Sandbox – Played August 2022
- Rankings: None of my four lists
- Location: 1697 Leopold Way, Nekoosa, Wisconsin
- Year: 2018
- Architects: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw
- Course Access: Resort
- Walking Rules: Walking Only
Score Card Information:
- Coore/Crenshaw: 1,531 yards, Par 51, Not Rated
- Putting: 739 yards, Par 51, Not Rated
After two rounds in Illinois, I headed up to Wisconsin for Sand Valley Resort. We got the festivities started with the Sandbox, the 17-hole par three course. It prides itself on fun and it delivers.
There are tees if you want to putt around the entire course and you can even putt from some of the regular tees. A food truck serves up some nice fare and plenty of beverages. Word has it there is no more liquor due to some customers who couldn’t keep it together. Good job guys!
The resort is on a 1700-acre site that is filled with sand. The sand is hundreds of feet deep at spots. Keiser may not always build on the ocean but sand seems to be a non-negotiable item.
Hole 1 – 84 yards – Par 3
You can play the course with probably 4 clubs and a putter. The opening hole plays downhill and you don’t want to be long.
Hole 2 – 120 yards – Par 3
The greens are wild here and it starts early. You’ll need precision with the scoring clubs, if you’re actually trying to shoot a score that is!
Hole 3 – 75 yards – Par 3
The back left pin here is diabolical. Look at all that contouring.
Hole 4 – 83 yards – Par 3
The pitch and a putt mantra is easier said than done on this one.
Hole 5 – 96 yards – Par 3
I’m not sure how you get a shot close to this back left pin. Tour level spin is probably a helpful tool.
Hole 6 – 76 yards – Par 3
This is a pretty large target for such a short shot. Take advantage!
Hole 7 – 51 yards – Par 3
This closer view of the green belies the fact that there is a devilish bunker behind the flag.
Hole 8 – 97 yards – Par 3
Wild slopes abound on this green, so keep your tee shot straight.
Hole 9 – 57 yards – Par 3
I found this hole very fun to use putter from the teeing ground. It’s all downhill and trying to manage the slopes is a delight.
Hole 10 – 101 yards – Par 3
We get back to normalcy a bit with a full swing, short par three.
Hole 11 – 67 yards – Par 3
Avoid these bunkers at all costs. Otherwise, you might be in your pocket instead of making par.
Hole 12 – 108 yards – Par 3
Take note of the pin position with this multi-tiered green. Putting between them is a tough ask.
Hole 13 – 62 yards – Par 3
If you miss left here the ball can roll a ways down to the back section of the green. The tee shot must be close or it will run away from the pin.
Hole 14 – 111 yards – Par 3
Depending on the pin position, this shot can be blind. There is room behind the large mound on the right, but that’s not the best place to be.
This view is from the right side of the green.
Hole 15 – 110 yards – Par 3
It’s all out in front of you on this one.
Hole 16 – 142 yards – Par 3
I mentioned needing four clubs at the Sandbox. It would be three if not for this tee shot. The longest hole is a tough run up shot and rewards carry.
Hole 17 – 91 yards – Par 3
We caught the finisher in late afternoon light for a cozy setting. There is an ample backstop behind the green, so this is a chance to get one close.
The Sandbox was an absolute blast to play. Incredibly interesting greens and a variety of short shots make for an engaging round.
I’ve heard some say 17 holes is too many for a short course, but I didn’t find that to be the case. It’s an easy walk and they present you with Sunday bags to lighten the load. Playing in the late afternoon or early morning is a great use of your time!