included for strategy
  • Fly into Bismarck Municipal (BIS); course is just a short drive northwest (off Highway 1804)
  • Pair golf with Bismarck/Mandan classics: steakhouses, craft beer, Missouri River cruises, or the state capitol sights
  • Embrace the wind and elevation; play smart angles; forward tees keep it enjoyable for all; bring bug spray for prairie evenings

Time to conquer the prairie hills, chase birdies across wide-open fairways, and reset with North Dakota’s best golf experience. Hawktree is calling your escape.