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Whistling Straits Kohler

Whistling Straits

Whistling Straits, nestled along the western shore of Lake Michigan in Kohler, Wisconsin, is a striking example of nature’s artistry intertwined with human ambition. This rugged stretch of coastline, marked by towering sand dunes and craggy ridges, has been shaped over millennia by relentless winds and shifting sands.

The land’s dramatic landscape was once inhabited by Native American tribes, who understood the area’s natural significance long before it was transformed into a world-class golf destination. In the 20th century, the vision of industrialist Herbert Kohler brought a new purpose to this historical land.

Inspired by the traditional links courses of Scotland, Kohler commissioned the renowned golf architect Pete Dye to design a course that would blend seamlessly with the area’s wild, windswept beauty. Opened in 1998, Whistling Straits quickly gained acclaim for its challenging layout and stunning vistas, hosting major tournaments such as the PGA Championship.

Today, the course highlights Pete Dye’s design while also reflecting the area’s rich history. Golfers can enjoy a unique experience that blends the legacy of the land with the natural sounds of wind through the dunes and waves crashing against the shore.

Course Overview

Whistling Straits fairway

Straits Course

The Straits Course is celebrated for its striking resemblance to the links courses of Scotland, featuring dramatic elevation changes, rugged bunkers, and panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Opened in 1998, the Straits Course quickly gained acclaim for its challenging layout and stunning natural beauty.

Key Features

  • Designers: Pete and Alice Dye
  • Par 72 / 7,201 yards
  • Signature Hole: Par-3 17th “Pinched Nerve”
  • Slope 152 / Rating 77.2
  • Host of the PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, & the U.S Senior Open
The American Club at Kohler Resort

Irish Course

Opened in 2000, the Irish Course presents a more traditional parkland style compared to the links-inspired Straits Course. The Irish Course features lush, rolling fairways and well-manicured greens, a design more forgiving than the Straits.

Key Features

  • Designers: Pete Dye
  • Par 72 / 7,790 yards
  • Signature Hole: Par-3 6th “Mulligan’s Watch”
  • Slope 146 / Rating 75.6
  • Hosted the 2005 Palmer Cup

Whistling Straits Tour Packages

Kohler Resort Package

 4 rounds of golf, 3 nights accommodation
Double Room
Golf at The Straits & Irish at Whistling Straits and River & Meadow Valleys at Blackwolf Run
Complimentary round at short course The Bath’s included
Cart fees, caddie fees (both walking & forecaddie)

Price from $1,784 per person

Based on 2 golfers sharing a double/twin room
Off peak season (October)
All taxes and fees included

Wisconsin Triangle Tour Package

7 nights accommodation based on twin/double share
6 rounds of golf
Self Drive Automatic Rental Car or Transfers for groups
Sightseeing and restaurant recommendations
All taxes and fees included

Prices coming soon for 2025

Kohler Facilities

The Whistling Straits Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It offers a mixture of classic midwestern dishes with a touch of British influence. The Irish Pub is located upstairs and presents the classic fish n’ chips paired with a pint of a selection of fine Scotch.

The Golf Shop at Whistling Straits was awarded the 2024 Platinum Award from the Association of Golf Merchandisers, make sure to check it out!

Enhance your skills with personalized coaching and specialized golf programs at Kohler Golf Academy, the sole golf academy in the Midwest honored with Golf Digest’s Editors’ Choice Best in Golf Award.

The Kohler Resort offers the Kohler Swing Studio, an indoor bar and restaurant with large simulators and a variety of games to play. When booking a golf package, you are given a complimentary hour at the Kohler Swing Studio.

Best Time of Year to Play

The best time to play golf at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin is between May and September when the weather is most pleasant. However, playing in early spring or late fall during non-peak seasons can save you money.

Whistling Straits Hole 12

Connor Vogel’s Favorite Hole

No 12 (Par 3) – “Pop Up”

 A very good example of the old saying “short doesn’t mean easy”. This par 3 plays downhill to a very large, undulating green. The hole can play up to a 50 yard difference depending on the pin location. You must be very precise with your yardages as the green is quite narrow.

Any shot that lands in the middle can reject long into very deep bunkers. If you miss the green short and right, the green drops off 40 feet into high grass dunes and Lake Michigan. Once on the green, the challenge isn’t over. It will be a tough 2-putt to make your par.

Inn on Woodlake

Best Accommodation Nearby

Inn on Woodlake

While the 5-star American Club is surely tough to beat, the multi-bedroom suites that are offered at Kohler’s second hotel, The Inn on Woodlake, are a tremendous option for groups looking to all stay together.

They have both 2-Bedroom and 4-Bedroom suites with zip and link beds, that can be either one king bed or two twin beds in each bedroom. This also allows some flexibility for groups that have guests who want their own room and others who want to share a room.

Proximity to Airport and Major Transport Links

Kohler is conveniently accessible by car and is near several airports. If you’re flying in, the resort is located one hour north of Milwaukee (MKE), one hour south of Green Bay (GRB), and two hours north of Chicago (ORD).

Premier Golf can arrange airport transfers and assist with all aspects of your trip, including tee times and accommodations. With over thirty years of experience in delivering luxury golf vacations, we pride ourselves on offering five-star service consistently.

Whistling Straits
“The Straits course at Whistling Straits is absolutely breathtaking, hands down the best course I have played. To be able to play on a course where a Ryder Cup was held was truly remarkable. Our caddies at the Straits Course made us feel like pros for a day (even though we didn’t play like one!).”
Frankie S.

Related Tours

Explore all that Wisconsin has to offer with our exclusive packages.

Sand Valley Package

$3,188 per person

4 Night Trip – Summer 2024
3 Nights at a private lake-home
1 Night at Sand Valley Golf Resort

5 rounds of Golf:
The Lido
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Sand Valley
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SentryWorld Package

$685 per person

2 rounds of golf, 2 nights accommodation
All-Inclusive Golf, all food and beverage are included during play
Caddies are included on request (Note: availability is limited)

Stay at The Inn at SentryWorld
Golf View King Terrace
Sightseeing and restaurant recommendations

Geneva National Package

$1,519 per person

Private Room at The Cottages
6 rounds of golf
3 nights accommodation
Double Queen Room

Two rounds of golf at the Arnold Palmer Course, Gary Player Course & Lee Trevino Course
Sightseeing and restaurant recommendations

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