Sand Valley

[QMany]

I think the big thing Sand Valley has working against it are the seasons. Regular play limited to April-October or so. Where I went to Bandon over Thanksgiving and February is known as "Bandon on a budget." I wonder if that keeps the prices peak pretty most of the playable year.

[duffer987]

I think the big thing Sand Valley has working against it are the seasons. Regular play limited to April-October or so. Where I went to Bandon over Thanksgiving and February is known as "Bandon on a budget." I wonder if that keeps the prices peak pretty most of the playable year.

 

Interesting, I'd not even looked at their rates before now. $225 - $320 depending on day of the week and pay and play or stay and pay. That's not an insignificant amount.

Their definitely geared it towards the 3-day weekend crowd.

Darn all this talk is making me think Oct - if word is Mammoth could have all 18 open for preview play.

[wrayner]

A buddy of mine from college is the GM there and talking to him has gotten me really excited to check it out. Hope to get out there soon.

[blakehall]

I got to play 14 holes last summer as part of the preview play.

 

As golf crazy as most of the upper midwest is, I have absolutely no doubts that this will be a successful destination.

 

I can't wait to go back when the preview play is open on the second course.

[tarheel golf]

Played Sand Valley last fall with Hickory Clubs. Great layout and very fair. For a side trip, try Lawsonia Links.

[dcmidnight]

I think the big thing Sand Valley has working against it are the seasons. Regular play limited to April-October or so. Where I went to Bandon over Thanksgiving and February is known as "Bandon on a budget." I wonder if that keeps the prices peak pretty most of the playable year.

 

Yeah this was my issue in trying to hit it on an October trip - you're really pushing it weatherwise. Still hoping to get up there for a day in August but may wait till next year.

 

BTW whoever said Bandon is too far from an airport - United has been flying jets from Denver into North Bend for the last year or so.

[duffer987]

I think the big thing Sand Valley has working against it are the seasons. Regular play limited to April-October or so. Where I went to Bandon over Thanksgiving and February is known as "Bandon on a budget." I wonder if that keeps the prices peak pretty most of the playable year.

 

Yeah this was my issue in trying to hit it on an October trip - you're really pushing it weatherwise. Still hoping to get up there for a day in August but may wait till next year.

 

BTW whoever said Bandon is too far from an airport - United has been flying jets from Denver into North Bend for the last year or so.

 

Pfft. C'mon that's not an airport, they just bought the old set from 'Wings' and moved it there ;)

[QMany]

I think the big thing Sand Valley has working against it are the seasons. Regular play limited to April-October or so. Where I went to Bandon over Thanksgiving and February is known as "Bandon on a budget." I wonder if that keeps the prices peak pretty most of the playable year.

 

Yeah this was my issue in trying to hit it on an October trip - you're really pushing it weatherwise. Still hoping to get up there for a day in August but may wait till next year.

 

BTW whoever said Bandon is too far from an airport - United has been flying jets from Denver into North Bend for the last year or so.

 

Don't they only do that seasonally, like June-August? Peak prices.

[mufan1]

I think the big thing Sand Valley has working against it are the seasons. Regular play limited to April-October or so. Where I went to Bandon over Thanksgiving and February is known as "Bandon on a budget." I wonder if that keeps the prices peak pretty most of the playable year.

 

Interesting, I'd not even looked at their rates before now. $225 - $320 depending on day of the week and pay and play or stay and pay. That's not an insignificant amount.

Their definitely geared it towards the 3-day weekend crowd.

Darn all this talk is making me think Oct - if word is Mammoth could have all 18 open for preview play.

Where are you seeing these rates? They max at $215 according to the website. http://www.sandvalleygolfresort.com/golf/

[PureGolf313]

Well I played Sand Valley for the first time yesterday and was blown away by the facilities and the course was even better. Now I can provide a bit more insight on the area, my family has had a lake home (measured it yesterday 1.7 miles to the sand valley entrance) on lake arrowhead for 20 years and I have spent a majority of my weekends going to the area. The area of Rome is known as the tri-lakes area and there are three lakes, Camelot, Sherwood, and Arrowhead and there are quite a few homes, you would not see these developments because they are north of the where you turn into SV. Most of these homes are lake homes and cabins for people from Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis and some retired people, with that said most of the write ups have said how it is completely in the middle of no where, yes while it is remote I will say you are not completely cut off from the outside world. What I think some people are also missing are the two REALLY good courses in the lake arrowhead development called the lakes and the pines, green fees are around $50 bucks. You could really make a fun weekend playing SV and then play the lakes or the pines which are both within 2 miles of SV. Also remember you have sentry world in Stevens Point which was rated #34 best public course this year and that is about 40 minutes away.

