Sand Valley Golf Resort Progress Report - As of July 1, 2016

Sand Valley Golf Resort has been generating massive media buzz in anticipation of its 2017 grand opening. So much so, the course has already been labeled as The Bandon Dunes of the Midwest. I recently caught up with Michael Miller, Resort Operations Manager, and he shared the latest on the project.

Q: When I visited last August, 6 holes were planted on the first course-a Coore & Crenshaw design-and it was reported that the course was slightly ahead of schedule due to favorable growing conditions. What is the current status of the course?
The Coore & Crenshaw course will host preview play for Founders and Sand Valley Insiders (you can sign-up to become an Insider at www.sandvalleygolfresort.com) in 2016 and will open to the general public in 2017. We started 2016 with 13 finished holes, and the remaining 5 holes have been seeded and are growing in. We expect Founders and Insiders to be playing the full 18 holes by early September. The golf course is walking-only but caddies are available and encouraged.

Q: Any new developments with the David McLay Kidd-designed second course?
A: Site prep and shaping continues on David's course, with preview play scheduled for 2017. We are excited for the Armchair Architect Contest being run by Golf Digest in tandem with David Kidd and Sand Valley. You have a chance to design the Par 4, 14th hole on David's course and have until July 15th, 2016, to submit your design. Visit http://golfdigest-armchair-architect.squarespace.com/ for more information!

Q: Have locations been determined for the club house and lodging. Has ground been broken?
Our first 4-bedroom cottage is already hosting overnight guests. Two additional 4-bedroom cottages are under construction and will open in August, and an additional 12-bedroom lodge (overlooking Coore & Crenshaw's 18th hole) will open this year.

Q: Why should a trip to Sand Valley be on every golfer's bucket list?
We are excited to share Sand Valley with the golfing world because the terrain-with mammoth 80-foot sand ridges and rolling valleys-is so unique, particularly to the Midwest, but also within the United States. These prehistoric sand dunes appear made for a golf course to be routed through them. With Coore & Crenshaw and David Kidd working on the project-two of the best in the world--the experience will be truly unique and extremely fun.

Q: Anything else to report?
2017 reservations will open to Sand Valley Insiders and the general public in mid/late July, so visit www.sandvalleygolfresort.com and sign up to be an Insider so that you are the first to know when 2017 reservations open.