the 5 Things You Must Do Before Your First Round at Whistling Straits


When you’re playing in a tournament as prestigious as the PGA Championship, there are a few things to keep in mind before you tee off.

Here are 5 things you must do before your first round at Whistling Straits:

1. Buy a sandwich at the golf course deli. Whistling Straits has some of the best delis on any golf course in the country. If you walk straight out of the clubhouse, you’ll find one on your left hand side. It’s got everything from Italian Sausage to Egg Salad and they’re all delicious.

2. Get fitted for your clubs at the pro shop. You don’t want to leave anything to chance when it comes to hitting the links, so make sure you’re comfortable with your clubs before teeing off. The pro shop is located right next to the deli we mentioned earlier.

3. Acquire a caddie for the duration of the tournament. Having a caddie will help make sure that your game runs smoothly, and it’ll help take care of some of those annoying details like raking sand traps and reading greens for putts. A good caddie will also provide moral support if things aren’t going your way on the links – which can be

Whistling Straits is a golf course that resides in the town of Haven, Wisconsin, along the shores of Lake Michigan. It’s also the home of The PGA Championship, a professional golf tournament.

Because this is a public course and not a country club, there are some differences in rules and etiquette you should be aware of before your first round at Whistling Straits.

Whistling Straits is a world-class golf course, and we encourage all guests to enjoy their time on the course. To make sure that your visit (and those of others) is as enjoyable as possible, we ask that you please be mindful of proper etiquette and dress code.

The following guidelines should help you get ready for your first round at Whistling Straits:

1. Make a Reservation

Our courses are the most popular destinations in the area and tee times fill up quickly. Be sure to call our Pro Shop at (920) 526-3885 at least three days in advance to book your reservation.

2. Check the Weather

Whistling Straits has an average temperature of about 75°F, but things can change quickly in Wisconsin. Be sure to check the forecast before heading out to the course; our Pro Shop can also help with any weather-related questions you may have.

3. Dress for Success

Both men and women are required to wear collared shirts on all Whistling Straits courses. Cargo shorts, cutoffs, tank tops and denim are prohibited in all areas of the course. No metal spikes are permitted on any courses or practice facilities at Whistling Straits or Blackwolf Run

1. Know the Rules

Watch Whistling Straits: The Ultimate Golf Experience, a short video hosted by Whistling Straits® and Blackwolf Run® owner Mr. Herbert V. Kohler, Jr. This video will give you an overview of what to expect at our courses and includes an introduction to several unique features, including the 1,012 bunkers found at Whistling Straits. Additionally, this video will explain our dress code and walking policy, as well as provide an overview of golf course etiquette.

2. Study the Scorecard

Take some time before your round to look over the scorecard for each course you play. Knowing the yardage and hazards on each hole will help you make informed decisions during your round and allow you to fully enjoy your experience at Whistling Straits® or Blackwolf Run®.

3. Wear Proper Attire

All players in a group must meet our dress code before they are allowed on either course. Please visit our dress code page for more information on what is allowed when playing at Whistling Straits® or Blackwolf Run®.

4. Walk or Rent a Cart?

You are welcome to walk either course during your round; however, golf carts are

1. Know the course’s dress code and stick to it.

Whistling Straits does not allow denim, t-shirts or tank tops in its clubhouse or on the course during any round of golf. If you are looking for a truly top-notch golf experience, it is best to be dressed as so.

2. Arrive early.

Whistling Straits is known for its challenging courses and picturesque views, but they also have an incredible clubhouse that includes a huge locker room, pro shop, and upscale restaurant. It would be a shame not to take advantage of that while you’re there. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tee time to get settled in and enjoy the facilities.

3. Leave your clubs behind – unless you’re willing to pay.

Whistling Straits provides a variety of rental clubs for all ages and sizes (right handed and left handed). They will set you up with the perfect club for your game so that you can focus on playing your best instead of worrying about hauling around heavy bags or taking care of your own equipment. If you would like to bring your own clubs, however, be prepared to pay a $65 fee per bag (including

The Whistling Straits golf course is a spectacular, beautiful course. It has been ranked as the

In the post I wrote before the last PGA Championship, I listed some of my favorite PGA championship courses. One of the courses on that list was Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin.

For those who are not golfers or have never watched a golf tournament, Whistling Straits is a beautiful course with stunning views of Lake Michigan. It’s a links-style course, which means it’s right on the water. In fact, there are some holes where you can literally hit your ball into Lake Michigan if you’re not careful.

The course has hosted three previous PGA Championships, and will host its fourth beginning this week. It’s also hosted one U.S. Senior Open (2004), one U.S. Women’s Open (2007), and one Ryder Cup (2020).

I’ve been intrigued by Whistling Straits ever since it hosted the 2007 U.S. Women’s Open, when Lorena Ochoa and Annika Sorenstam finished tied for first at 6 under par after 72 holes of regulation play, forcing a playoff that Ochoa eventually won on the third extra hole. Though Sorenstam missed an 18-inch putt to win during that playoff, she still shot under


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