LOWVILLE – On a quiet 35-acre property in south-central Wisconsin, something extraordinary is taking shape: Legacy Three Golf, a par-3 experience built around family, nature and passion – not scorecards.
After weeks of conversations with Jason Manke about his vision, it became clear that Legacy Three is something best experienced in person. So, on a hot, humid day in late July, I stopped by on my way back from working at the 3M Open in Minneapolis to visit Jason and his wife Kyra.
Despite returning recently from a trip to Scotland where they played The Old Course at St. Andrews, they took time to welcome me. Kyra brewed a pitcher of herbal tea from her garden as we settled into the clubhouse, surrounded by plaques and golf mementos from Jason’s career.
The story of Legacy Three begins long before Jason and Kyra dreamed of building anything. In 1994, Kyra’s grandparents, Russell and Rosemary Nelson, acquired this 35-acre haven in the town of Lowville, naming it Century Oaks due to its collection of 200 old burr oak trees. At the time, the property was largely an oak savanna and Russell, an avid golfer, immediately saw the beauty in the place. He often said the land was “so stunning that it should be a golf course.” He kept a small range on the property for hitting balls with the grandkids. When the land was more open, he often tried to carry shots over the pond — ironically, the very area where Legacy Three now sits. Jason and Kyra still unearth some of those golf balls as they expand.
When Kyra purchased Century Oaks, she felt a strong connection to the land and carried with her memories of hitting range balls with her grandfather. Jason brought his own deep connection to golf – introduced to the game by his father, David, at age 3, spending Sundays glued to the television talking about the sport they both loved.
The project began modestly in 2023 with a simple idea: build one hole on the property. Jason had a flat and straightforward design in mind, but after a trip to Giants Ridge in Minnesota, Kyra challenged him: “You’re not dreaming big enough.”
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Jason and Kyra Manke pose on the one current green at their Legacy Three Golf par-3 course in Rio, Wis.
Jason and Kyra Manke pose on the one current green at their Legacy Three Golf par-3 course in Rio, Wis.
That phrase echoed again and again as their vision expanded. So together, they dreamed bigger. Construction began on a steamy July 4th weekend two years ago. Jason and his father-in-law, Keith Popp, cleared more than a dozen trees and 1,000 boulders before shaping could even begin — a testament to both the challenge and their dedication. Both Jason and Kyra hold fulltime jobs, so construction moves slowly, taking place in the evenings and on weekends.
“The early dream was to make this just for us. At first, you don’t know if a crazy idea like this will ever amount to anything. After a while, we just knew other people would enjoy this, too” Jason explains. “Some of my favorite moments have been teaching golf to the Special Olympics or watching someone have instant joy over learning a new skill, and that inspired us to share this with others to enjoy when we’re able.”
Their goal became creating a lasting legacy, turning Russell’s dream into reality across generations. “The ‘Three’ is an ode to generations: those who introduced us to golf – the present – and the future golfers we hope to inspire. It also represents the number of greens, and the par,” Jason adds.
Jason has a decorated background in the golf industry. He’s a certified PGA Professional in instruction and two-time Wisconsin Teacher of the Year. His coaching career has spanned decades, working with beginners, high-level juniors and competitive players. He’s had the privilege of working at TPC Sawgrass and courses across Wisconsin, including Koshkonong Mounds, Watertown CC, Chenequa CC, The Oaks GC, Trappers Turn and Sand Valley, as well as the Golf Foundation of Wisconsin.
As a player, he won the WSGA Par 3 Championship in 2020. “Ironic, or maybe a harbinger, that I would go on to build a par-3 course,” he quipped.
Though Jason had never worked on a grounds crew, he now leads both design and construction. He’s learned a lot from “YouTube, industry articles, and advice from Jordan Mock, the superintendent at Trappers Turn, who has been very generous with his guidance.” he says. “The first green and cup I ever cut was on my own property.”
The most rewarding aspect so far has been witnessing people engaging with the space. “I’ve teared up a couple of times,” he says, recalling recent private events and when a couple pals have offered a lending hand.
Currently, one green is finished with four tees. The second green, inspired by Augusta National’s 12th hole, is under construction with Jason hoping to seed it this fall. Kyra will design the third hole herself, completing a loop and allowing for a par-4 option.
