
Yahara Hills Golf Course Redesign
May 2, 2025 Update
With the help of the Parks ecology team, 18 trees were planted. The trees were planted in strategic places within view from the clubhouse. The goal is create great year-round color as you look out from the back of the clubhouse.

Three new tee boxes were constructed on Hole 9. These new tee complexes will drastically change the hole layout. The goal is to create a drivable par 4. There will now be 4 separate tee boxes on this hole.

The left greenside bunker on Hole 18 was eliminated. It will now be a grass bunker with a steep face. The grass bunker has been graded, seeded, and covered.

Sand has been added to the new fairway bunker on Hole 18. The surrounding area has been seeded, covered, and has begun to grow in.

A new forward tee has been built on Hole 18.

A new back tee for Hole 1 has been completed. This tee is located adjacent to the practice putting green.

The new forward tee has begun being constructed on Hole 1. The tee will be sodded after final grade is complete.

The fairway bunker on Hole 15 has been completed. Drainage was added and covered with sand. The surrounding area was seeded and covered.

Ecological work began on the oak savannah region on Hole 18. Contractors have done an initial burn of the area.

A burn was completed of the area near the barn on Hole 3. All the underbrush and weeds were cut out near the area of the barn to make it more visible for golfers. The long-term goal of this area is to turn it into another oak savannah.

Project Details
Project Information
The Master Concept Plan for Yahara Hills is available.
Yahara Hills Golf Course Redesign FAQ
Background
The Task Force on Municipal Golf in Madison Parks was formed in 2019 to provide recommendations to the City related to the Golf Enterprise Program and the land that it currently uses. The Task Force’s FINAL REPORT was accepted by the Common Council in January 2021. The report offered ten recommendations, including that the City should continue providing golf services and that it should reduce 18 holes of golf at Yahara Hills. Though the Task Force did recommend against selling of park land to generate reinvestment funding, it did not have the specific proposal related to a sale to Dane County to consider.
In February 2023 the City of Madison closed on the sale of roughly 200 acres of Yahara Hills Golf Course to Dane County, with a visionary plan to develop a Sustainability Campus. This forward-thinking initiative aims to create a vibrant hub for sustainable practices, environmental education, and community engagement. The Sustainability Campus offers benefits to the City such as reduced transportation costs and emissions, increased operational efficiency, localized waste management control, and a heightened awareness of responsible waste practices. The Sustainability Campus is still in the planning stages, and full implementation will take place over a number of years. The Golf Program will utilize proceeds from the Land Sale to make investments in the course.
Meanwhile, 36 holes of golf are still available at the course and the City has entered into an agreement that allows for continued operation of the golf course, with a phased reduction from 36 holes to 18 holes by the end of the 2025 season. Our vision is to optimize the golfing experience for 18 holes while utilizing existing infrastructure and preserving the natural landscape. In addition, one of our key objectives is to make golf more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. To achieve this, we are committed to providing enhanced short tees. These tees will allow beginners, juniors, and those seeking a more relaxed round of golf to have a satisfying experience while still enjoying the challenge of the course. Our approach is intended to minimize disruption to the environment and maintain the course's unique character. We understand the importance of balancing the enjoyment of golf with the preservation of our natural resources, and we are dedicated to achieving this delicate harmony.
Timeline
2023-2024 Seasons: Operate existing 36 holes
2025 Season: Operate up to 27 holes
2026 Season until at least 2043*: Operate 18 holes
Please note: Course improvement work will begin in Fall of 2023 and may temporarily impact the number of holes available for play during this time.
*The Parks Division expects offer recreational amenities at this location beyond 2043. However, the type and location of those amenities will be determined at a future date.
Project Plans
The Master Concept Plan for Yahara Hills is available.
Public Engagement
Plans were posted in the Yahara Hills Golf Course clubhouse to solicit feedback through September 1, 2023. Parks staff held a online information and input session and held public drop-in hours in August of 2023.