Mammoth Dunes is the second 18-hole course developed at the Sand Valley Resort. How does Mammoth Dunes stack up against its big brother? In short, Mammoth Dunes is an absolute joy to play. Read on for my take on its playability, experience and memorable holes.
Believe it or not, but Sand Valley Resort and its golf courses, are not yet a household name. As a Wisconsin resident, it is common to talk to a casual golfer who has not heard of Sand Valley. This golf course review blog will discuss why Mammoth Dunes at Sand Valley is a must-play.
Course Background
Mammoth Dunes opened in 2018 designed and built by David McLay Kidd. The course came on the heels of Sand Valley. Mammoth Dunes claimed 27th on Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Public Courses in America in 2019. Located in Nekoosa, WI, Mammoth Dunes is a 1.5-2.5 hour drive from a major airport.
Mammoth Dunes has affiliation with Bandon Dunes and shares the same design team. Both courses are part of Dream Golf Resorts. The affiliation brings national recognition resulting in golfers traveling to Wisconsin to experience Sand Valley and its golf courses.
Golf Course Playability
Playability is where Mammoth Dunes shines. Golf course architect, David McLay Kidd, architected wide fairways and rolling terrain. This design element keeps golf balls in play. The “mammoth dunes” throughout the golf course are in play and become part of your round.
Mammoth Dunes is a golf course that gets better each time you play. Strategy is both critical and enjoyable. Golfers can allow their creativity to show as they play several types of shots during the round. After playing Mammoth Dunes for the first time, I would look back at the hole to gain a different perspective. I expect to play several holes different the second time around.
Mammoth Dunes is accepting of all types of golfers. Short, long, high, low ball golfers will each find a path to score and play well. With this said, the putter is in play. From everywhere. Do not let your ego get in the way of fun. Golfers can putt from as far back as 60 yards, if they choose. In several cases, it is the best decision.
Mammoth Dunes Experience
Our group played in 2020 when COVID-19 restrictions were beginning to lift. I mention this as it may have played a part on our Sand Valley golf experience. All hospitality industries are adjusting to the new method of service. The challenge with the Sand Valley Resort is its expansiveness. New visitors will need attentive golf attendants to find the driving range, first tee and lodging. We are all looking forward to a time when the coronavirus is behind us.
On a positive note, I encourage golfer’s to make their visit to Sand Valley a multi-day trip. In doing so, take advantage of their on-site accommodations. The cabins and amenities were top notch. Sand Valley offers an 8-person cabin with four double queen rooms and a common area. This was a great setup for a large group. Highly recommended.
Finally, the caddies make or break the experience. The caddies at Sand Valley are independent contractors. This detail gives Sand Valley management less influence on the individual. Regardless, take full advantage of a caddie. Ask questions, understand the right angles and more important explain how you like to play golf to them. They will change recommendations based on this feedback.
Memorable Golf Holes
The middle stretch of the round at Mammoth Dunes stood out most to me. At this point on golf course, golfers are getting a feel for the course layout and shot types. Then come some stunners. Enjoy. Below in this golf course review are the top three memorable holes from Mammoth Dunes.
Hole 8 – Par 3, 198 yards
Sand. Everywhere. A solid long iron shot is required to make par or better here. The green is expansive but not easy. The shot requires all carry with awareness of the pin placement. There may be an opportunity to get close without aiming at the flag stick. Amazing hole.
Hole 10 – Par 4, 339 yards
Drivable par 4, right? Wrong. The tee shot on this hole is the easy part. Avoid the center bunker for a short iron into the green. One of the more difficult second shots on the course with little room for error. Often, the second shot will be a short pitch requiring precision. Play to the center of the green for par. Once on the green, look down at the fairway to gain appreciation for the feat.
Hole 14 – Par 4, 325 yards
The design of this hole is best appreciated from the green. The intended strategy is not obvious from the tee box pushing golfers to wish for a second crack at the hole. The play is down the right with a long iron. Catch the downslope and watch your ball careen towards the hole. Mammoth Dunes at its best. Driver not needed here.
Final Thoughts
Mammoth Dunes gets my full endorsement in this golf course review blog. The playable design and golf hole visuals are second to none in the state of Wisconsin. The overnight accommodations deliver. The feeling of playing a different kind of golf is obvious. All these attributes make Mammoth Dunes a must play in Wisconsin. To be fair, its sister course, Sand Valley, is also on my short list of recommendations. Pair these together with the Sandbox and you will have a terrific few days in Wisconsin.
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