About Craig

I grew up in Indiana and attended a small liberal arts school, where I majored in Environmental Studies and Art (and I got to play small college golf). In 1999, my wife Becky and I moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, where we lived for three years. In Scotland, I got a graduate degree in landscape architecture and a true education in links golf. I also worked for a London golf course contractor on several renovation projects on heathland courses for a year after school. 

When Becky and I moved back to Madison, Wisconsin I was fortunate to find a job with Mike Oliphant. Working for Mike, I progressed from laborer and operator, to superintendent, to project manager on high profile golf work across the country. At the same time, I picked up renovation work and design projects locally, and after a long search, I found the land for what would eventually become Sand Valley.

I stay busy and wear multiple hats in the golf business... golf architect and shaper on our projects, I’m still providing construction support at Sand Valley, and I lead a growing golf management company that I started with Mike in 2009, and which he later sold to me.

I have been blessed to be able to follow a passion for golf and golf courses, and to make an interesting career out of it so far! I've also been extremely fortunate to work with, and for, some of the most talented people in our industry. 

I have an admitted bias for old golf courses and seek a lasting and timeless quality in our work. I design/build on the ground with a great team, and I like to get on the equipment myself as much as possible. I can also draw plans and wave my hands :) 

Becky and I live in central Wisconsin with our two wonderful young kids.