On January 27, SentryWorld announced it will temporarily shut down to undergo significant renovations in advance of hosting multiple national championships. The course is slated to welcome the 2028 U.S. Senior Women’s Open, followed by the U.S. Senior Open in 2034.
According to a news release, Pete McPartland, Sentry’s chairman and CEO, said the planned improvements underscore the organization’s long-term investment in championship golf and further reinforce SentryWorld’s ability to serve as a venue for elite, high-caliber events.
Mike James, general manager of SentryWorld and vice president of Sentry Insurance, and director of golf Danny Rainbow elaborated on the plans for the renovations — to be led Jay Blasi, who oversaw the massive overhaul of the course in 2013.
“It is an honor to work with Chairman McPartland, Mike James and the entire Sentry team in preparation for these important championships,” said Jay Blasi. “Having grown up in Wisconsin and previously collaborated with original SentryWorld architect Robert Trent Jones II, I understand the importance of preserving the spirit of the original design while refining the course for future championships.”
Renovation plans include:
- Installation of a state-of-the-art irrigation system
- Redesign of select green complexes
- Reconfigured tee complexes to support championships and broader range of players
- A full bunker renovation
- Enhanced privacy barrier along I-39
- Practice facility refinements / enhancements
- Additional infrastructure improvements to enhance course sustainability and playability
To complete the renovations, the golf course will be closed for the entirety of the 2027 golf season. Other SentryWorld amenities—including The Inn at SentryWorld, PJ’s and Muse restaurants, banquet facilities, and the Fieldhouse—will remain open to guests.
“As we think about our next 50 years, it is important to ensure that we honor our history while staying at the forefront of golf design and maintenance,” McPartland said.
“This project represents the continued evolution of SentryWorld and Sentry’s unwavering commitment to providing a one-of-a-kind golf experience,” said Mike James, general manager of SentryWorld. “The 2019 U.S. Girls’ Junior and the 2023 U.S. Senior Open delivered exceptional course conditions, and we will continue to raise the bar as we look ahead to future championships.”
SentryWorld has been a staple in the top 100 list of public courses and currently sits at 49th according to golf digest.