Minnesota Golf & Travel: An Interview with the Founder
“We Didn’t Want to Build Another Course. We Wanted to Build a Tribute.”
An Interview with the Founder of Tractor Fields Golf Club
By Minnesota Golf & Travel
On a quiet stretch of farmland west of the Twin Cities, where tractors once plowed symmetrical rows of wheat and corn through Minnesota soil, something remarkable is taking shape. It isn’t just another golf course. It’s a philosophy—etched into fairways, rooted in history, and driven by a belief that the game deserves something more meaningful.
At the center of it all is Kevin Unterreiner, founder of Tractor Fields Golf Club. Sitting overlooking the property, he speaks less like a golf course owner and more like a steward of the land.
“I grew up on tractors at my family's farm in Southern Missouri. My family farmed for generations before me. My best childhood memories are fishing in ponds, playing in freshly plowed dirt collecting worms for fishing, and riding on John Deere tractors. We didn’t want to just build another course,” Unterreiner says. “We wanted to build something that honors the farmers and equipment that shaped this land - and that would matter long after we’re gone.”
Q: Let’s start at the beginning. Why Tractor Fields?
Unterreiner:
The name came before the logo, before the plans—before everything. Tractors and fields surround the property. I grew up on tractors in fields.
This land was farmed for generations. Tractors worked these fields long before golfers ever did. When I first visited the property, I didn’t see a project. I saw history. I had flashbacks of all the great times I spent with my Dad, Grandparents and family on that small farm in small town USA. I saw and felt the cumulative efforts and passion that those before me had poured their lives into this soil.
We wanted to honor them and those efforts.
It also helps that you pass quite a few barns and farms - and smell the fields and fresh air - on the way to the course to get you in the spirit and appreciate the history of the land.
Golf is about respect—for the game, for tradition, for nature. Agriculture is the same way. Tractor Fields is where those two worlds meet.
Q: What made you believe this place could become something special?
Unterreiner:
2 things. Land and Location.
Rolling hills with infinity views of farmland, marshlands and prairies with barns and farmland every direction you look.
And the location - located just 35 minutes west of the Twin Cities - in an area that has the least concentration of golf courses per population density and square mile. New county roads make access easy from anywhere from the Twin Cities, Lake Minnetonka area, even west into St. Cloud.
You can’t fake good terrain. You can’t manufacture character. This property had movement, elevation, natural corridors—everything great golf architecture needs.
But more than that, it had soul.
Too many modern courses feel like real estate projects first and golf courses second. From day one, we said: golf comes first here.
Q: You brought in Tom Lehman and Dave Tentis for the redesign. Why them?
Unterreiner:
Some of my favorite golf courses to play - Troy Burne Golf Club, Prairie Dunes - are Tom Lehman designs. He’s earned multiple Top 100 course nominations for a reason - his courses look great and play fun. He’s also committed to designs that are easier to maintain and more ecologically friendly. This also allows us to keep rates affordable despite being a higher quality public course. They are courses that reward good shots, forgiving in the right places, and make you want to play again and again.
Tom has played the greatest courses in the world. He knows what works—and what doesn’t. Dave also has TOUR and course design experience - and knows Minnesota golf better than almost anyone.
Neither of them was interested in flashy features. They were interested in routing holes that fit the land, in letting nature lead.
We want to impress you with the overall experience and service. We’re trying to make you want to come back 100 times and remember every hole.
Q: Tractor Fields emphasizes Community & Special Events. Why was that important?
Unterreiner:
Because great clubs aren’t built by one person. They’re built by a team people who care and share a collective vision.
Our Founders Club, Corporate Sponsors and Foursome Members isn’t about buying access. It’s about buying into a vision and having a place you are proud to bring friends, family and clients while enjoying a great and memorable round of golf. These members will help shape what this place becomes.
The member-guest events will receive very special attention with the goal of being the highlights of the golf season. And week to week, there will always be a game to join for those seeking friendly competition & comaraderie.
