Welcome to the Whistling Straits Tour, a blog series where we’ll offer you a behind-the-scenes look at what keeps our world-class golf course in championship condition. This week, we’re talking about our new winch system and how it helps us maintain the natural topography of our course.
Our goal is to provide an environment that feels like a walk through nature. We want you to feel like you’re playing on a natural links course. One of the best ways to do that is to keep pushing the boundaries of modern turf technology, and that means putting the latest equipment to work for us.
The newly developed winch system replaces our previous grading methods, allowing us to better sculpt fairways and greenside areas. The winch system allows us to reduce maintenance on steep slopes while preserving the natural topography of the land.
By working more efficiently, we can take better care of our turf and protect it from unnecessary wear and tear.
The Whistling Straits® Tour: The Straits Course
With the PGA Championship approaching, we thought it would be fun to take a look at the Straits course and give you an idea of what to expect. For many of you, this will be your first time here so we want to make sure that you get the most out of your trip.
The most renowned golf holes in the world are found right here in Kohler, Wisconsin. Watch as we uncover the beauty, challenge and history behind each hole on the Straits course.
1st Hole: Par 4 – 495 yards (Stroke 1)
The opening hole at Whistling Straits® is a long par-4 measuring 495 yards from the back tees. This is a true three shot hole for all but the longest hitters in the field with bunkers left and right of the landing area and a steeply sloped fairway. The approach shot is uphill to a green guarded by four bunkers and a false front that can kick shots back off the green if they land short. The putting surface is fairly flat with some subtle undulations. A bogey here will not put you out of contention for the championship, but a birdie will not be easy
Whistling Straits is not just a golf course. It is a world of adventure that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The Whistling Straits experience begins with the drive to the course along two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Once on property, you will be greeted by 450 acres of rolling Irish countryside dotted with more than 1,000 pot bunkers, 50 grass bunkers, six miles of winding streams and lakes, and five miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.
Whistling Straits is an unprecedented work of art – an oceanfront canvas painted with inland seas, native grasses and windswept dunes. The result is a masterpiece unlike any other on earth – a gem that has been carefully nurtured over 10 years to become one of the most unique settings in golf.
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WELCOME TO WHISTLING STRAITS®. Challenge yourself with the awe-inspiring beauty of the Straits Course, home to the PGA Championship in 2004, 2010 and 2015. The Irish Course is a links-style course that will test your shot-making ability. Both courses have been ranked among the top 100 public courses in America by Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine. The new Kohler Waters Spa offers a full menu of luxurious treatments for body and soul, as well as an indoor lap pool, whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms. After your round or treatment enjoy a gourmet meal at one of our three restaurants: The Horse & Plow Pub, The Straits Café or Blackwolf Run Restaurant. Located just 90 minutes north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and two hours north of Chicago, Whistling Straits is open year-round for golfing pleasure. Whether you are looking for a golf vacation or a weekend getaway, Whistling Straits
Whistling Straits, on the shores of Lake Michigan, is home to two world-class courses designed by Pete Dye along with a course designed by Irish linksman and golf legend, Irish-born professional golfer, PGA Tour pro and Ryder Cup captain, Paul Azinger. Whistling Straits has hosted the 2004 and 2010 PGA Championships won by Vijay Singh and Martin Kaymer respectively, as well as the 2007 U.S. Senior Open won by Brad Bryant. The course will also host the 2015 PGA Championship and 2020 Ryder Cup.
The Straits course at Whistling Straits offers classic links golf at its finest with 2,200 bunkers throughout its 7,790 yards of spectacular play. The Irish course is more forgiving but still offers a challenge with its 6,873 yards of play spread out over rolling terrain.
Both courses have been rated among Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Courses You Can Play in America, while Golf Digest ranks The Straits
Whistling Straits, located along the shores of Lake Michigan in Haven, WI., is one of the most dramatic golf courses in the world. The course features a links-style layout and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. The course was designed by internationally acclaimed architect Pete Dye, who has designed some of the world’s most challenging courses, including TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course (home of THE PLAYERS Championship) and Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Ocean Course (site of the PGA Championship).
Whistling Straits will host its third major championship when it hosts the 2015 PGA Championship. It has been ranked among GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Courses You Can Play since 2006, including No. 3 in 2013. Check out our interactive map for a look at this incredible challenge.
This golf course is one of our favorites. It is a great place to go and we recommend it to everyone. The view is amazing and the experience is great as well. It is also a perfect place for families to visit.
We are always looking forward to our next trip here and we hope you will too.