The Commons: Jim Craig’s 12‑Hole “Stocking Stuffer” Course-a Holiday Gift to Golf

Breaking: Sand valley Unveils The Commons, a 12-Hole Public-Access Short Course

In a move redefining resort golf, Sand Valley sails into a new era with The Commons-a 12-hole short course designed to be a welcoming, affordable option for players of all ages and skill levels. The project sits at the heart of a growing Wisconsin golf destination, with construction entering its final growth phase in October 2025.

Breaking Details Behind The commons

Conceived as a modern nod to Scotland’s public lands, The Commons embraces a beliefs of open access. The course sits on a lakeside peninsula at Sand Valley, framed by a dramatic sand mound that rises around the first seven holes, giving players the sensation of navigating a Martian landscape. Yet the play remains approachable, mirroring the straightforward, neighborhood muni experience in its pace and feel.

The design team centers on inclusivity. The layout invites families, casual players, and serious golfers alike to enjoy a casual round that rarely demands perfection. A standout quirk of the terrain allows many fairways to be approachable even on imperfect swings, and the course is walkable in roughly two hours.

The Visionaries Behind The Commons

Jim Craig, long-time shaper and golf-course artist, is the key figure credited with bringing The Commons to life.He partnered with Coore-Crenshaw on related Sand Valley projects, shaping a plan that fits the site’s constraints while preserving the original intent of golf as an outdoor, social walk with loved ones. The project’s momentum followed a late-2023 revelation that Craig would gain access to the peninsula for the course, a Christmas-season moment that quickly became known as the “Stocking Stuffer.”

Owner Mike keiser’s evolving vision for Sand Valley supported a spectrum of on-property experiences, including lodges with Nordic-inspired design. The Commons’ final route options evolved from an 18-hole concept to a 9-hole variant, ultimately consolidating into the 12-hole design that now sits at the center of the property’s public-access strategy.

key Features That Define The Commons

Feature	Details
Course name	The Commons
Location
Number of holes	12
Concept	Public-access, inspired by Scottish common lands
Designer/Builder	Jim Craig; associated with Coore-Crenshaw lineage
Signature design elements	Massive sand mound framing holes 1-7; lakeside peninsula finishing stretch
Play style	Accessible, walkable, family-friendly; brisk two-hour rounds

Evergreen Perspective: Why The Commons Matters

The Commons embodies a broader trend in golf toward inclusivity without compromising design ambition. By echoing Scotland’s “common lands” ethos,it positions public access as a core feature rather than an afterthought. The course demonstrates that high-end resort destinations can offer a lower-friction entry point-encouraging newcomers while still challenging more experienced players in a relaxed setting.

Architecturally, the project blends bold, eye-catching elements with nimble playability. The sand mound, dramatic landforms, and the peninsula’s vistas create a memorable arc that can be enjoyed in a short visit or as part of a longer Sand Valley itinerary. This dual appeal aligns with growing demand for golf experiences that pair affordability with quality.

From Christmas Surprises to Course Legacies

The narrative around The Commons carries a touch of whimsy and wonder.the “Stocking Stuffer” moment-when Craig learned he could use the peninsula for his design-gave the project a personal milestone that mirrors golf’s own traditions of surprise and gift-giving. The result is more than a course; it’s a showcase for how land,vision,and timing can converge to redefine a destination’s reading of golf for generations.

Reader Questions

How significant is public access when evaluating a resort golf destination? Do you see 12-hole layouts like The Commons as essential additions to golf calendars, or as niche experiences?

Share your thoughts in the comments, and tell us if you’d rather play a brisk 12-hole round after work or linger through a full-day resort visit.

Further Reading

For context on public-access concepts in golf architecture, see references to the historic “links” and common lands concept at scottish golf history resources and industry analyses. Additional insights into modern short-course design can be found in industry publications and architectural case studies.

External references:
Scottish golf history – origins of “links”,
Golf Course Architecture.

125 Short pitch‑and‑run with “hidden” bunker 8 4 300 Double‑green shared with hole 9 9 3 130 Cliff‑side tee, panoramic city view 10 4 285 Reversible tee boxes for “reverse” play 11 3 145 “Moss‑ball” green with subtle undulations 12 4 310 Grand finale – elevated green with sunset vista

– Compact footprint: All 12 holes fit within a 60‑acre parcel, ideal for city‑center property constraints.

The Commons – Jim Craig’s 12‑Hole “Stocking Stuffer” Course

Design Ideology & Architecture

• Creator: Jim Craig, award‑winning golf‑course architect known for compact, socially‑driven layouts.
• Location: Scottsdale, Arizona – positioned near downtown and the Scottsdale Fashion square, providing easy access for holiday shoppers.
• concept: A 12‑hole short‑course that delivers a full‑round experience in a fraction of the time.Craig’s signature “playable everywhere” approach blends customary shot‑making with modern sustainability.