 

http://www.lakearrowheadgolf.com/

 

 

 

One note I have to make is there were many guys from Private Chicago clubs including a group of 5 from Medinah, and we were supposed to be paired up with two of them before one loud mouth guy refused to play with me and my dad while we were standing on the 1st teebox, He was also bitching about how he did not get his Caddy from Bandon he requested. They made the single the was supposed to play with 3 of them walk down the first hole to join us and they played 5 in the group behind us. I am glad I did not play with this guy but leave that attitude at the IL state line. I have done a lot to lose the FIB title up there but these guys were the epitome of FIB's.

[JNewsted]

Well I played Sand Valley for the first time yesterday and was blown away by the facilities and the course was even better. Now I can provide a bit more insight on the area, my family has had a lake home (measured it yesterday 1.7 miles to the sand valley entrance) on lake arrowhead for 20 years and I have spent a majority of my weekends going to the area. The area of Rome is known as the tri-lakes area and there are three lakes, Camelot, Sherwood, and Arrowhead and there are quite a few homes, you would not see these developments because they are north of the where you turn into SV. Most of these homes are lake homes and cabins for people from Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis and some retired people, with that said most of the write ups have said how it is completely in the middle of no where, yes while it is remote I will say you are not completely cut off from the outside world. What I think some people are also missing are the two REALLY good courses in the lake arrowhead development called the lakes and the pines, green fees are around $50 bucks. You could really make a fun weekend playing SV and then play the lakes or the pines which are both within 2 miles of SV. Also remember you have sentry world in Stevens Point which was rated #34 best public course this year and that is about 40 minutes away.

 

http://www.lakearrowheadgolf.com/

 

 

 

One note I have to make is there were many guys from Private Chicago clubs including a group of 5 from Medinah, and we were supposed to be paired up with two of them before one loud mouth guy refused to play with me and my dad while we were standing on the 1st teebox, He was also bitching about how he did not get his Caddy from Bandon he requested. They made the single the was supposed to play with 3 of them walk down the first hole to join us and they played 5 in the group behind us. I am glad I did not play with this guy but leave that attitude at the IL state line. I have done a lot to lose the FIB title up there but these guys were the epitome of FIB's.

 

 

I'll second the Lake Arrowhead course (Pines at least). Got up to SV way too early and figured I'd give it a go for a twilight round. Very solid "up north" (for all you michiganders) feel and a nice little resort. A worthwhile play if you have time. I've also seen large groups from Chicago privates in my 3 SV trips (cough, cough Medinah), and they were quite like the group you mentioned above...

[Pollie017]

Yes, it's really good. I couldn't get over how someone could get in there and see that piece of land and turn it into that.

 

I feel the same way about Streamsong. The entire area is a wasteland. How they came up with 3 courses shows how creative the designers are.

[teejaywhy]

Nice write up in this week's (June 5) Global Golf Post

 

http://digitalmag.globalgolfpost.com/20170605#&pageSet=13&page=0

[DoubleorQuits]

Not sure why anyone outside of a there hour driving radius would bother with SV. It's like going to different cities and eating at Hardrock.

[teejaywhy]

Not sure why anyone outside of a there hour driving radius would bother with SV. It's like going to different cities and eating at Hardrock.

 

Not sure if I understand. Are you saying you think Sand Valley is a cookie-cutter design similar to what could be found in most any local area?

[sir_templar2]

I'm certainly looking forward to experiencing Sand Valley in August. I also have Erin Hills, Lawsonia Woodlands, Sentry World, and the Straits, River and Irish courses in Kohler on the docket. Add 2 days at Arcadia Bluffs across the pond and its the making of an epic golfing trip!

[klebs01]

I'm certainly looking forward to experiencing Sand Valley in August. I also have Erin Hills, Lawsonia Woodlands, Sentry World, and the Straits, River and Irish courses in Kohler on the docket. Add 2 days at Arcadia Bluffs across the pond and its the making of an epic golfing trip!

 

Why are you playing the woodlands instead of the links at lawsonia? I would definitely switch courses there if there isn't a good reason for picking the woodlands. Otherwise it sounds like a great trip.

[sir_templar2]

I'm certainly looking forward to experiencing Sand Valley in August. I also have Erin Hills, Lawsonia Woodlands, Sentry World, and the Straits, River and Irish courses in Kohler on the docket. Add 2 days at Arcadia Bluffs across the pond and its the making of an epic golfing trip!

 

Why are you playing the woodlands instead of the links at lawsonia? I would definitely switch courses there if there isn't a good reason for picking the woodlands. Otherwise it sounds like a great trip.

 

Its both courses --- Links and Woodlands. I misread my buddy's email, lol

[PuttCurseRepeat]

Not sure why anyone outside of a there hour driving radius would bother with SV. It's like going to different cities and eating at Hardrock.

