Sand Valley in Late April / Early May?

[duckboat24]

Greetings all. I'm looking at doing a small guys golf trip this spring. I wanted to see if anyone had some insight on the course conditions for Sand Valley in late April or early May. I know the weather can change drastically (I live in Kansas), it looked like anywhere between 40 and 80 is possible. Last spring was rough on courses here with the ice and snow and spring golf was not good at all. Lots of courses had fairway damage from the ice and many still haven't fully recovered. I realize that every spring is different but just a generalization on the condition of the course would be great. We can't really do another time of the year either because of the costs and busy summer schedules. Thanks!

[klebs01]

Could be lovely could be snowing. Absolutely no way to know this far out.

[Phreddy]

Early May could/should work. It might be cold. It might be wet. There will be the odd year where the courses are playable in April, but I wouldn't count on it. We had a very late and wet spring this year, and you would have been unhappy with an April date. A May date wouldn't have been much more pleasant until mid month.

I played both SV course this summer a couple times and conditions were great. November through December we had freezing and then thawing temps across the state. I don't know if that is good or bad for turf conditions, but I can't believe it would be good. When winter came to the southern third of the state it was freezing rain followed by snow. I can't believe a base layer of ice is good, but SV may have been spared the freezing rain part.

 

Phred

[mci711]

If you get 80 degree weather in late April at Sand Valley you should buy a lottery ticket. I wouldn't chance it being above 50.

[VNutz]

The good thing about the temperatures at that point is that there are no carts, walking only, and that keeps you pretty warm as long as the wind isn't terrible. Beyond the actual playing temps, the courses themselves might not be ready yet. Even in a good year most of the courses out here still aren't close to being back in April/May. It's usually late May/June where it starts feeling grown in again IMO. I played it in Mid May last year and it was fine, but you could see a few greens that weren't quite there, and that was after a mild winter. We did ok on the weather, 60s one day, lower 50s the next and it was fine. You could luck out, but for me for a trip that expensive I'd push for later.

[DavePelz4]

You stayed warm after a few bloody's, a flask of whatever and I won't mention a shot of Grand Marnier.

[VNutz]

When in Wisconsin...

[Phreddy]

No. No. that would be schnapps and a Spotted Cow. Bloodies with a beer chaser are good for breakfast, particularly on game day.

[DavePelz4]

Phreddy how are you after yesterday's game?

[tiderider]

this southern boy likes walking into a drugstore, even on a sunday, and having the option of buying a fifth of whatever he thinks he might need/want ... really appreciate that aspect of the west midwest ...

[eboettne]

Went to Sand Valley May 11th weekend last year and highs were about 60 degrees every day with lows dipping into high 30s. It's completely fine to play golf in, just a little chilly in the morning so bring layers. Also plenty of sunlight as we played all 3 courses both of the full days we were there. I'd shoot for beginning to middle of May if I were you as I believe they opened around May 1st last year if I remember correctly. Course was in great condition for us but I do believe the year before they had major issues with greens so depends on the thaw. Have fun!

[Phreddy]

I'm out of the ICU, but still on manic disappointment watch. Truth be told, GB sported one of sloppiest 14-3 records and never really inspired that much confidence even among the cheese faithful. If the tee box allowed me yards as readily as the Packer rush defense gave up yards I would be playing golf on TV every Sunday. I will admit I really wanted to see a GB/KC Super Bowl match up. A throw back to Super Bowl I with Lombardi vs Hank Stram. But all in all, having been exiled from Cheeseland to Arizona for the winter is helping to ease the pain.

 

Phred

[Chanceman]

The Packers have been my NFL team ever since I met a guy from Wisconsin when backpacking in Europe many years ago. He had lost an arm in a farm accident and was a good bloke and told me all the stories about the Cheeseheads. Very excited about going to the GB HOF en route from Sand Valley to Kohler on our upcoming trip. The 49ers were just more aggressive than them I reckon.

[DavePelz4]

You matriculated to Zona? Color me jealous!!!

[Shankapotomus45]

We played all the Kohler courses first week of May last year and had a blast! It was pretty chilly one day but reasonable for all the other days. If you can avoid it, I’d go later and enjoy the courses when they green up a bit. We were right on the lake and the wind made it worst, so sand valley should be better. Courses look like a KC course in Feb/Mar but were not near as busy so you can slow down and enjoy. Agree with the previous comments, just layer up and just enjoy the guys trip and drink/play cards if weather sucks.

[Guest]

It looks like there is a few Sand Valley threads and not sure which one is best and don’t wanna start a new one. But was wondering if anyone has ever experienced Sand Valley as a single? I see a lot of buddies trips, but most of my golf buddies don’t have an interest in going. So I’m considering going alone. Any thoughts or insights would be greatly appreciated!

[jimwgt26]

I went as a single over Columbus Day and had a great time. Played solo once and was paired with others for my other two rounds. I did stay offsite and would't recommend the flea bag motel I stayed in, but the golf was excellent.

[Guest]

Thanks! I’m thinking about staying on site for the full experience.

[Phreddy]

I pass by both Sentry World and Sand Valley (in a relative sense) on my to Sawyer County from SE Wisconsin several times each summer. As long as I think ahead I haven't had any issues booking as a single on my drive-by.

[ode1]

Same for myself and a buddy. We went just off peak season when rate was ~ 155$......we were planning on playing Lawsonia however there was lightning/storms in the area and we headed towards Nekoosa where things would start to clear up upon our arrival. Played The Pines and then called Sand Valley and got on as a twosome easy and were on our own. They had several openings! Had a blast.

[Guest]

Thanks everyone!