Whistling Straits — Straits Course Golf Course

— About

About Whistling Straits — Straits Course Golf Course

Whistling Straits — Straits Course is Pete Dye's most ambitious creation, built on a former Army base along Lake Michigan's western shore and designed to evoke the wild, windswept links of Ireland's western coast. Dye moved an extraordinary amount of earth to sculpt massive dunes, pot bunkers, and tumbling fairways from flat farmland, creating a visual drama that is equal parts man-made and genuinely elemental. The course stretches to nearly 7,800 yards from the championship tees, hugging the Lake Michigan shoreline for much of its length and delivering relentless oceanic-style conditions — wind, rain, and fast-running turf — in the middle of Wisconsin. Whistling Straits hosted the PGA Championship in 2004, 2010, and 2015, and served as the 2021 Ryder Cup venue where the United States team produced a record-breaking 19-9 victory over Europe. The 18th hole, with its massive dune-framed approach to a green right on the water's edge, has produced some of the most memorable moments in recent major championship history — including Dustin Johnson's inadvertent grounding of his club in a sand bunker in 2010. Walking with a caddie is the recommended way to experience the property.

— History

History of Whistling Straits — Straits Course

Herb Kohler of the Kohler Company purchased a former Army base along Lake Michigan's western shore in the 1990s and commissioned Pete Dye to design something that would evoke the wild links of Ireland's Atlantic coast. Dye moved millions of cubic yards of earth to create the dune formations that frame the course, a construction project of extraordinary scale. Whistling Straits opened in 1998 and hosted its first PGA Championship in 2004, with Vijay Singh winning — followed by another in 2010 (Martin Kaymer in a playoff after Dustin Johnson's inadvertent bunker grounding) and 2015 (Jason Day). The 2021 Ryder Cup produced a record-setting 19-9 American victory here.

— Signature Holes

Signature Holes at Whistling Straits — Straits Course

The par-4 18th is Whistling Straits' signature moment — the approach plays to a green right at the water's edge with Lake Michigan as the backdrop, and the amphitheatre formed by the massive dunes makes it one of the most dramatic finishing holes in major championship golf. The par-3 17th, requiring a shot across a natural hollow to a green perched above the lake, is the tension-building hole that sets up the dramatic 18th. The par-5 11th, known as 'Pete's Dune,' incorporates over 1,000 pot bunkers that lurk throughout the hole.

— Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit Whistling Straits — Straits Course

June through September provides the most comfortable conditions on Wisconsin's Lake Michigan shoreline, with temperatures typically in the 65–75°F range. Wind off the lake is a constant feature and can dramatically affect club selection — factor this into your game plan. The resort is busy during summer and advance booking is essential; spring and early autumn offer slightly more availability.

— Practical Tips

Tips for Playing Whistling Straits — Straits Course

Whistling Straits is a resort facility at the American Club in Kohler — tee times are available to resort guests and visitors through the Kohler Resort reservation system. Green fees range from USD 115 to 350. Caddies are available and recommended given the complexity of the pot bunker layout. Walking is the default but carts are available. The resort's hotel accommodation (the American Club) is one of the finest in the Midwest.

— Highlights

Why Play Whistling Straits — Straits Course

• ▸ Pete Dye's most ambitious design — built on former Army land to resemble Irish clifftop links
• ▸ Host of three PGA Championships (2004, 2010, 2015) and the 2021 Ryder Cup
• ▸ Over 1,000 pot bunkers including the infamous trap on the 18th that cost Dustin Johnson a title
• ▸ 7,790-yard championship layout hugging Lake Michigan — oceanic conditions in the heart of the Midwest
• ▸ 2021 Ryder Cup: USA won 19-9 at this venue in a record-breaking home performance

— FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Whistling Straits — Straits Course

How much does it cost to play Whistling Straits?

Green fees range from USD 115 to 350 depending on season and tee time. The resort offers package rates for guests staying at the American Club hotel.

Can visitors play Whistling Straits without staying at the resort?

Yes — day visitor tee times are available, though resort guests receive booking priority and the most desirable tee times fill quickly.

What is the famous hole at Whistling Straits?

The par-4 18th, with its approach to a lakeside green backed by a dune amphitheatre, is the signature hole — and the site of Dustin Johnson's infamous bunker penalty at the 2010 PGA Championship.

How many PGA Championships has Whistling Straits hosted?

Three PGA Championships — 2004 (Vijay Singh), 2010 (Martin Kaymer), and 2015 (Jason Day) — plus the 2021 Ryder Cup, won 19-9 by the United States.