The four Championship courses at the Kohler resort were designed by the distinguished golf architect Pete Dye. Having hosted 3 PGA Championships, 2 US Women’s Open Championships and a US Senior Open, The Straits course will see the teams from USA and Europe do battle in 2020 for the Ryder Cup.
I should say this with some degree of modesty. In my lifetime I’ve never seen anything like this, anyplace, period. Pete Dye
Accompanying these world class golf courses is the luxurious Kohler Waters Spa where golfers can soothe aching limbs after their round and non-golfers can enjoy the myriad of treatments on offer. Completing the relaxing experience is the rooftop deck with whirlpool, fireplace and lounge that is closed off from the elements so can be enjoyed year round.
Destination Kohler is the perfect location for those that appreciate phenomenal golf, extravagant accommodations, elegant dining and outstanding spa facilities.
3 Night Vacation
The American Club- Play Straits course at Whistling Straits
- Play Irish course at Whistling Straits
- Play River course at Blackwolf Run
- Play Meadow Valley course at Blackwolf Run
Golf Courses
Whistling Straits - Straits Course
The construction of the Straits Course involved moving hundreds of tonnes of earth as the course was actually built on land formerly used as an airfield. The result is a rugged, wild and windswept course featuring distinct links accents, as if it has been air-lifted in from the UK or Ireland and placed carefully on the shores of Lake Michigan.
While it may not be a traditional links course in the Scottish and Irish sense, the Straits is rugged, open and wild, and with a seemingly endless procession of bunkers in every direction you look, avoiding the sand is a monumental challenge in its own right. Just ask Dustin Johnson who fell afoul of a ruling after grounding his club in one of the courses countless sandy areas, eventually costing himself a place in the 2010 PGA Championship playoff which was eventually won by Martin Kaymer.
Pete Dye already had a number of the world’s best golf courses in his design portfolio before his stunning creation at Whistling Straits had come to pass. The likes of the Teeth of The Dog Course at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic, as well as the world famous Sawgrass Stadium Course in Florida outline his design prowess and the Straits Course certainly lived up to his mighty reputation.
With a blank canvas and a hefty design budget, Dye managed to turn a flat, uninspiring airfield into one of the world’s most beautiful courses; a pinch of Ireland here, a sprinkling of Scotland there. In fact according to Dye himself, building the Straits Course was a “once in a lifetime thing” which, when you consider the quality of his other design projects, is testament to the amazing test of golf that awaits travelling golfers in Wisconsin.
Dye’s creation was most recently on display at the 2015 PGA Championship, where the Straits Course proved to be the ideal stage for the best players in golf to display their skills. After a customary fast start from Dustin Johnson and a chance to see the top two players in the world, Rory McIlroy & Jordan Spieth, in the same group for the 1st two days, Jason Day finally landed his maiden major championship after an emphatic display over all four rounds which eventually saw him finish at -20; a new record score in relation to par at a major.
Course Statistics
Par: 72
Designed by: Pete Dye
Opened: 1998
Tees
Black: 7,790 yards, Rating 77.2 / Slope 152
Blue: 7,142 yards, Rating 74.2 / Slope 145
Green: 6,663 yards, Rating 71.9 / Slope 141
White: 6,360 yards, Rating 70.4 / Slope 137
Red: 5,564 yards, Rating 66.4 / Slope 129
Previously hosted:
PGA Championship (2004, 2010 & 2015), Senior Open Championship (2007) and will host the Ryder Cup in 2020
Whistling Straits - Irish Course
Set just inland from Lake Michigan, The Irish Course at Whistling Straits is much more than just a “decent second” course, offering visiting golfers a different yet equally enjoyable test of golf as that of the Straits Course.
There is nothing in the United States that has the look and feel of this course. Pete Dye
The Irish sits adjacent to the Straits Course so it does offer a handful of lake views, just not as many as its more illustrious sibling. Like the Straits Course, it’s also exposed to the wind but to a lesser degree and being another Pete Dye design, it also offers plenty of challenges!
These challenges come in the form of elevation changes and undulating fairways, a handful of meandering streams which dissect the course, as well as other individual water hazards and sandy waste areas, all of which have been cleverly placed by Dye and appear quite intimidating to the golfer.
It is suggested that higher handicappers might actually enjoy their time playing the Irish more than the Straits Course. Landing zones are more generous and in general, it offers a less demanding test than its older sibling. Like the Straits Course, there are plenty of memorable holes on the Irish so pack the camera for this one too!
