You’ve heard the names MacDonald AND Ross AND Raynor. You have prayed at the altar of Mackenzie AND Colt AND old tom. And yes, you have dealt with the modernist works of Doak AND Coor AND McLay-Kidd.
But here are two names you haven’t heard: Craig and… Claus. The first, as in Jim Craigthe perennial golf course designer and artist who will earn his own first architectural credit in 2026 at Sand Valley’s newest golf course. And the latter, as in Santa Clausthe guy whose December 25th trip around the world brings them gifts for their best behavior … including the architect of the course at the center of our story.
Even in October, the holiday cheer is alive and well at Sand Valley in 2025. And for good reason: The Commons, Sand Valley’s newest resort course, is in the final stages of growth after a lengthy construction process, adding a brand new offering to the resort’s prolific roster of coveted courses.
By resort golf standards, The Commons is an extreme change: A short 12-hole course named for Scottish “common lands”. — or public property — on which many historic golf courses rest, giving people free access.
The spirit here is much the same: The Commons is intended to be a place where anyone can play, whether old or young, scratch or hack, stud or scrub. The unifying theory is accessibility, and while the golf course is built to maximalist specifications—a large sand mound frames the first seven holes of the golf course, creating the effect of playing on the surface of Mars—the golf is played in the friendly, minimalist style of a neighborhood muni. You can run shots to most greens, and hit some fairways even with a big miss.
“I like the fact that you can bring your spouse or kids here,” Craig said from the side of a green giant. “It’s simple FUNand that’s how golf is supposed to be.”
According to Craig, the most difficult part of building The Commons was deciphering its purpose. Originally, Sand Valley owner Mike Keiser’s goal was 18 holes. Then nine. Then something in between. Craig, a long time shaper for Coore-Crenshaw commissioned for work, provided 12, with the goal for the course in line with the original goal of golf: a pleasant walk in the wonderful nature with loved ones.
However, there was the issue of land. The Commons runs through a crowded fairway on the Sand Valley property, and early versions for the course included a smaller track circled around the Mars-like sand crater. Craig liked the original route, but in love lakeside peninsula across the road. It wouldn’t take much effort to turn the stretch into a stunning trio of finishes—perhaps the most stunning view on the entire Sand Valley property—giving The Commons a true “signature stretch.”
But Keizer had other plans. The property was earmarked for real estate development, adding to Sand Valley’s prolific collection of Spartan luxury lodges on Nordic-style property.
It wasn’t until Christmas Eve 2023 that Keizer called to break the news: Craig was getting a “Christmas Bonus”—a gift from the big man himself, Santa Claus.
The gift? He could use the property around the peninsula for his golf course.
“That was a good day,” Craig says now with a smile.
By the time the bulldozers and shapers arrived on the property not long after, the stretch of Craig’s enclosure had acquired a nickname.
“socks, Craig says, laughing. “It was a fantastic Christmas present.”
Indeed, it was. Craig’s closing stretch at The Commons is the most visually stunning stretch on the golf course – and perhaps in all of Sand Valley. The first hole, an optional par-4 adventure, is a forced carry for power hitters, but a slippery waterfront stroll for everyone else. The second, a par-3 infinity green, looks like a postage stamp but benefits from a hidden fairway that sends smart shots aimed inward, rolling toward the putting surface. (“You’re going to like this,” Craig said, delighted, as a far-right tee bounded over the hill.) And the third, another par-4, features a soft fairway that leads to the course’s widest fairway—an encouragement to swing as hard as you want.
As a whole, Stocking Stuffer gives The Commons the feel of a story in several acts, which is quite an achievement for a course you can comfortably cover in two hours. With a little land and a lot of imagination, Craig and Co. have cultivated something enjoyable and fun for players of all ages.
Overall, arguably the second most impressive thing about The Commons is its sense of levity: It’s a gift that returns golf to its roots.
AND most impressive what?
The gift arrived in central Wisconsin … all the way from the North Pole.
