Trappers Turn Unveils Reimagined Canyon 7, A Wisconsin Golf Masterpiece

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – May 20, 2026 – Amidst the iconic sandstone bluffs of the Wisconsin Dells, a new legend was born this week. Trappers Turn Golf Club officially unveiled the reimagined Canyon 7 on Tuesday, culminating a year-long project that transforms its signature hole into what is now being hailed as one of the most dramatic and beautiful holes in the state. The celebration brought together Wisconsin golf royalty, the visionaries behind the project, and the next generation of players for a first look at a hole designed to be as challenging as it is breathtaking.

The event featured two-time U.S. Open Champion Andy North, acclaimed golf course architect Craig Haltom, and Trappers Turn owner Todd Nelson. Together, they showcased a renovation that goes far beyond a simple facelift, representing a deep commitment to both architectural innovation and the restoration of natural beauty.

The Art of the Reveal: Restoring Natural Grandeur

For years, Canyon 7 was the hole everyone talked about at Trappers Turn, but often for mixed reasons. It was undeniably the course's signature, playing down into a deep, glacier-carved canyon. However, that very geography created persistent problems. "It was always our signature hole, but the problem was it was in a deep canyon, and we couldn't get any air in it - the green was always in rougher shape," explained Todd Nelson, the club's owner and founder of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. Decades of natural overgrowth had also obscured the stunning sandstone formations unique to the Dells region, hiding the hole's truest potential.

Led by Craig Haltom of Haltom Design, the renovation was an exercise in excavation and revelation. The project team meticulously stripped back the overgrowth to unearth the canyon's majestic sandstone walls, which now serve as a monumental backdrop. "Now we've cleaned it all out, added waterfalls, and we're unearthing all of the sandstone. It is so beautiful, it's beyond belief," Nelson remarked at the unveiling.

The changes are not merely aesthetic. The green itself has been nearly doubled in size to almost 6,000 square feet, creating a vast, undulating putting surface that allows for a multitude of new pin placements. This transforms the hole from a one-dimensional challenge into a dynamic, championship-caliber experience that will change daily. Expanded tee boxes, improved air and sunlight circulation for long-term turf health, and a new path that guides players alongside the rock walls complete the transformation.

"This is what we had in mind when we first built this hole. It now looks like you're playing into a box canyon, which is really something special," said architect Craig Haltom. "There's neat bunkering, a different way that you access the green that brings you by the rock walls, and then this beautiful waterfall work behind the green. I would say that in this version, the hole is as dramatic as anything else out here."

A Strategic Play for Wisconsin's Golf Crown

The revitalization of Canyon 7 is the jewel in the crown of a much larger strategic vision for Trappers Turn. Under Todd Nelson's ownership since 2007, the club has seen a series of significant capital investments aimed at elevating it from a strong regional course to a premier national golf destination. This latest project follows the successful additions of the 12 North par-three course, designed by Andy North, a 12-hole putting course, and new practice facilities.

This continuous investment positions Trappers Turn to compete not only with local rivals but also to feature prominently on the itineraries of golfers visiting Wisconsin's top-tier destinations like Sand Valley. By creating a truly unique and memorable experience, the club aims to capture a larger share of the lucrative golf tourism market. The synergy with Nelson's Kalahari Resorts, a dominant force in the Dells' hospitality scene, is undeniable. This creates a comprehensive resort ecosystem where visitors can pair a world-class water park and convention experience with championship golf, a strategy designed to lengthen stays and broaden the region's appeal.

The investment is a calculated move to diversify the tourism portfolio of Wisconsin Dells, a town that attracts approximately 4 million visitors annually, largely for its water parks. By offering a polished, high-end golf experience that showcases the area's natural beauty, Trappers Turn is helping to redefine the Dells as a year-round destination for a wider range of visitors.

More Than a Game: Legacy and Community

The unveiling event was infused with a palpable sense of community and legacy, personified by Andy North. The Wisconsin native and two-time U.S. Open Champion has been deeply involved in the club's evolution, lending his design expertise to the 12 North course and his insights to the broader vision. His presence underscored the project's connection to the rich history of golf in the state.

"It's a beautiful hole, and it's a unique place to put a green," North commented, reflecting on the finished product. "No one expected for the rock work to be so beautiful - we thought it would be very pretty, but we didn't understand that it would fit so naturally in the spot. I think it'll be very memorable."

Perhaps the most heartwarming moment of the day was the 'Beat Andy North' challenge. A group of young golfers from the Wisconsin Dells Middle School golf program were given the honor of being among the first to play the new hole, taking their shots against the legend himself. The event was more than a photo opportunity; it was a symbol of passing the torch and inspiring the next generation, grounding the multi-million-dollar renovation in the simple joy of the game.

As Trappers Turn opens for the season, anticipation among golfers is at a fever pitch. The redesigned Canyon 7 is more than just an improved hole; it is a statement. It declares a commitment to quality, a respect for nature, and a vision for the future of golf in Wisconsin, ensuring that players who make the journey will find an experience that is, in Nelson's words, "beyond belief."