Deer Run Golf Course Flooded as DNR Plans Dredging Project

The proposed dredging aims to improve river flow and provide relief for the frequently flooded course.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:23pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones, with a flooded golf course barely visible in the distance, its structures and features dwarfed by the expansive, swirling waters that dominate the scene.A serene yet melancholic landscape painting depicts a flooded golf course, its features overwhelmed by the sublime power of nature.Green Bay Today

Deer Run Golf Course in Brillion, Wisconsin has struggled with severe flooding for years, with the owner having to install a pump to try to move water off the green. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Ducks Unlimited plan to begin a dredging project this spring to address the ongoing water issues, removing excess cattail mats and sediment to improve the flow within the river and surrounding marsh.

Why it matters

The flooding has significantly impacted the golf course's business and frustrated golfers, with the owner even experiencing flooding at his home on the first hole. Improving the river's flow could help reduce how often and how severely communities like Brillion experience flooding.

The details

The proposed dredging project involves an area about 1,000 feet in length, 15 to 20 feet deep, and roughly four feet wide. The DNR says this project aims to remove the excess cattail mats and sediment in portions of the channel and improve flow within the river and the surrounding marsh.

  • The DNR and Ducks Unlimited plan to begin the dredging project this spring.
  • The golf course owner recently had to turn away many golfers due to the ongoing flooding issues.

The players

Deer Run Golf Course

A golf course in Brillion, Wisconsin that has struggled with severe flooding for years.

Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

A state agency that plans to undertake a dredging project to address the flooding issues at Deer Run Golf Course.

Ducks Unlimited

A conservation organization partnering with the DNR on the dredging project.

Kaphingst

The owner of Deer Run Golf Course, who has had to install a pump to try to move water off the green and has experienced flooding at his home on the first hole.

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What they’re saying

“We had a pump but the pump broke down so we are waiting for the next one to come in so we can pump that water out, and we don't know how long that'll be.”

— Kaphingst, Owner, Deer Run Golf Course

“Even last week, we have had to turn so many people down, we've had calls, we've had people coming in and they're a little upset, they wanna get out there.”

— Kaphingst, Owner, Deer Run Golf Course

“I live right on the first hole over here and I get plenty of water myself so .. I feel the pain.”

— Kaphingst, Owner, Deer Run Golf Course

What’s next

The DNR and Ducks Unlimited plan to begin the dredging project this spring to address the ongoing flooding issues at Deer Run Golf Course.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges that businesses and communities can face due to severe flooding, and the importance of proactive measures like dredging projects to improve water flow and provide relief. The Deer Run Golf Course story illustrates how flooding can significantly impact local businesses and frustrate customers, underscoring the need for effective solutions to address these issues.