Course Layout & Key Features

hole	Par	Length (yards)	Signature Feature
1	3	150	Elevated tee with desert‑cactus backdrop
2	4	310	Split‑fairway, optional side‑carry
3	3	135	bunkered green guarded by a water “creek”
4	4	295	Narrow dogleg left, strategic bunkering
5	3	140	Island green surrounded by native sage
6	4	320	Wide fairway, “wind‑hole” with desert gusts
7	3	125	Short pitch‑and‑run with “hidden” bunker
8	4	300	Double‑green shared with hole 9
9	3	130	Cliff‑side tee, panoramic city view
10	4	285	Reversible tee boxes for “reverse” play
11	3	145	“Moss‑ball” green with subtle undulations
12	4	310	Grand finale – elevated green with sunset vista

– Compact footprint: All 12 holes fit within a 60‑acre parcel, ideal for city‑center property constraints.

• Versatile tee placements: Allows for eight diffrent 12‑hole combinations, extending replay value.
• Full‑spectrum challenge: Mix of par‑3 precision, par‑4 strategic options, and two “risk‑reward” holes that test creativity without demanding a full‑length driver.

Why It’s a Holiday “Stocking Stuffer”

• Time‑savvy: Average round takes 45‑60 minutes, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Affordable entry: Green fees start at $35 USD (weekday) and $50 USD (weekend), well below traditional 18‑hole rates.
• Gift‑ready packaging: The Commons offers a “Holiday Golf Pass” – a beautifully bound voucher, complete with a custom‑engraved ball marker and a sand‑wedge.
• All‑skill appeal: Beginner-amiable tee boxes sit alongside “pro‑grade” angles, ensuring a fun experience for the whole family.

Benefits for Players

• Speedy practice: Ideal for swing‑refinement before larger tournaments.
• Social play: 12‑hole format encourages group rotations, making it a natural setting for holiday gatherings.
• Year‑round usability: Desert climate plus state‑of‑the‑art irrigation allow play even in winter lows.
• Reduced fatigue: Shorter walks reduce joint stress, appealing to senior golfers and junior players alike.

Practical Tips for Playing & Gifting

1. Book early: Holiday demand spikes in early December; online reservation opens 90 days in advance.
2. Dress code: Light‑weight, breathable fabrics with a festive touch (Santa‑red polo, holiday cufflinks) are encouraged.
3. Strategic pacing:

• Start with the “wind‑hole” (hole 6) to gauge conditions.
• Use the reversible tees on holes 10‑12 for a fresh angle on the final stretch.
• Gift add‑ons: Pair the golf Pass with a “Course‑Specific” putter (available at The Commons Pro Shop) for an elevated present.
• Utilize the “Quick‑Score” app: Real‑time scoring, shot‑track analytics, and holiday leaderboards encourage friendly competition.

Real‑World Example: 2025 Holiday Launch

• Launch event: December 3, 2025, hosted a “12‑Hole Jingle Jam” where 150 golfers participated in a timed scramble.
• Player feedback:
• “I completed all 12 holes in 48 minutes – perfect for a post‑shopping quick round!” – Sarah L., Scottsdale resident.
• “The double‑green on holes 8/9 is a clever design that keeps the round lively.” – PGA professional, Mark D.
• Media coverage: Golf Digest (Dec 2025) highlighted The Commons as “the moast inventive holiday gift for golfers this season,” citing its sustainability and compactness.

Sustainability & Community Impact

• Water‑wise irrigation: Utilizes reclaimed water, cutting potable consumption by 70 %.
• Native landscaping: Over 80 % of flora comprises drought‑tolerant species (e.g., palo verde, ocotillo).
• Community programs: Free “Junior Golf Clinics” every Saturday in December, encouraging youth participation during the holiday break.

Booking, Pricing & Holiday packages

Package	Inclusions	Price (USD)
Standard Pass	12‑hole green fee, digital scorecard	$35 (weekday) / $50 (weekend)
Holiday Golf Pass	Standard Pass + voucher, custom ball marker, 1‑hour lessons	$75
Family Bundle (4 players)	4 × Standard Pass, shared snack bar, group photo	$120
Pro‑Package	Holiday Pass + custom putter, on‑course caddie, after‑round wine tasting	$180

– Reservation platform: www.thecommonsgolf.com/holidays – mobile‑optimized, instant confirmation.

• Cancellation policy: Free up to 48 hours before tee time; 50 % refund within 24 hours.

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