A New Era for Burl Oaks, Jay Blasi Renovation and New branding – Crooked Water Golf Club

MINNETRISTA, Minn. (March 23, 2026):  A new vision—and a new name and brand. 

It’s not often that a private club has the opportunity to do a full refresh, but that is exactly what is happening at Burl Oaks Golf Club who today announced a name change to Crooked Water Golf Club, embracing the club’s roots In Minnetrista, Minnesota. The rebranding highlights the club’s revitalization, which includes a redesigned full-length golf course and new 9-hole short course created by celebrated golf architect Jay Blasi, and a new name and icon was developed by renowned visual artist Lee Wybranski, known for his work around golf major championships. Crooked Water represents the club’s commitment to reinvention as it enters a new phase.

“Excitement is building as our club enters a new chapter,” says Steve David, newly installed PGA General Manager / Director of Golf. “Jay Blasi is elevating the golf experience with a modern redesign and the addition of a short course. Complementing this transformation, Lee Wybranski has introduced a new identity, grounded in local heritage and brought to life through a bold and timeless logo.”

Jay Blasi, noted for his work at Chambers Bay (home of the 2015 US Open), Poppy Ridge, SentryWorld, Santa Ana Country Club, and new construction on the Patriot Golf Club, among others, sought to transform the course at Burl Oaks with a breathtaking renovation that includes utilizing 20 acres of previously unused land, tree removal, fairway expansions, and reconceiving all 18 greens. In addition, the club is adding a 9-hole short course, as well as a revitalized and reimagined practice facility. Work on the golf course is currently moving towards completion this year, with a full opening in 2027.

“When it is completed, the course will be completely reworked—no one will recognize it from what was previously there,” says Blasi. “With that in mind, it is fitting to reinvent the brand to reflect the dramatic changes. The work Lee and his team have done to bring the brand of Crooked Water Golf Club to life is really exciting and fully on point with the alterations made to the course.”

Lee Wybranski Art & Design are the premier brand designers in golf, having helped over 100 clubs with their logos and branding over the last 25 years. Their studio has also been designing the official U.S. Open Championship logo since 2004 and has also created the official logos for all 15 USGA championships, as well as several PGA Championships.

“The course renovation by Jay Blasi marks an important chapter in our club’s 55-year history,” says club President Dave Link.  “The continued strength of our membership, together with the recent appointment of Steve David as General Manager, positions Crooked Water for a promising future. When complete, we are confident the golf course will compete with some of the best in this market. These advancements create a strong foundation for delivering the private club experience our members are looking for today and into the future.”

In conceiving the new brand for the club, Wybranski tapped into the indigenous history of the Dakota culture. The club is located in Minnetrista—which translates from the Dakota language to “Crooked Water,” providing the perfect inspiration for the club’s new name.The Kingfisher, as a revered symbol to the Dakota culture and native to the area, became the natural choice to represent the club as its logo. 

Club president Dave Link said: “The course renovation by Jay Blasi marks an important chapter in our club’s 55-year history. When complete, we are confident the golf course will compete with some of the best in this market. These advancements create a strong foundation for delivering the private club experience our members are looking for today and into the future.”

Renovation work is expected to be complete later this year with a full reopening in 2027.

“Crooked Water accomplishes a few things at once,” says Wybranski. “First, water reflects life and change, and the club is certainly going through a period of renewal. At the same time, we are able to connect to the history of the region and the longstanding connection to the land. Finally, ‘Crooked Water’ is a descriptive name which gave clear and direct inspiration for the club’s distinctive new brand.”

Source: Linksnation.com