SentryWorld to undergo major golf course renovation in 2027 ahead of USGA Championships
STEVENS POINT, WIS (Jan 27, 2026) – With the exciting news that the United States Golf Association (USGA) has selected SentryWorld to host the 2028 U.S. Senior Women’s Open and 2034 U.S. Senior Open, Sentry is making significant refinements to the golf course to prepare for these prestigious championships.
“These improvements reflect our long-term investment in championship golf and reinforce SentryWorld’s ability to host high-caliber events for years to come,” said Pete McPartland, Sentry chairman and CEO.
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
“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,” said McPartland.
To complete the renovations, SentryWorld golf course will close for the 2027 golf season. During that time, all other SentryWorld amenities – including The Inn at SentryWorld, PJ’s and Muse restaurants, banquet facilities and the fieldhouse – will remain open and available to guests.
“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, 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 assembled a top-tier team to execute the renovation. Wisconsin native and nationally recognized golf course designer Jay Blasi, who collaborated on the award-winning 2013 renovation of SentryWorld, will lead the design efforts. LaBar Golf, who has worked on several USGA Championship venues, will make their Wisconsin debut and serve as the golf and irrigation contractor. Project Manager Josh Lewis, who has worked with Blasi at Golden Gate Park and Poppy Ridge, will oversee the construction, and Derek Dirksen, who shaped SentryWorld in 2013 and has worked with Blasi on numerous projects, will handle shaping.
“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.”
About Sentry and SentryWorld
Founded in 1904, Sentry is known for maintaining long-term customer relationships and supporting its communities. Sentry Insurance is part of one of the largest and financially secure mutual insurance groups in the United States, holding an A+ (superior) Financial Strength Rating from AM Best as of June 2025. Sentry and its subsidiaries offer a wide range of insurance products, including property and casualty insurance, life insurance, annuities, and retirement programs for businesses and individuals nationwide. For a complete list of underwriting companies, visit sentry.com
Sentry opened SentryWorld in 1982 as the state’s first destination golf course. Over the years, it has won numerous awards, and hosted numerous championships including the 2019 U.S. Girls’ Junior, 2023 U.S. Senior Open and 2025 Rolex Girls’ Junior.
About Jay Blasi
A Wisconsin native, Blasi first visited SentryWorld in 1984 as a 6-year-old. Blasi worked for Robert Trent Jones II for 11 years, where he contributed to the designs of Chambers Bay (WA), The Patriot (OK) and Stanford’s Golf Practice Facility (CA). In 2012, he founded Jay Blasi Design based in Los Gatos, CA. Since that time, he has led major transformations of SentryWorld, Santa Ana CC (CA), Lakeside CC (TX), Golden Gate Park (CA) and Poppy Ridge (CA). Blasi’s honors include a Forward Under 40 Award from the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association (2015), named a ‘Top 5 Architect Under 40’ by Golf Channel (2017) and listed among the ‘Next Superstar Architects’ by Today’s Golfer (2025). He is currently working with clients in CA, WI, MN, TX and WA and serves as a contributing writer to Golfweek Magazine.
About LaBar Golf
LaBar Golf specializes in new builds as well as comprehensive course renovations, including bunker redesigns, tee and green construction, and environmental enhancements., as well as a full range of irrigation services, and most recently, added their surveying business that focuses on geospatial services and mapping capabilities. With a portfolio that spans across the country, the firm has established a reputation for delivering high-quality craftsmanship and innovative solutions tailored to each course’s unique needs.
For more information, please contact:
Link Oswald, Sentry
Office: 715-346-7100
link.oswald@sentry.com