SENTRYWORLD
Site of the 2019 USGA Girls Jr.
Location: Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Client: Sentry Insurance
Opened: Sept 2014
Budget: (Confidential)
www.sentryworld.com
Designers: Robert Trent Jones Jr. 1982 / Renovation by RTJII & Jay Blasi
Contractor: TDI Golf
Summary: 18-hole public course located just in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. SentryWorld opened in 1982 and was the first destination course in Wisconsin. In 2012 Sentry Insurance decided to execute a full renovation of the course and clubhouse facilities. The project would include new tees, greens, bunkers, irrigation, drainage, pathways and more. The goal was to make the course more fun and playable for all golfers while adding challenge and thought for scratch players. In addition to refining the bunker patterns and redesigning the greens, a key to the success was a complicated rerouting of 5 holes and renumbering of the course. The result is a course that maintains the ambiance of the original layout with far superior strategy, flexibility and craftsmanship. The clubhouse renovation was equally compelling and they are currently building an Inn for guests to be able to stay on property.
MY EXPERIENCE
In 2006 I visited SentryWorld after a wind storm had taken down numerous trees. My role for RTJII that visit was to help SentryWorld identify where to plant new trees after some came down. I didn’t think I would be invited back after my report suggested not replanting and removing more trees.
However, in 2010 the call came to look at a potential greenside bunker renovation project. After some study we established that much more work was needed. They weren’t ready to take on a bigger project at that time but by the summer of 2012 they were. The only problem was that I was no longer with RTJII and had started my own firm.
Luckily CEO Pete McPartland was able to find a good way for all parties to be involved and in 2013-14 we executed a full renovation.
BEFORE & AFTERS
COURSE PROFILE & AWARDS
SENTRYWORLD GOLF COURSE – SENTRYWORLD GOLF COURSE Jul 15, 2017 SentryWorld, located in the central Wisconsin town of Stevens Point has long been known as the state’s first… READ MORE
Renovation of the Year – Golfweek Magazine
#44 Public Course in the USA – Golf Digest
#78 Course You Can Play in the USA – GOLF Magazine
#4 Course You Can Play in Wisconsin – GOLF Magazine
MY ROLE
Tasks performed as Project Architect for SentryWorld
Served as a key designer & day-to-day manager of the project
Conducted initial site visit and client meeting
Identified re-routing potential and built consensus for such
Participated in all consultant meetings throughout project
Developed the strategy for each hole and each green complex
Conceptualized and implemented the look of the course features
Created the golf course grading plan
Prepared all construction drawings
Coordinated and prepared specifications
Served as key designer in the field throughout construction
Sketched each green complex and executed in field with shaper
Painted every bunker line
Flagged all grassing lines
Helped organize golf media outings to showcase the facility