When complete, Legacy Three will feature three greens and 11 tee boxes, allowing players to experience the course differently on each loop, complete with multiple cup options. Additionally, Russ’ short driving range has been revamped and is available for full-swing lessons.
We chatted a bit before Jason took me out on a golf cart to tour the property. We started at the completed first hole, its green meticulously maintained, and explored the different tee boxes. As we ventured into areas still in progress, my eyes saw dense forest and tall grasses, but Jason’s words painted the vision.
“It’s a golf experience, not a golf course,” he explains. The holes blend into walking trails that wind through native vegetation, a tea garden (fittingly located on a tee box), and flower gardens maintained by Kyra. Her cut Flower Patch hosts hands-on events.
“Being able to walk and be outside in nature is grounding,” Kyra adds.
“I offer events where people can build their own bouquets, and I also sell seeds for others to create their own beautiful spaces at home” Kyra says. “Our herbal garden offers a place to relax and enjoy infusions we make from what we grow. The garden is also used to create botanical products: bug spray, lip balm and bitters made from our garden.”
Eventually, grazing animals such as sheep may be introduced to help maintain the property.
“And if you chip and putt a little while you’re here, then so be it,” Jason says. “We care more about preserving and sharing the land’s natural beauty than making a dollar. Golf is a natural bonus to what we hope to accomplish long-term.”
“There was never a business plan,” Jason admits. “It’s really a special place we are fortunate to love, and hope that we inspire others, both in golf and for caring for nature and its creatures. Each year for decades a family of sandhill cranes have raised their offspring and call Century Oaks their home. This inspired our crane logo, with their natural loyalty and fun, it felt fitting for Legacy Three Golf.”
The project is a family endeavor. Kyra’s parents live nearby and help maintain the property, particularly with the extensive mowing and maintenance required. “They’re also very connected to the property and often come in the evenings and weekends to help,” Jason notes.
For their five children, the project serves as both education and inspiration in the power of dreaming big. “What’s really cool is that it’s teaching the kids something,” Kyra says, “about having a passion, being dedicated to it and seeing it take shape.”
“So many people love golf and really appreciate what we’re doing. Building a par-3 course is not for everyone; nor is planting hundreds of seeds each year; however, we hope that what we are doing inspires others to follow their dreams.”
In essence, she’s inspiring them to also dream bigger.
The Mankes hope to finish construction in the next two summers, balancing family and work commitments with their expanding vision.
Legacy Three operates as a daily and yearly membership-only facility and learning center with a reservation system ensuring exclusive visits. The project is designed for all golfers but with a special focus.
“It’s generally for less-experienced players, but really anyone that wants to create memories with those they care about,” Jason says.
The approach is intentional – welcoming people who may be too intimidated to play traditional golf, or worry about pace of play. “You can spend time here in complete seclusion at your own pace. We want couples and families to enjoy uninterrupted time together,” he says.
Visitors will move through rolling greens, multiple tee boxes and trails in curated two-hour blocks. With tees as long as 160 yards over water, to a short 55-yard hole, you’re able to make it as challenging or fun as you’d like.
As noted on their scorecard: “This course is a tribute to the past (David, Russell and Rosemary’s legacy), the present (the crafting of this course) and the future (of memories yet to be made).”
“Our wish is that Century Oaks will have a story to tell generations from now that is much better than what we’ve envisioned. I think we’re only beginning to uncover what they’ll write about in the next chapter of the property,” Jason reflects.
When Kyra’s grandmother challenged her with the question, “What would you do with this place?” — and with her grandfather’s dream that the land should be preserved — her response to “dream bigger” has transformed it into something far more ambitious. It incorporates his initial dream into a place where golf is secondary to connection, where making memories matters more than making birdies, and where the next generation learns that any dream, no matter how modest it starts, can grow into something extraordinary.
In a world where golf can feel exclusive and intimidating, Legacy Three proves that the most meaningful experiences come not from playing it safe, but from daring to dream bigger. With every green, tee box and flower, the Mankes are quietly redefining what it means to share not just the game, but the land itself.
Reaching Out and Following Along
The Mankes are sincere about hosting families, special needs groups, along with high school teams looking for a break from their regular practice schedules. You can contact them at legacythreegolf@gmail.com or follow their story on Instagram at @legacythreegolf.