Tepetonka Golf Club: A New Sunshine Spot in Central Minnesota’s Golf Scene

News Summary

Tepetonka Golf Club, a new golf course in Kandiyohi County, aims to attract golf enthusiasts with its natural beauty and sustainable design. Set to open in 2026, the club promises an exceptional golfing experience while boosting the local economy and prioritizing environmental commitments. Designed by OCM Golf, the course will feature rolling hills, scenic moraines, and a blend of an 18-hole and a 9-hole short course. This endeavor, led by Mark Haugejorde, reflects a passion for golf and community spirit, making it a future must-visit destination for golfers.

Tepetonka Golf Club: A New Sunshine Spot in Central Minnesota’s Golf Scene!

Golf enthusiasts, get ready to mark your calendars! A brand-new golf course is taking shape in northern Kandiyohi County, and it’s gearing up to become the premier destination for golfers across Minnesota and beyond. Tepetonka Golf Club, a labor of love by Mark Haugejorde, is positioning itself as a *true gem* in the golfing world.

Breaking Ground Towards a New Era of Golf

The Tepetonka Golf Club is set to roll out the *green carpet* come summer of 2026. This isn’t just any old course; it’s being designed with careful consideration to cater to those avid golfers who travel far and wide for high-quality golfing experiences. With Haugejorde’s extensive background in the golf industry, which began at his father’s Little Crow Resort Golf Course, there’s plenty of expertise behind this exciting project.

A Journey Full of Passion

Growing up surrounded by the buzz of golf, Haugejorde evolved his love through *collegiate competitions* at the University of Houston. During this time, he rubbed elbows with golfing legends such as Fred Couples and broadcaster Jim Nantz. His impressive resume includes an eight-year stint as director of marketing for the iconic Jack Nicklaus, where he honed his skills and helped boost membership numbers at Windsong Farm. With such a rich experience under his belt, it’s clear he knows a thing or two about creating a top-notch golfing experience!

Finding the Perfect Location

After a three-year quest for the ideal location, Haugejorde found a stunning site near New London that offers *natural beauty* and an abundance of possibilities. Across 228 acres, the course will feature rolling hills, scenic moraines, and a charming creek, all of which will become the backdrop for an 18-hole course plus a 9-hole short course. The entire undertaking is being thoughtfully crafted by OCM Golf based in Melbourne, Australia.

Respecting Nature While Creating a Masterpiece

One exciting element of the course’s design is its *minimalist approach*. Rather than reshaping the land drastically, the project will only require moving about 1,000 cubic yards of soil. This ensures that the course’s natural terrain remains intact while *approximately 50,000 tons of sand* will be transported over in about 2,200 truckloads for the sidewalks and fairways. It’s sustainable, eco-friendly, and just good common sense!

Community Connections and Environmental Commitment

Construction is all in the hands of local pros, with Duininck Golf and Marcus Construction stepping up to bring Tepetonka to life. Beyond creating a golfing paradise, the development aims to boost the local economy by generating construction jobs and encouraging tourism. Around 50 to 60 people will be hired during the golf season, and jobs will continue on a smaller scale through winter activities.

Tepetonka is also committed to keeping the ecosystem in mind. The project includes efforts for restoring Shakopee Creek and other ecological initiatives are on the calendar for the coming years. Prioritizing environmental sustainability led to an Environmental Assessment Worksheet being completed. Unique permit conditions were also set, including a helicopter restriction due to noise concerns – just shows there’s a *thoughtful consideration* of both nature and community.

A Membership Experience Like No Other

While Tepetonka aims for a limited membership, the club promotes a *high-end Minnesota casual atmosphere*. With members being treated to a unique experience that emphasizes respect and camaraderie, it’s clear that part of the essence of Tepetonka is its sense of community amongst players.

Documenting the Journey

And for those curious about the process, a docuseries titled “Building the Game” will be produced by Capture to showcase the ups and downs of creating this new golfing masterpiece.

The name “Tepetonka,” inspired by an old resort that once graced the banks of Green Lake, translates to “big tent” in Dakota language. It’s a fitting name for a course aiming to welcome all passionate golfers and create memorable experiences.

So, whether you’re a local or planning a trip, keep an eye on Tepetonka Golf Club. It’s bound to become a *must-visit* spot for golfers looking for that *unforgettable tee time* experience.

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Additional Resources

• MinnPost: How a Luxury Travel and Play Golf Club Ended Up in Rural Kandiyohi County
• BBC News: Article Title
• Today’s Golfer: First Look at The Inspiration Club
• Google Search: Tepetonka Golf Club
• BBC News: Article Title
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf Clubs