If you’re a golf enthusiast, Whistling Straits should be on your bucket list. This golf resort is situated in Kohler, Wisconsin, and boasts several world-class courses that are sure to challenge your golfing skills. But How Many Golf Courses Are At Whistling Straits? This article will delve into the details.
Introduction
Whistling Straits is a premier golf resort located along the shores of Lake Michigan in Kohler, Wisconsin. The resort is home to several golf courses, including The Straits, The Irish, and The Meadow Valleys, all designed by the legendary Pete Dye. The courses are known for their challenging layout, beautiful scenery, and rich history of hosting some of the world’s most prestigious golf championships.
Overview of Whistling Straits Golf Course
Whistling Straits golf resort is owned by the Kohler Company and was opened in 1998. The resort has a total of four golf courses, with three located at Whistling Straits and one at the nearby Blackwolf Run. Whistling Straits has hosted several major golf tournaments, including the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup.
The resort’s signature course, The Straits, is a par-72 course that stretches over 7,500 yards. It features a links-style layout with wide fairways, deep bunkers, and large greens. The course was built on an abandoned airfield and features several natural hazards, including over 1,000 bunkers and the winds coming off of Lake Michigan.
The Straits Course
The Straits Course at Whistling Straits is the flagship course of the resort and has earned a reputation as one of the most challenging courses in the world. It was designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1998. The course has hosted several major golf championships, including the PGA Championship three times (2004, 2010, and 2015) and the 2020 Ryder Cup.
The Straits Course is a par-72 course that measures 7,790 yards from the back tees. The course features a links-style layout with natural grasses, dunes, and rugged sand bunkers. It offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and requires golfers to navigate several blind shots and difficult approach shots.
The Straits Course – Design
Pete Dye’s design philosophy is evident in The Straits Course’s layout. The course features a series of holes that are designed to play along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The course’s rugged terrain, dunes, and natural grasses give it a Scottish Highlands feel. The greens are large, undulating, and well-protected by bunkers. The fairways are wide, but the rough can be thick, making accuracy off the tee crucial.
The Straits Course – Championships held
The Straits Course has hosted several major golf championships, including the PGA Championship, the U.S. Senior Open, and the Ryder Cup. The 2020 Ryder Cup was originally scheduled to be held in 2020 but was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event featured some of the world’s top golfers, including Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Thomas, and was won by the United States team.
The Irish Course
The Irish Course at Whistling Straits is another Pete Dye creation and opened in 2000. The course is a tribute to the Irish links courses, featuring rolling hills, deep bunkers, and natural grasses. The course has a par of 72 and measures 7,201 yards from the back tees.
The Irish Course – Design
The Irish Course at Whistling Straits was designed to be a more forgiving course than The Straits Course. The course has wider fairways, less undulating greens, and fewer bunkers. However, the course is not without its challenges, as golfers must still navigate several blind shots and carries over wetlands.
The Irish Course – Championships held
While The Irish Course has not hosted any major golf championships, it has played host to several high-profile events, including the 2012 U.S. Women’s Open, which was won by Na Yeon Choi. The course has also been ranked among the top 100 public golf courses in the United States by Golf Digest.
The Meadow Valleys Course
The Meadow Valleys Course at Whistling Straits is the third course located at the resort. It was also designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1999. The course has a par of 72 and measures 7,242 yards from the back tees.
The Meadow Valleys Course – Design
The Meadow Valleys Course is a parkland-style course that features rolling hills, wooded areas, and several water hazards. The course is more forgiving than the other courses at Whistling Straits, with wider fairways and less undulating greens. However, the course still provides a challenge, as golfers must navigate several doglegs and approach shots to well-protected greens.
The Meadow Valleys Course – Championships held
The Meadow Valleys Course has not hosted any major golf championships but has played host to several high-profile events, including the 2012 U.S. Senior Open, which was won by Roger Chapman. The course has also been ranked among the top 100 public golf courses in the United States by Golf Digest.
Other Golf Courses at Whistling Straits
In addition to the three courses located at Whistling Straits, the resort also has two courses located at nearby Blackwolf Run. These courses are The River Course and The Baths. Both courses were designed by Pete Dye and have hosted several major golf championships, including the U.S. Women’s Open and the PGA Championship.
The Baths at Blackwolf Run
The Baths at Blackwolf Run is a par-72 course that measures 6,308 yards from the back tees. The course features several water hazards and natural grasses, giving it a links-style feel. The course has not hosted any major golf championships but has played host to several high-profile events.
The River Course at Blackwolf Run
The River Course at Blackwolf Run is a par-72 course that measures 7,404 yards from the back tees. The course is located along the banks of the Sheboygan River and features several water hazards and well-protected greens. The course has hosted several major golf championships, including the U.S. Women’s Open and the PGA Championship.
Conclusion
Whistling Straits is a premier golf resort that boasts several world-class courses. The resort’s signature course, The Straits, is a challenging layout that has hosted several major golf championships, including the Ryder Cup. The resort’s other courses, The Irish and The Meadow Valleys, offer golfers a more forgiving experience while still providing a challenge. Additionally, the resort’s courses at Blackwolf Run offer even more opportunities for golfers to test their skills. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, Whistling Straits has something for everyone.
Golf Packages at Whistling Straits
Whistling Straits offers several golf packages that cater to golfers of all skill levels. The packages include accommodations at the resort and rounds of golf on the various courses. Some of the packages also include meals, spa services, and other amenities. The packages are designed to offer guests a complete golf experience and are available year-round.
Overview of Golf Packages
Whistling Straits offers several golf packages, including the Championship Experience, which includes rounds of golf on all three courses at the resort, accommodations, and other amenities. The resort also offers packages that cater to couples, families, and groups. The packages range in price and are available year-round.
Benefits of Golf Packages
The golf packages at Whistling Straits offer several benefits to guests, including convenience, cost savings, and a complete golf experience. Guests who book a golf package have access to all of the resort’s courses and amenities, making it easy to plan a golf vacation. The packages also offer cost savings, as they typically include discounted rates on accommodations and rounds of golf. Additionally, the packages provide guests with a complete golf experience, including access to practice facilities, golf carts, and other amenities.
Pricing of Golf Packages
The pricing of golf packages at Whistling Straits varies depending on the package and time of year. The Championship Experience package starts at $1,100 per person and includes three rounds of golf, accommodations, and other amenities. Other packages range in price from $500 to $2,000 per person and include different combinations of golf and amenities.
Conclusion
Whistling Straits is a premier golf resort that offers several world-class courses, including The Straits, The Irish, and The Meadow Valleys. The resort also has two courses located at nearby Blackwolf Run. Whistling Straits offers golf packages that cater to golfers of all skill levels and include accommodations, rounds of golf, and other amenities. The resort’s courses have hosted several major golf championships, including the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, Whistling Straits has something for everyone.
