Sand Valley

I was there last September and played both courses. It is hard to choose, but, I think Mammoth Dunes was my favorite. It has a bit more elevation change than you might expect on the drive in. The conditions were impressive as were the views from the dunes. My wife isn't a golfer and walked with me to take pictures. Even she was impressed by the property. I hope you enjoy it as I did.

Both courses are great. I found Mammoth Dunes to be a bit more forgiving even though it might be more visually intimidating. Hopefully you get a chance to get back there sometime and play the one you end up missing on this trip. Have fun!

I'm going to SV in two weeks and will get back to you.

Dale,
What was the difficulty in Sand Valley as opposed to Mammoth Dunes?

There is more width to the fairways at Mammoth. That being said, both course feature generous fairways. Recent weather will offer up firm and fast conditions which will make for some fun rounds.

Yep Jerry, Like Tyler said, the landing areas on Sand Valley were a bit more tight. I must factor in that I was on my game the first day on Mammoth and was driving the ball well. I think a was a bit tired (or hungover) on day 2 so the two-way miss was a problem. Many of the Sand Valley fairway bunkers were too deep to go for the greens so my GIR's were very low. I felt like Mammoth had more unique and memorable holes. That said, I loved 17 & 18 at Sand Valley. Great finishing holes. Can't wait to get back for the rescheduled TT event in October.

Dale and Tyler -

Do you recommend obtaining caddies for the 18 hole courses?

If it is your first visit a caddie is always helpful. I just used a yardage book in May as there were restriction on the caddie, ie they we’re not allowed to pull clubs out of your bag or clean your clubs. Both courses are easier walks than the likes of Erin Hills and Whistling Straits. If you’ve taken a caddie before and like the experience I would definitely recommend it, as they have great caddies.

TH

Normally I would say yes if you have a hard time carrying your own bag. There are a few holes where elevation is an issue and the holes are more stretched out than old-school courses. Not a lot of blind shots but a few places where a caddie will point you to the best landing areas or risk options. That said, I have not had very good past experiences with caddies and since I have played the courses before and have a light bag, I will likely pass on using a caddie this time.

Thanks, guys. Much appreciated.

I do have a Carbon-4 on order and a plan for 12 clubs. On course, a caddie is more valuable with the more accurate and consistent the golfer on course. Well, there goes that idea... If there is a greens book, then that will help with my primary reason for a caddie. I've had caddies that ranged on value on greens from fantastic to meh.

Thanks Dale!

Now that this event is in October, just mentioning that Erin Hills still has tee times for 10/10 and 10/13. The greens fee is a seasonal $250 from $390 at peak.
Wisconsin, at least for today, requires masks in public places through 9/28. So the COVID restrictions will be fluid up unti/through 10/11. Previously, it was by county.

Allen,
You'll enjoy both courses. Both offer spectacular views.

From my perspective, Mammoth Dunes was more forgiving. Tyler is correct about the wide fairways. The 18th green at Mammoth is HUGE!
I had a great caddy who was spot on in reading the greens which can be a bit tricky.

Be sure to bring a camera for some great pics.
Also make sure you try the ice cream sandwiches at Craig's Porch which overlooks Sand Valley's 1st, 10th, and 18th holes. Craig's Porch offers cold drinks, delicious food, and stunning views.

If you have extra time, try the Sand Box. Great par 3 course with 17 holes....lot of fun...easy to walk!

Above all, have fun and please report back to us on your trip!!

SV is fabulous.

Just went up w/7 others for an epic day.
7.30am-Arrival
8.10am- Quick Sand Box Round- Went out as an Eight-some Skins game.
10.45am- Mammoth Dunes- It was firm and we played it back.
Quick Tacos and White Claw(s)
3.45pm- Sand Valley Crs- True Alt-shot.- Auto-press, lots of vodka, and mouth wedges!!!

7pm- Burger and settle in for van ride home.

**Make sure you take a caddy.
***Make sure you tip your caddy well.
**** Following day- Physical Therapy

Planning on carrying/walking with a new Carbon-4 bag and 12 clubs. Took it out for a first run yesterday. Ready, set, (let's) go.

Looks good Don. Looks like you added the gator feet which will really help on the sandy soil. See you there!

Thanks to your research, I went ahead and got some. Looking at my other stand bags, I'm not sure why they don't use the standard feet on the Carbon-4's. Even soft ground, let alone sand, could result in a "stick in the mud".