SentryWorld Golf Course

SentryWorld Golf Course is a public championship course in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and renovated by RTJ II in 2014 and 2021. Set within a landscape of native woodlands, rolling terrain, and tranquil water features, the course is widely regarded as one of the finest public golf experiences in the Midwest. Explore the full RTJ II portfolio to see more courses built on the same philosophy.

Inspiration Behind the Design

Robert Trent Jones Jr. expertly conceived SentryWorld Golf Course, drawing inspiration from Wisconsin's lush vegetation, rolling terrain, and tranquil water features. He integrated native trees, flora, and expansive bodies of water into the course's layout, allowing the land's natural features to guide the design. Similar design sensitivity is evident in University Ridge Golf Course, another Wisconsin project by RTJ II that harmonizes rolling topography and natural water movement.

This unity with nature makes SentryWorld not only a premier golf destination but also a celebration of the rich history and splendor of the Midwest's environment.

Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s Design Approach

Jones envisioned SentryWorld as more than just a golf course; he aimed to create a robust destination experience that harmonizes with the natural beauty and topography of the Wisconsin landscape. His strategic design balances the challenge of the game with inclusivity, catering to golfers of all skill levels.

Variability is key in Jones's design, offering a wide variety of hole layouts that include long, daunting par-fives, shorter par-threes with beautiful views, and the stunning signature "Flower Hole." For another RTJ II course known for its creative use of short and long hole variation, explore Chambers Bay Golf Course, a U.S. Open host venue that exemplifies championship-level strategic design. This thoughtful approach ensures that each round is both a challenge to be tackled and a luxurious experience to be savored.

Course Features

SentryWorld Golf Course, designed by the esteemed Robert Trent Jones Jr., is a masterpiece nestled in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. This course is a testament to Jones's ability to craft a layout that harmonizes with the natural beauty of its surroundings, offering a destination golf experience unlike any other. The balanced design philosophy at SentryWorld reflects the same attention to landscape and strategy seen in Cabo Real Golf Course and Reserva Conchal Golf Club, both integrating coastal terrain and environmental sustainability.

Signature Hole — The Flower Hole

The most iconic feature at SentryWorld is its 16th hole, known as the Flower Hole. Bordered by more than 30,000 flowers planted in sweeping beds of color, the hole is as demanding as it is visually striking. A par three playing over water to a green framed entirely by blooms, it requires precise club selection and a calm nerve — conditions that have made it one of the most photographed holes in American public golf.

The Flower Hole was reimagined as part of the 2021 renovation in preparation for the 2023 U.S. Senior Open. Robert Trent Jones Jr. worked with Sentry Insurance Chairman John Joanis to invigorate the original design, enhancing both the visual drama and the strategic challenge. The result is a hole that has become a defining symbol of SentryWorld's identity and a lasting example of how a single design element can define an entire course.

Natural Beauty

The course is etched into a landscape of impeccable fairways that meander through pristine Wisconsin scenery. Views of lush woodlands, tranquil waters, and vibrant floral arrangements frame each hole, creating an inclusive golf experience that invites players to enjoy Midwestern hospitality amidst remarkable vistas.

Course Layout

Jones designed SentryWorld with both the avid and casual golfer in mind, offering a wide variety of play that caters to various skill levels. The layout features a balanced mix of challengin