A new chapter in American golf is being written in Ashippun, Wisconsin, where an elite team of designers, developers, and golf legends is coming together to create Kettle Forge—a championship-caliber course poised to become one of the top 100 private clubs in the country. With construction set to begin in fall 2025 and an anticipated opening in 2027, this ambitious project is already generating buzz for its pedigree, vision, and promise of unforgettable play.
The Vision Behind Kettle Forge
Located just eight miles west of Erin Hills, a U.S. Open host site, Kettle Forge is being carved into 270 acres of native Wisconsin woodlands. The name itself is a poetic nod to the region’s glacial kettles and mounds, and the concept of a forge—where raw materials meet fire and purpose—perfectly encapsulates the fusion of nature and design that will define the course.
Principal Brett Craig, a Wisconsin native and seasoned entrepreneur, envisions Kettle Forge as a sanctuary for serious golfers. “It promises to be a course that attracts repeat play—fair to members yet exhilaratingly difficult for those who desire challenge amid rugged elegance and timeless appeal,” Craig said.
All-Star Design Team
The team behind Kettle Forge reads like a who’s who of golf course architecture and development:
- Jackson Kahn Design, comprised of Tom Fazio disciples, is Kettle Forge’s lead course architect, known for its critically acclaimed work at Conway Farms, Monterey Peninsula, Scottsdale National, and St. Lucia Preserve.
- Scott Hoffman, a fellow Tom Fazio disciple and master of Kettle Forge’s early routing, created Lost Rail Golf Club near Omaha, Neb., and Mapleton Golf Club in Sioux Falls, S.D., both private clubs serving as models for Kettle Forge.
- Steve Stricker, a design consultant to Kettle Forge and winner of 12 PGA TOUR and 18 PGA TOUR Champions tournaments, was integral in the making of TPC Wisconsin.
- Landscapes Unlimited, the legendary golf course development and construction company responsible for nearly 75 Golf Digest and Golfweek top-ranked layouts globally, is the project manager and will build the course.
- Landscapes Golf Management, sister company to Landscapes Unlimited, will operate the club upon opening, preceded by course grow-in oversight, membership sales, and other planning functions.
A Course That Honors the Land
Kettle Forge is designed to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings. Mature oak and maple groves, wetlands, and dramatic elevation changes will shape the layout. The course will stretch to a formidable 7,600 yards from the tips, making it one of the longest in Wisconsin.
Key features include:
- Generous fairways that invite bold play
- Deep, sculpted bunkers that demand precision
- Strategically placed water hazards
- Undulating greens that reward thoughtful shot-making
- Native grasses, wildflowers, and wetland preservation to enhance the visual and ecological appeal
- The clubhouse will sit atop a massive hill offering panoramic views stretching 20 miles. Planned amenities include guest cottages, a wellness spa, a cigar and bourbon vault, and access to outdoor activities like fishing and pheasant hunting.
Why Kettle Forge Will Make an Immediate Impact
Kettle Forge is set to make a quick impact on the golf world. Its location and size are impressive, but what truly stands out is the extraordinary vision and talent behind its creation. The course has been designed by top architects who trained under Tom Fazio, and it benefits from the strategic expertise of PGA legend Steve Stricker. Their combined skills ensure the layout is both beautiful and challenging, offering an engaging experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Located just minutes from Erin Hills, a former U.S. Open venue, Kettle Forge is well-positioned in Wisconsin’s growing golf corridor. It attracts serious golfers and industry insiders alike. The course blends timeless design elements, like natural landforms and classic shot values, with modern strategy and playability. This creates a course that appeals to both traditionalists and innovators. As a private club, Kettle Forge will offer an exclusive experience focused on golf, without distractions like tennis courts or swimming pools. From the start, it aims to be a destination where the purest form of golf is celebrated and elevated.
Looking Ahead
Construction begins this fall, and anticipation is already building. Golf industry insiders who’ve seen the routing plans are calling Kettle Forge a “shoo-in” for best-of lists. With its thoughtful design, elite team, and breathtaking setting, it’s not hard to see why.
As Brett Craig aptly put it, “Kettle Forge will uniquely look like a natural preserve with grasses, wildflowers, and wetlands.” But more than that, it will be a forge for unforgettable golf experiences—a place where nature and sport meet in perfect harmony.
Photo courtesy of Landscapes Unlimited.
