​Jul. 15—MITCHELL — Just over a year after new owner Chase Kristensen set out to take over the Wild Oak Golf Course, the new layout is already seeing significant transformation.The course’s newly expanded 13-hole layout is now officially open, marking another milestone in the renovation project that began shortly after Kristensen purchased the course in April 2025. The redesign has expanded Wild Oak from its longtime nine-hole layout to 13 holes, with the remaining five holes expected to open within the next 30 to 40 days, completing the project’s transition into an 18-hole course.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFor Kristensen, the project has never been about simply adding holes. It has been about creating a more playable course that can withstand the flooding issues that tested the previous layout for years.”Stepping into this, we weren’t going to try and face that same issue. So we have tried to take a different approach and use ground that would not flood,” Kristensen said. “That was the first challenge of trying to figure out how it was all going to fit with the ground that we had, but now it’s all about getting it done and getting the grass to grow.”The reconstruction required extensive dirt work across the property while using nearly every available inch of land. Once the new layout was established, crews installed an entirely new irrigation system, updated drainage throughout the course and constructed new greens and tee boxes. There are two brand-new par-3s that are already in use in the first five holes of the course, giving players a sample of the new construction early in their round.”Once everything got shaped last spring, we put in all new irrigation and everything has been updated,” Kristensen said. “And the greens that had not been drain tiled in the previous nine holes all got torn up, and are all fresh drain tiled. Those are coming in nicely right now.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe upgraded course now features greens that were built to United States Golf Association specifications designed to improve drainage and playing conditions, helping eliminate many of the weather-related issues that limited play on the old layout.According to Kristensen, much of the heavy construction was completed over the past year, allowing the focus to shift toward establishing healthy grass throughout the course. The changes have already drawn positive reviews from golfers who have played the new layout. Kristensen said many players have enjoyed the course’s layout while appreciating the fresh look and new design elements.Among the most talked-about additions is a waterfall installed in front of the new Hole No. 8, formerly Hole No. 5 on the original course, creating one of Wild Oak’s best features. The project continues to move forward beyond the opening of the first 13 holes, which are all currently located between East First Avenue and East Havens Avenue. The remaining five holes are between Firesteel Creek and East First Av