Construction of Kettle Forge, a new golf course in Ashippun, Wisconsin, is expected to begin in autumn 2025. The project team consists of architect Scott Hoffman, Jackson Kahn Design, professional golfer Steve Stricker as a design consultant, contractor Landscapes Unlimited and operator Landscapes Golf Management.
The 270-acre Kettle Forge site is eight miles west of Erin Hills, the 2017 US Open venue that was designed by Mike Hurdzan, Dana Fry and Ron Whitten.
The name Kettle Forge is derived from the glacial kettles and mounds that characterise the land. A key feature of the site is a massive hill that offers 20-mile panoramic views – the clubhouse and guest cottages will be built on this hill. The land also has native rolling woodlands with mature oak and maple groves, wetlands and dramatic elevation changes.
According to the masterplan, Kettle Forge will play over 7,600 yards from the back tee, making it one of the longest courses in Wisconsin. There will be wide fairways; deep, sculpted bunkers; a few water hazards; and undulating greens.
Scott Hoffman’s routing map for Kettle Forge, a new golf course that will be built in Ashippun, Wisconsin (Image: Scott Hoffman)
“Kettle Forge will uniquely look like a natural preserve with grasses, wildflowers and wetlands,” said developer Brett Craig. “It promises to be a course that attracts repeat play – fair to members yet exhilaratingly difficult for those who desire challenge amid rugged elegance and timeless appeal.”
Landscapes Golf Management, sister company to Landscapes Unlimited, will operate the club upon opening, preceded by course grow-in oversight, membership sales and other planning functions.
“This is pure, unadulterated golf without tennis and swimming,” said Bill Kubly, chairman of Landscapes Unlimited. “Based on our work at Lost Rail outside Omaha, Kettle Forge is likely to reach a full membership before the course opens.”
In addition to golf, the development also includes a wellness spa, a cigar and bourbon vault, fine dining, a business den, bike and walking trails, fishing and pheasant hunting on a partner game farm.
Kettle Forge is expected to open in autumn 2027.