Steve Stricker, a 12-time winner on the PGA Tour and the USA’s Ryder Cup-winning captain in 2021, will begin his golf course design career with a renovation project at Cherokee Country Club in Madison, Wisconsin.
Cherokee will soon be renamed TPC Wisconsin and its facilities, including the 18-hole golf course, driving range, tennis courts, pickleball courts and swimming pool, will be used for PGA Tour events and membership.
Stricker’s redesign plans will address advancements in golf since the course, which will become part of the TPC Network and be renamed TPC Wisconsin, was built in the 1960s. This will involve repositioning features, rebuilding tees, bunkers and greens, building new cart paths, regrassing, and installing a new irrigation system. Stricker will also reroute some holes to improve walks from greens to tees, as well creating ‘hubs’ in these areas so spectator mounding can be integrated for professional events.
“I couldn’t ask for a better scenario with my first golf course design project to be the same property that I spent the better part of 30 years of my golf career and where I have raised my family,” said Stricker. “TPC Wisconsin will be a dream project for me. It’s one I have taken great pride in designing what I feel will be a course that will test the best players in the world but also provide playability at every level. It will get every ounce of my energy and attention to be the best golf course and golf experience that there is, and I look forward to playing a role in bringing it to fruition.”
The club will carry out environmental work alongside the golf course renovation to improve water quality for aquatic species living in the waterways and water features on the course.
The practice facilities will also be remodelled to include an indoor putting green, a short game area and Toptracer technology.
“This is an exciting day for TPC Network as we welcome this wonderful facility as a licensed property into our portfolio,” said Jim Triola, chief operating officer for PGA TOUR golf course properties. “While we have been methodical in the planning process, the decision to move forward in this new and thriving market was unanimous from the start. Knowing the exceptional product that would result from the redesign by Steve Stricker, along with ownership’s commitment to invest in its member and guest experience, this project has significant momentum that is sure to result in an elevated experience.”
The club expects to reopen the course in August 2023.