Harper Lin
Whistling Straits is a 36-hole golf course in Kohler, Wisconsin. It is situated along a two-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline and features rugged terrain, rolling greens, and windswept links-style holes. The course is divided into two sections: the Straits Course and the Irish Course, both of which offer unique challenges and have hosted major golf tournaments, including the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup. The resort is open to the public, but prior booking is necessary due to high demand.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Kohler, Wisconsin |
| Resort | Destination Kohler |
| Resort Owner | Kohler Company |
| Resort Type | Luxury golf resort |
| Number of Courses | 2 |
| Course Names | The Straits Course, The Irish Course |
| Course Designer | Pete Dye |
| Course Length | 7,790 yards (7,123 m) |
| Par | 72 |
| Hosted Events | 2004 PGA Championship, 2007 U.S. Senior Open, 2010 PGA Championship, 2015 PGA Championship, 2021 Ryder Cup |
| Course Features | Scottish Blackface sheep, stone bridges, elevation changes, rolling greens, bunkers, grass-topped dunes, winds |
| Course Terrain | Links-style, open, rugged, windswept |
| Course Surroundings | Lake Michigan shoreline, coastal dunes, Seven Mile Creek |
| Course Access | Walking-only, caddie required, open to the public with prior booking |
| Accommodations | The American Club, Inn on Woodlake |
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$11.94 $29
What You'll Learn
Whistling Straits is in Kohler, Wisconsin
Whistling Straits is a 36-hole golf course in Kohler, Wisconsin. It is a luxury golf resort owned and operated by the Kohler Company. The course is located in the Town of Mosel in Sheboygan County, in the unincorporated community of Haven, north of Sheboygan. It is open to the public, but due to high demand, prior booking is required.
The course is situated along a two-mile stretch of rugged Lake Michigan shoreline, featuring eight holes that hug the lake, Scottish Blackface sheep, three stone bridges, and elevation changes of around 80 feet. It offers a challenging and captivating landscape with rolling greens, deep pot bunkers, grass-topped dunes, and winds sweeping in from the lake. The course is known for its links-style layout, with few large trees or woods, making it open and exposed to the elements.
Whistling Straits consists of two courses: the Straits Course and the Irish Course. The Straits Course, the flagship course, stretches 7,790 yards with a par of 72. It has hosted several major golf tournaments, including the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup. The Irish Course, on the other hand, is an inland grass-and-dune layout with 7,201 yards of golf from the longest tees and a par of 72.
The golf course at Whistling Straits was designed by Pete Dye, who transformed a flat, abandoned army air base into a dynamic and prestigious golf destination. The course is known for its rugged fairways and windswept greens, featuring over 1,000 bunkers. Dye's design aimed to replicate the raw freshness of Ireland, creating a unique golfing experience that attracts golfers from around the world.
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The golf course is sculpted along Lake Michigan's shoreline
Whistling Straits is a 36-hole links-style golf course in Kohler, Wisconsin. The course is nestled along a two-mile stretch of Lake Michigan's shoreline, offering breathtaking views of the lake and its rugged, windswept terrain. The Straits Course, in particular, has gained international acclaim for its challenging layout and is often favoured by both professionals and amateurs.
The golf course is sculpted along the western shore of Lake Michigan in the unincorporated community of Haven, within the Town of Mosel in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. It is separated into two courses, the Straits Course and the Irish Course, with the former being the flagship course. The Straits Course replicates the ancient seaside links courses of the United Kingdom and Ireland, featuring over 1,000 bunkers and a rugged landscape that evokes the feel of a traditional Irish links course.
The course was designed by Pete and Alice Dye and opened for play in 1998. It is a challenging course with a length of 7,790 yards and a par of 72. The elevation changes of approximately 80 feet, vast rolling greens, deep pot bunkers, and grass-topped dunes further enhance the difficulty of the course. The winds sweeping in off the lake also add to the challenge, making it a favourite among golfers seeking a demanding yet rewarding experience.
The Straits Course has hosted several major championships, including the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup. It has witnessed historic victories, such as Jason Day's first major title in 2015, when he won the PGA title with a record score of 20 under par. The course has also been the site of thrilling playoffs, such as Martin Kaymer's first Major championship, which was decided in a dramatic three-hole playoff over Bubba Watson.
Whistling Straits is more than just a golf course; it is a destination for golfers and enthusiasts seeking a premium experience. The resort offers luxurious accommodations, an award-winning golf shop, and a rustic farmhouse restaurant overlooking the 18th hole, serving American cuisine with an Irish flair. The course's rich history, challenging layout, and stunning lakeside setting make it a sought-after destination for golfers worldwide.
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The course has two parts: the Straits Course and the Irish Course
Whistling Straits is a 36-hole golf course located in Kohler, Wisconsin, and is owned and operated by the Kohler Company. The course is divided into two parts: the Straits Course and the Irish Course. Both courses were designed by Pete and Alice Dye.