 

I think you are missing something. Perspective? I'm not sure...

[BottleCap]

I think what he's saying is that a course like Kohler and Erin hills will be notable because they are championship courses. Sand Valley is like Hard Rock in that they are like a Keiser theme golf course, links style and in the middle of no where.

[mallrat]

One thing I find hard to compare with Bandon and might have a great impact is the weather. Bandon is a year round destination and with the lower prices the off seasons have now become their busiest seasons.

 

What will Sand Valley do? They have to keep some staff during the winter I imagine.

[PuttCurseRepeat]

I think what he's saying is that a course like Kohler and Erin hills will be notable because they are championship courses. Sand Valley is like Hard Rock in that they are like a Keiser theme golf course, links style and in the middle of no where.

 

But why use a poor metaphor like a Hard Rock Café when a comparison like "Bandon of the Midwest" fits so well. Just got back from SV yesterday and one of our group who has been to Bandon kept saying they were very comparable.

 

An interesting question about SV came up on our way home. In the Midwest, thunderstorms can pop up rather quickly, and what would SV do with golfers on the far edges of the property if the lighting/storm detector sounded? It can easily be a 20 minute walk to Craig's Porch or the clubhouse from the far points of the course and there is literally no shelter in between.

[BottleCap]

Bandon of the Midwest does not really work because Bandon has been used for USGA events

[klebs01]

Bandon of the Midwest does not really work because Bandon has been used for USGA events

 

So you are shi**** on a course that has been open less than 2 months for not hosting a USGA event? What does hosting a USGA event have to do with the quality of a course?

[Phreddy]

The pro from our club took a group of guys up to Sand Valley with a stop at Sentry World. They got to play 6 of the holes on the new Mammoth Dunes course. They stayed at the new lodge over looking Mammoth. The reviews from a handful of really decent players were that Sand Valley was well worth the trip in and of itself, but Mammoth promises to be something very very special.

 

Phred

[duffer987]

I think the big thing Sand Valley has working against it are the seasons. Regular play limited to April-October or so. Where I went to Bandon over Thanksgiving and February is known as "Bandon on a budget." I wonder if that keeps the prices peak pretty most of the playable year.

 

Interesting, I'd not even looked at their rates before now. $225 - $320 depending on day of the week and pay and play or stay and pay. That's not an insignificant amount.

Their definitely geared it towards the 3-day weekend crowd.

Darn all this talk is making me think Oct - if word is Mammoth could have all 18 open for preview play.

Where are you seeing these rates? They max at $215 according to the website. http://www.sandvalle...esort.com/golf/

 

Sorry I should have been clearer in my post :)

I was referring to a 36 hole/2 round day.

[DoubleorQuits]

Just saying if someone were to book a flight to play golf, why not go directly to Bandon Dunes? I can see people doing Streamsong during the winter to get sway from the snow.

[zer0]

I'm certainly looking forward to experiencing Sand Valley in August. I also have Erin Hills, Lawsonia Woodlands, Sentry World, and the Straits, River and Irish courses in Kohler on the docket. Add 2 days at Arcadia Bluffs across the pond and its the making of an epic golfing trip!

 

 

You need to switch that to the Links course! Nothing against the Woodlands, but the Links course is the gem of the property and IMO, the entire state. If you have time you should do the pay all day plan and hit both courses. Get there early enough and you can go Links-Woodland-Links.

[zer0]

I'm certainly looking forward to experiencing Sand Valley in August. I also have Erin Hills, Lawsonia Woodlands, Sentry World, and the Straits, River and Irish courses in Kohler on the docket. Add 2 days at Arcadia Bluffs across the pond and its the making of an epic golfing trip!

 

Why are you playing the woodlands instead of the links at lawsonia? I would definitely switch courses there if there isn't a good reason for picking the woodlands. Otherwise it sounds like a great trip.

 

Its both courses --- Links and Woodlands. I misread my buddy's email, lol

 

 

Whoops, guess I should read the entire thread first. Your buddy is doing it right. Links and Woodlands cost $95, but I believe the play all day rate is $135. Enjoy and save some time for food in the Langford Pub, great food.

[dcmidnight]

What will Sand Valley do? They have to keep some staff during the winter I imagine.

 

After having been to Streamsong last year, this would be a question I have regarding their staffing in such a remote area. Our service experience at Streamsong - on the hotel side - was absolutely abysmal from top to bottom, start to finish. One of the managers on the golf side (different company) admitted they were having a hard time finding a significant amount of qualified help.

 

Granted SV is not that big yet but if they have plans for 3+ courses you would think their lodging options would have to increase as well. So they run into a staffing numbers issue as well as the seasonal problem.

 

No matter, I'm looking forward to checking it out. Ran out of days on my August trip between Kohler and Erin Hills but would definitely go at some point.