Grassing Underway at Tepetonka, Minnesota’s New Private Golf Destination

Duininck Golf has entered the grassing phase at Tepetonka, marking a major milestone in the development of Minnesota’s highly anticipated private golf course, designed by the renowned OCM Golf team. This stage transitions the shaped terrain into living fairways and greens, setting the foundation for the grow-in period ahead of the planned 2026 opening.

Located just outside New London, roughly 90 minutes west of the Twin Cities, Tepetonka sprawls across 228 acres of glacial moraines and natural prairie land. The project is the brainchild of founder Mark Haugejorde and features architectural contributions from Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Cocking, and Ashley Mead of OCM Golf.

“The site we’re working with at Tepetonka is extraordinary,” said Ogilvy. “The first time we were on the property we knew Tepetonka was going to be special. It’s rare to find property so naturally suited for golf that 16 of the 18 holes required minimal to no earthmoving. The course begins in the cedars, leads players out onto prairie for a dozen holes, weaves through wetlands and then returns to the cedars.”

The course’s routing follows a varied topography with 100-foot elevation shifts, cedar-lined corridors, and six holes influenced by the winding Shakopee Creek. The dramatic finishing hole features creekside lodging and a green perched just above the water.

Minnesota-based Duininck Golf, leading the build, is aiming to deliver a national-caliber experience in the Midwest.

“Adding a private club of this stature to the Midwest collection of epic destinations like Sand Hills, Ballyneal, Caprock Ranch and Sutton Bay is what Minnesota needs,” said Judd Duininck, the company’s owner. “To build a world-class golf course in our own backyard makes it even more special. The land at Tepetonka has a natural character that architects dream about.”

With 14 of the 18 holes already shaped and grassing underway, along with the driving range and the Jim Nantz-influenced short course known as “The Prox,” construction is on track. Management of the facility will be handled by KemperSports.

Tepetonka’s development is being closely watched by the golf world as a potential top-tier private club in the Upper Midwest. The vision includes not just a championship course, but also modern amenities and hospitality-focused infrastructure, appealing to golf purists and lifestyle members alike.

The involvement of CBS’s Jim Nantz in shaping The Prox short course adds a layer of media attention and storytelling. With an emphasis on natural terrain, minimal disturbance, and architectural nuance, Tepetonka is positioned to elevate Minnesota’s profile as a destination for elite golf.

In addition to its 2026 debut, Tepetonka is expected to contribute to local tourism, employment, and broader conversations around sustainable course development in sensitive natural landscapes.

Originally reported by Golf Course Industry.