Big Foot Country Club Completes Latest Phase of Improvements - Club + Resort Business
Beginning in spring 2026, the final phase built on the success of the first two phases and included the reconstruction of the practice range tee, practice green, and more. Beginning in spring 2026, the final phase built on the success of the first two phases and included the reconstruction of the practice range tee, practice green, and more.
Zinkand Golf Design has completed its latest phase of improvements at Big Foot Country Club (Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, Wis. ), marking another milestone in the evolution of the club’s historic 1924 layout. The final phase began in spring 2026 and continued the broader course improvement effort, building on the success of the first two phases. The scope included the reconstruction of the practice range tee and practice green, as well as the addition of numerous sandy hollows across the property. The enlarged practice putting green provides more hole-location flexibility and improves foot traffic circulation to reduce concentrated wear patterns. The expanded range tee creates operational flexibility, allowing staff to rotate hitting areas more effectively and preserve turf quality. And the sandy hollows, integrated with restraint, add contour and character without increasing maintenance complexity or altering the course’s classic identity. This most recent work concludes a multi-phase master plan that began in 2024 with a general focus on heightening competitive interest while broadening everyday playability. Bunkers were reshaped and repositioned to better frame shots and highlight preferred angles of play. Playing corridors were adjusted to provide clearer sightlines and more options off the tee. And greens were expanded and subtly recontoured, creating additional hole locations and rewarding precise approaches without sacrificing fairness for everyday play. “With construction complete and the course to fully reopen in July, Big Foot Country Club will stand as a reflection of our core principles,” says Zinkand, whose other Midwest credits include a renovation of Illinois’ storied Old Elm Club and original design, The Reversible, at Ohio’s Medina Country Club. “Strategic options, connection to the land and a genuine sense of adventure define the experience. ”A centerpiece of the masterplan was reversing the routing of holes 12 through 14, thereby improving continuity across the back nine and introducing a more compelling sequence over the property’s most visually engaging ground. Select tree removal has restored long-range vistas and highlighted the property’s mature hardwoods. “Dave is so good at taking what the land presents and making it that much more interesting for golf,” says Matthew Leinen, Big Foot’s superintendent. “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’s continued knowledge, professionalism and dedication as smaller, more nuanced grounds enhancements continue at Big Foot. ”