The Straits Course is the flagship course at Whistling Straits. As of 2012, it had a length of 7,790 yards (7,123 metres) and a par of 72. It hosted the PGA Championship in 2004, 2010, and 2015, as well as the 2007 U.S. Senior Open and the 2021 Ryder Cup. The course is a links-style design that replicates the ancient seaside links courses of the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is nestled along a two-mile (3 km) stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline, with eight holes hugging the lake. The course features vast rolling greens, deep pot bunkers, grass-topped dunes, and elevation changes of approximately 80 feet (24 metres). The winds sweeping in from the lake add a challenging element to the course.
The Irish Course is the second course at Whistling Straits and is an inland grass-and-dune layout. It is also a par-72 course, featuring 7,201 yards (6,585 metres) of golf from the longest tees. The course has a rating of 75.6 and a slope rating of 146. Designed by Pete Dye, the Irish Course opened for play in 2000. While it does not have the same water views as the Straits Course, it offers stunning views of high sandy dunes and is considered a more forgiving course. The front of the greens on the Irish Course is typically open, allowing for a low run-up shot approach.
Both courses at Whistling Straits provide a unique and challenging golfing experience. The Straits Course, with its links to ancient seaside courses, offers a dynamic contrast to the Irish Course, which emulates the raw freshness of Ireland. Golfers can enjoy the beauty and prestige of these world-class courses while being immersed in the captivating landscape of Wisconsin's coastline.
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It is a links-style course with rugged terrain
Whistling Straits is a 36-hole links-style golf course in Kohler, Wisconsin. It is nestled along a two-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline and features eight holes that hug the lake, Scottish Blackface sheep, three stone bridges, and elevation changes of around 80 feet. The rugged terrain of Whistling Straits is characterised by vast rolling greens, deep pot bunkers, grass-topped dunes, and winds sweeping in off the lake.
Being a coastal links-style course, Whistling Straits has few large trees or woods, leaving it open and exposed to the wind and elements. Links courses are typically built on sandy coastlands, which offer a firmer playing surface than parkland or heathland courses. The word "links" comes from the Old English word "hlinc", meaning "rising ground" or "ridge", and refers to an area of coastal sand dunes or open parkland.
The hard surface of links-style courses allows balls to run out further after landing on the fairway. Players often aim for a spot short of the green, letting the ball roll onto it instead of landing directly on the green as they would on softer turf. Links courses tend to be near a coast, with dunes and few water hazards and trees. This reflects the scenery where golf originated and the limited resources available to course architects in the past.
The rugged terrain of Whistling Straits is a result of its location on the Wisconsin coastline. The course is a combination of links and target golf, providing a captivating and challenging landscape for golfers. The natural hazards of the coast, such as bunkers to prevent sand from blowing away, and the rolling terrain of the holes create a unique and varied playing experience. The sand-based terrain also drains rainwater well, ensuring the course is rarely unplayable due to weather conditions and requiring minimal maintenance.
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Whistling Straits is open to the public but requires prior booking
Whistling Straits is a 36-hole golf course located in Kohler, Wisconsin, along a two-mile stretch of Lake Michigan's shoreline. The course is divided into two 18-hole courses, the Straits Course and the Irish Course, both of which are open to the public. The Straits Course is a links-style course with eight holes bordering the lake, elevation changes of about 80 feet, rolling greens, deep pot bunkers, grass-topped dunes, and winds sweeping in from the lake. The Irish Course is an inland grass-and-dune layout with a par of 72 and a length of 7,201 yards.
While Whistling Straits is open to the public, it is essential to note that prior booking is necessary. The course is highly popular and tends to fill up quickly during peak seasons. Visitors are advised to reserve tee times in advance to secure their preferred days and times. Booking can be done online or by calling the reservation team. Additionally, Whistling Straits enforces a strict dress code, requiring proper golf attire, such as collared shirts, golf slacks, or tailored shorts.
Whistling Straits offers a range of amenities and activities beyond golfing. Visitors can explore the breathtaking scenery of Lake Michigan, stroll along the lakeshore, enjoy picnics, or engage in wildlife spotting. The area is known for its diverse bird species and other animals. Dining options include the clubhouse restaurant, serving meals prepared with local ingredients, and the rustic farmhouse restaurant overlooking the 18th hole, offering American cuisine with an Irish twist.
For those interested in improving their golf skills, Whistling Straits provides golf clinics and private lessons with professionals. The course also features a state-of-the-art locker room and a driving range for practice. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions, such as the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, which showcases local art and cultural events. Shopping outlets and boutiques for golf gear and local crafts are also available in the surrounding area.
Whistling Straits has hosted several prestigious golf tournaments, including the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup. It has been praised for its challenging layout and stunning views, offering an unforgettable experience for golf enthusiasts. The course's major championship pedigree and impressive design make it a must-visit destination for golfers worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Whistling Straights Golf is in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Whistling Straights Golf is a 36-hole links-style golf course associated with the luxury golf resort Destination Kohler, owned and operated by the Kohler Company.
The two courses at Whistling Straights Golf are the Straits Course and the Irish Course.
Yes, Whistling Straights Golf Course is open to the public, but due to high demand, prior booking is required.
