Sand Valley Resort

Nekoosa, Wisconsin

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By Roger Cox, Editor

Sand Valley Resort took shape in 2016 in a landscape of rolling sand dunes and red pine trees in Nekoosa, near the center of Wisconsin. The first of three courses that would eventually open there made both Golf Digest's and Golf Magazine's list of best new courses, so given its sandy terrain and golf-centric focus the resort seems like an unlikely venue for that increasingly rare resort amenity: grass courts. However, not only did Sand Valley open three lawn tennis courts in 2018, it followed up on a promise to add a dozen more and has brought in Rob Wright of Cliff Drysdale Tennis (CDT) to manage the programs. The resort now offers adult and junior clinics, private lessons, and special tennis camps and will stage at least one grass-court tournament. Players can also take advantage of a stable of ballgirls and ballboys, no small service since the courts lack fences, even at the back where dunes act as backstops. Golf and tennis aside, the resort affords opportunities for swimming and fishing in its lake, fat-tire biking, and hiking. Accommodations run the gamut from lodge rooms to cottages and residences. There's also a farm-to-table restaurant and a bar.

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Sponsor

Amelia Island Ladies Retreat Join us at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation for our all new Ladies Retreat from October 9-13th. This first-of-its-kind, Ladies Retreat is a 5 day, fun filled tennis getaway and will feature tennis instruction, learning seminars, video analysis, live-ball sessions, and so much more. If you are looking to improve our game, learn more about the intricacies of tennis, and overall have FUN, join us this October in Amelia Island! For more information, please call 830-625-5911x208, email k.steck@cliffdrysdale.com or visit us at  experiencecdt.com

Tennis Features

Courts & Fees. 15 grass courts in all, though only 9 are in use at any one time. Court fees: No charge to guests; ballboys and ballgirls available at $10/hour..

Other Recreation

Golf. There are scenic 18-hole courses laid out through restored sand barrens and one 17-hole par 3, all three walking only.

Lodging

Lodging ranges from rooms and suites all the way to 4- and 8-bedroom cottages

Restaurants

Aldo's Farm & Table, which overlooks Mammoth Dunes, 1st and 18th holes, uses it own locally grown produce for a diverse menu that includes Great Lakes walleye, Northwoods chicken, locally grown pork and lamb, and beef. Mammoth Bar, too, draws on local purveyors for its menu of salads, sandwiches, and light entrées. Finally Craig's Porch serves still more light fare, but is notable for its 17 kinds of ice cream sandwiches.

See Also

If you're looking for other opportunities to play on grass courts, check out:

• International Tennis Hall of Fame, Rhode Island
• JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, California
• Rustico Resort Golf & Tennis Club, PEI, Canada

Rates and Reservations

Sand Valley Resort
1697 Leopold Way
Nekoosa, WI 54457

Travel Essentials

Seasons. May-September.

Travel Instructions. By air: The nearest gateways are Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), in Madison, WI, 90 miles to the south; General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Milwaukee, 170 miles to the southeast.

General Tourist Information. Visit the Travel Wisconsin website or contact them by phone at 1-800-432-8747.