Tepetonka Golf Club to Become Premier Course in Kandiyohi County

News Summary

The Tepetonka Golf Club is set to open in summer 2026, promising to transform the regional golfing landscape in Central Minnesota. Helmed by Mark Haugejorde, the new 18-hole championship course will feature a minimalist construction approach, prioritizing natural beauty and environmental preservation. The club aims to create high-quality golfing experiences while boosting the local economy through job creation. As anticipation builds, a docuseries titled ‘Building the Game’ will document this exciting journey in golf development.

Tepetonka Golf Club Set to Become Central Minnesota’s Premier Destination Course

Get ready, golf lovers! A new and exciting golf experience is on the horizon as the Tepetonka Golf Club prepares to open its doors in summer 2026. Nestled in beautiful northern Kandiyohi County, this ambitious project promises to be a game-changer for the region’s golfing landscape.

All About the Visionary Behind the Course

At the helm of this project is Mark Haugejorde, a local boy who grew up in New London and has a rich history in the golf industry. He got his start at the Little Crow Resort Golf Course, which his father helped found, and has been part of the golfing world ever since. Haugejorde even took his skills to the collegiate level at the prestigious University of Houston, where he rubbed elbows with big names like professional golfer Fred Couples and broadcaster Jim Nantz. Talk about a dream come true!

After working for eight years as the director of marketing for renowned golfer Jack Nicklaus, where he helped increase memberships at the famous Windsong Farm, Haugejorde set his sights on creating his very own destination golf course. The idea truly took root after a memorable visit to the highly acclaimed Sand Hills Golf Course in Nebraska, inspiring him to bring a similar experience back home.

Discovering the Perfect Spot

Haugejorde spent three long years searching for the ideal location to bring his vision to life before finally stumbling upon the perfect piece of land near New London. This stunning site boasts natural features that golfers dream of, including rolling hills, moraines, and a serene creek that flows through the property.

The development plans for Tepetonka involve transforming 228 acres into an incredible golfing experience with an 18-hole championship course as well as a 9-hole short course that will appeal to golfers of all skill levels. The design is in the skilled hands of OCM Golf, a well-respected design firm based in Melbourne, Australia.

A Course Built with Nature in Mind

One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its minimalist approach to construction. Remarkably, the team plans to move only 1,000 cubic yards of soil, ensuring that the land’s natural beauty remains largely untouched. To create a lush golfing experience, they will be utilizing approximately 50,000 tons of sand for the greens and fairways, requiring around 2,200 truckloads to transport it all to the site. That’s quite a delivery!

Environmentally conscious practices are front and center, with efforts already underway for the restoration of Shakopee Creek along with plans for future ecological initiatives. In fact, an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) has been completed to address any potential environmental impacts of this ambitious project. Interestingly, a unique permit condition has been put in place to limit helicopter access due to noise concerns—talk about planning ahead!

Economic Boost for the Community

As Tepetonka prepares to set itself apart as a premier destination course, the club anticipates a limited membership model that not only promotes an exclusive experience but also promises to contribute positively to the local economy. Local construction jobs will kick off soon, and when the golf season begins, around 50 to 60 jobs will be created at the club, with around 20 employees during the off-season, allowing for fun winter activities to thrive.

For those lucky enough to secure membership, Haugejorde envisions a unique experience characterized as “high-end Minnesota casual,” fostering an atmosphere of respect and camaraderie among members.

Documenting Every Step of the Journey

Adding to the excitement is the upcoming docuseries titled “Building the Game,” produced by Capture, which will chronicle the intense yet thrilling process of building Tepetonka Golf Club.

Fun Fact: The name Tepetonka comes from an old resort along the shores of Green Lake and translates to “big tent” in the Dakota language. What a fitting name for what will soon be a massive draw for golf enthusiasts far and wide!

As summer 2026 approaches, it seems that Tepetonka Golf Club is destined to become a shining gem in Central Minnesota’s golfing crown. Stay tuned for updates as this amazing project unfolds!

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Additional Resources

• MinnPost: How a Luxury Travel and Play Golf Club Ended Up in Rural Kandiyohi County
• BBC News: Article Title
• Today’s Golfer: First Look at The Inspiration Club
• Google Search: Tepetonka Golf Club
• BBC News: Article Title
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf Clubs