Members and patrons are not viewed as customers. They’re teammates and an integral part of this story and journey.
Twenty, thirty years from now, those with us from the beginning will be able to say, “I was here when this was just an idea.”
Q: What Separates Tractor Fields from other modern golf developments?
Unterreiner:
Intent and keeping a focus on pure golf in a serene, relaxed environment.
We’re not chasing trends. We’re building something timeless.
No gated exclusivity. No cookie-cutter design. No corporate feel.
When someone pulls into our drive, I want them to feel like they’ve arrived somewhere special and unique—somewhere they can relax and enjoy fresh air and great company.
You’ll see tractors. You’ll see farmers working land nearby. You won’t see houses or hear busy roads. You’ll feel connected to where you are and to those you are with.
That’s rare now.
Q: What kind of golfer did you have in mind when designing this course?
Unterreiner:
The ones who love the game and view every round of golf as an “opportunity” and experience. Every round is an opportunity to challenge yourself, humbly accept the results, celebrate those moments of glory, and enjoy the people you are with in a beautiful nature surrounding.
The design will be fun and challenging for better golfers but, as importantly, very playable for all ages and skill levels.
We also want to attract people who care - about golf, the land, and others.
If you love the game of golf and view golf as an escape from the stresses of life, you’ll feel at home here.
Q: The project timeline stretches over several years. Why the timeline you have set?
Unterreiner:
We started concepting in 2025 and carefully planned so that not a full year would go by without enjoying golf on this property.
2026 will be golf as usual on the current Timber Creek Golf Course while we do the land prep that does not interfere with play. That will accelerate the renovation process.
The first half of 2027 will be golf as usual - March thru June if Mother Nature cooperates.
Then dirt will be moved July 2027 thru July 2028.
If all goes as planned, the first tee will be struck by Tom Lehman and Dave Tentis in August of 2028.
We’re building this so it is fun and playable immediately upon opening, but grows - like a field - over time into something very, very special enjoyed for generations.
That means patience, but we are moving steadily forward because of persistence and enthusiasm for the project.
This project is accelerated because the land is already a golf course and Brooks Ellingson, the current owner - who will remain involved as a partner - knows every square inch of this land as its Manager and Superintendant for the past 10 years.
Q: What do you hope members and visitors feel when they play Tractor Fields for the first time?
Unterreiner:
I hope they feel like they just experienced something special, something different.
I hope they walk off the 18th green smiling, high fiving their playing partners, and already looking forward to the next round.
I hope those with farmers in their family call them, text them some pics of the vintage tractors on the property, and tell them “Even if you are not a golfer, you would love this place.”
Great golf. Great service. Great land.
If we get that right, everything else takes care of itself.
Q: When you Imagine Tractor Fields in 2040, what do you see?
Unterreiner pauses before answering.
Unterreiner:
I see one of the most unique experiences in golf that we kept accessible and affordable to everyone who wants to enjoy it.
I see golf enthusiasts who’ve been coming for decades - and Founding Members passing on their membership to their kids to continue the tradition.
I see memories, tournaments, special events, and friendships forged that last a lifetime.
I see myself encouraging people to chase their dreams and create things that make people happy and the world a better place - because with persistence and passion, those dreams can come true.
If Tractor Fields becomes part of people’s lives and fond memories—not just their schedules—then we’ve succeeded.
Q: Final question. What does Tractor Fields mean to you personally?
Unterreiner:
It’s a tribute to my parents & ancestors, to farmers, and to those who truly love the game - and spirit - of golf.
This land had been cared for generations by farmers. Now it’s our turn.
Final Thoughts: A Different Kind of Fairway
In an era of rapid development and cost prohibitive green fees, Tractor Fields is choosing a different path. One rooted in land, history, and respect for the game while keeping it accessible to everyone.
It isn’t trying to be just another course that people only dream of playing.
It’s trying to be the one that people remember the most and one that they can play often.
And if Kevin Unterreiner has his way, it will be.