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Kettle Forge Golf Club to Bring Championship Caliber Experience to Ashippun, Wisconsin

Kettle Forge Golf Club to Bring Championship Caliber Experience to Ashippun, Wisconsin

By Brian Weis


Set in the heart of the Kettle Moraine region, Kettle Forge promises to be a natural complement to Wisconsin's renowned public venues like Erin Hills and Whistling Straits. But unlike those celebrated destinations, this course will remain exclusive - accessible only to members and their guests. The goal is to provide an uncompromising, pure golf experience marked by thoughtful design, elite service, and a sense of place that honors the land's glacial heritage.

At 7,600 yards from the back tees, the course will be one of the longest in Wisconsin. The landscape's natural features - rolling topography, mature oak and maple woodlands, wetlands, and dramatic elevation changes, will be preserved and woven into the routing. Rather than reshape the earth, the team behind Kettle Forge has prioritized designing within its contours to create a seamless connection between environment and play.

Guiding that vision is an all-star team of golf industry veterans. The course design will be led by Jackson Kahn Design, whose founders trained under legendary architect Tom Fazio. Early routing was conducted by Scott Hoffman, known for acclaimed private courses like Lost Rail in Nebraska and Mapleton in South Dakota. Adding professional insight is Wisconsin golf icon Steve Stricker, who joins as a design consultant, bringing firsthand knowledge of competitive play to the planning table.

Construction will be executed by Landscapes Unlimited, one of the most respected builders in the golf world, with nearly 75 top-ranked courses in its portfolio. Club operations will be managed by its sister firm, Landscapes Golf Management, which will also oversee membership development and course grow-in. Together, these partners aim to deliver a world-class golf destination that could one day compete for top rankings and even attract professional tournaments.

"We're building a course that rewards repeat play - fair to members but packed with strategic nuance for those who want to challenge themselves," said Brett Craig, the Wisconsin entrepreneur behind the project. "There's nothing like this in the region, and we believe Kettle Forge will set a new standard for private clubs in the Midwest."

Bill Kubly, Chairman of Landscapes Unlimited, echoed that sentiment. "This is pure, unadulterated golf," he said. "There won't be a swimming pool or tennis courts, just great golf in a beautiful setting. And based on early interest, we expect Kettle Forge to be fully subscribed before opening day."

Craig emphasized the long-term vision for the course's stature. "We're not just building for today-we're designing a course that can be considered one of the best in the nation. Whether it hosts a PGA Tour event or becomes a staple on top-100 lists, Kettle Forge is about excellence and longevity."

Membership will be strictly limited and invite-only, reflecting the project's emphasis on quality over quantity. A hilltop clubhouse with panoramic views, guest cottages, fine dining, and luxury amenities including a wellness spa and cigar and bourbon vault will round out the member experience. Beyond golf, the property will offer curated outdoor activities like pheasant hunting and fishing, creating a year-round retreat for members and their families.

More Information:
https://kettleforge.com


Revised: 08/12/2025 - Article Viewed 577 Times - View Course Profile


About: Brian Weis


Brian Weis While Brian Weis has made a name for himself in the golf world, he also appreciates the finer things in life—like a world-class spa treatment after a grueling 18 holes (or even after a casual round where the only thing working hard was his golf cart). A self-proclaimed "golfer who enjoys relaxation more than practice," Brian has developed a deep appreciation for massages that unknot his questionable swing mechanics, saunas that sweat out a few too many post-round drinks, and infinity pools with views as stunning as a well-manicured par 3.

Brian’s spa journey began as a reluctant tag-along to couples' massages and resort spa packages but quickly evolved into a full-fledged appreciation for hot stone therapy, deep-tissue recovery, and the occasional seaweed wrap (don’t knock it till you try it). Now, he seeks out the best spa retreats, thermal baths, and relaxation havens wherever his travels take him—whether it's a luxury golf resort with a five-star spa or a hidden wellness gem perfect for unwinding in style.

On SpaTrips.com, Brian shares his experiences, reviews, and insider tips on the best places to soothe sore muscles, indulge in rejuvenating treatments, and find true relaxation—whether you're a hardcore golfer in need of recovery or just someone looking for the ultimate escape. After all, what’s the point of a bucket list golf trip if you can’t top it off with an expert massage, a hot soak, and maybe even a ridiculously plush robe"



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GolfTrips.com - Publisher and Golf Traveler
262-255-7600

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