Private golf club in Wisconsin completes multi-year renovation

Golf architect Dave Zinkand has completed a multi-year, multi-phase renovation of Big Foot Country Club in Fontana, Wisconsin. The layout near the Illinois border originally was designed by Tom Bendelow and opened in 1924. 

The third and final phase of the work on the private club began in the spring this year and included the reconstruction of the practice tee and practice green, as well as the addition of numerous sandy hollows across the property. 

Zinkand and his eponymous firm started on a master plan in 2024 with the goal of increasing competitive interest while broadening playability. Bunkers were reshaped and repositioned, playing corridors were adjusted to provide better sightlines with more options off the tee, and greens were expanded and subtly recontoured. 

“With construction complete and the course to fully reopen in July, Big Foot Country Club will stand as a reflection of our core principles,” Zinkand, who is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, said in a media release announcing completion of the Big Foot project. “Strategic options, connection to the land and a genuine sense of adventure define the experience.”

One of the biggest changes was reversing the routing of holes 12 through 14 at Bigfoot with the goal of improving continuity across the back nine and introducing a more compelling sequence over the property’s most compelling terrain. Select tree removal also restored long vistas and highlighted the club’s mature hardwoods. 

“Dave is so good at taking what the land presents and making it that much more interesting for golf,” Matthew Leinen, Big Foot’s superintendent, said in the media release. “He and his staff are meticulous with how they approach their work, which was deeply appreciated by our staff and the club membership. We’re excited to have our full 18 holes back open for play but also look forward to Dave’s continued knowledge, professionalism and dedication as smaller, more nuanced grounds enhancements continue at Big Foot.”

Jason Lusk is Golfweek's travel and golf course architecture editor, as well as the magazine's creative director. He has written for and designed Golfweek for more than two decades.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Private golf club in Wisconsin completes multi-year renovation