Course of the Week: Tepetonka set to redefine midwest golf as 2026 opening nears
Duininck Golf has begun the grassing phase at Tepetonka, reaching a milestone in building Minnesota’s newest private destination golf course. This pivotal step brings the meticulously sculpted landscape to life, as high-quality turf varieties are now being established across the championship course, turning the vision into playable reality.
Tepetonka, just 90 minutes from the Twin Cities near New London, Minn., is the vision of founder Mark Haugejorde and is being crafted by the internationally acclaimed design team OCM Golf—Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Cocking and Ashley Mead. Spanning 228 acres of natural glacial moraines, the course showcases 100-foot elevation changes, cedar-lined corridors and the winding Shakopee Creek, which comes into play on six holes. The lodging and hospitality facilities are positioned to overlook the 18th hole, with the creek guarding the left side and a green hanging on the edge of the creek.
“The site we’re working with at Tepetonka is extraordinary. The first time we were on the property we knew Tepetonka was going to be special,” said Geoff Ogilvy of OCM Golf. “It’s rare to find property so naturally suited for golf that 16 of the 18 holes required minimal to no earthmoving. The course begins in the cedars, leads players out onto prairie for a dozen holes, weaves through wetlands, and then returns to the cedars. The variety of landscapes and the natural contours have allowed us to create something truly distinctive in the heart of Minnesota.”
Duininck Golf, a Minnesota-based company recognized for building many of the nation’s top private clubs, is leading the construction effort. Owner Judd Duininck has shared his excitement about the project:
“Adding a private club of this stature to the Midwest collection of epic destinations like Sand Hills, Ballyneal, Caprock Ranch, and Sutton Bay is what Minnesota needs, ” said Duininck. “To build a world-class golf course in our own backyard makes it even more special. The land at Tepetonka has a natural character that architects dream about, moraines with golf holes fitting perfectly between them. When Mark called and shared his vision of this property, I knew exactly where it was, and knew it was going to be spectacular.”
With 14 of the 18 holes already shaped, as well as the driving range and “The Prox” short course—developed with input from CBS Sports commentator Jim Nantz—the project is advancing quickly and remains on track for a 2026 opening.
The grassing phase represents one of the most important stages in golf course construction, laying the foundation for the playing surfaces that will define the Tepetonka experience for decades to come. After this phase, the grow-in period will allow the turf to mature and establish under expert care before play begins.
Tepetonka is set to become a premier destination in Midwest golf, offering convenient access from major cities such as Minneapolis-St. Paul (about 90 minutes away), Fargo, and Sioux Falls (both less than three hours), with a regional airport located just 20 miles north in Willmar for private travel. When Tepetonka opens in 2026, Illinois-based KemperSports will oversee its management.
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