Course Statistics
Par: 72
Designed by: Pete Dye
Opened: 2000
Tees
Black: 7,201 yards, Rating 75.6 / Slope 146
Blue: 6,750 yards, Rating 73.5 / Slope 141
Green: 6,366 yards, Rating 72.0 / Slope 137
White: 5,992 yards, Rating 70.3 / Slope 133
Red: 5,109 yards, Rating 65.6 / Slope 121
Previously hosted:
The Palmer Cup (2005)
Blackwolf Run - River Course
The River Course is Blackwolf Run’s star attraction, and is one of only 16 courses in the United States to be awarded Golf Digest‘s coveted fifth star. The golf course is part of the Herb Kohler stable, which also includes Whistling Straits next door, and the Duke’s Course, St Andrews. The common feature pulling all of these courses together is the rugged and enchanting aesthetic that greets visiting golfers.
Kohler’s passion for links golf is the basis for this stylistic penchant, and another of the manager’s finest traits is his belief that the greatest courses should remain available to the golfing masses. With that in mind, Blackwolf Run and its big brother at Whistling Straits can be yours, courtesy of a once-in-a-lifetime golf tour on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Course Statistics
Par: 72
Designed by: Pete Dye
Opened: 1988
Tees
Black: 7,404 yards, Rating 76.2 / Slope 151
Blue: 6,865 yards Rating 73.7 / Slope 144
Green: 6,507 yards, Rating 72.1 / Slope 139
White: 6,110 yards, Rating 70.3 / Slope 132
Red: 5,115 yards, Rating 65.7 / Slope 123
Previously hosted:
US Women’s Open Championship (1998, 2012), World Championships of Golf (1995, 1996, 1997)
Blackwolf Run - Meadow Valley Course
Professionals and amateurs of all skill levels can experience a day of golf like no other on the Meadow Valleys course. Described as both subtle and devilish, it winds through meadows and charges across ravines, reflecting the natural features of the Wisconsin terrain. This championship course challenges even the experts to weigh the relative advantages of distance and accuracy, though staggered tees put much of the danger out of harm’s way for the average golfer.
Course Statistics
Par: 72
Designed by: Pete Dye
Opened: 1988
Tees
Black: 7,250 yards, Rating 75.1 / Slope 145
Blue: 6,830 yards, Rating 73.2 / Slope 139
Green: 6,450 yards, Rating 71.5 / Slope 136
White: 6,140 yards, Rating 70.3 / Slope 132
Red: 5,065 yards, Rating 65.2 / Slope 123
Previously hosted:
US Women’s Open Championship (1998, 2012)
Accommodation
From a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond hotel to a secluded, private cabin, Destination Kohler has gracious accommodations sure to delight. Choose how you’d like to relax after golfing at Blackwolf Run® or Whistling Straits®, rejuvenating at Kohler Waters Spa, or exploring the numerous activities in the Village of Kohler and surrounding area.
The American Club
The American Club is a Forbes Five-Star Resort Hotel and the Midwest’s only AAA Five Diamond Resort Hotel so it goes without saying that this is an outstanding accommodation option for any golfer travelling to Wisconsin to try their hand at the golfing delights that await at Whistling Straits which is just a stone’s throw away.
Every guest room at The American Club adheres to the Kohler standard of excellence so no matter whether you opt for a guestroom – of which there are four grades – or a lavish suite you will be experience comfort of the very highest order. All rooms feature furnishings of supreme quality and modern conveniences including high-speed wireless internet, minibar and direct dial telephone help to ensure a comfortable and connected stay. All guests at The American Club also receive complimentary access to Sports Core Health & Racquet Club and advance tee times at Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits while non golfer and golfers alike can also make use of guest passes to River Wildlife; a wilderness preserve where guests can sample outdoor pursuits such as salmon fishing, hiking and horse riding.
Dining options at The American Club are extensive so from fine dining to a casual bite to eat, guests can sample a great range of culinary delights. For something really special head to the fine dining restaurant – The Immigrant Restaurant – which has received the AAA Four Diamond Award for 17 consecutive years.
Those looking to take a day away from it all and simply relax could do no better than to head to the Kohler Waters Spa. Conveniently located adjacent to The American Club, this world class spa offers the perfect sanctuary where guests can spoil themselves with one off treatments or a whole day of relaxation in the sauna, steam room, whirlpool or the unique indoor/outdoor swim through pool. Those with a sporty disposition can also make use of a fully equipped fitness studio.
The Inn at Woodlake
Alternatively you could choose to stay at the Inn on Wood Lake. Located on the shore of picturesque Wood Lake, this serene 121-room hotel boasts boutique style guest rooms, ample meeting space as well as amenities and common areas for leisure and business travellers.
Following an extensive renovation the Inn on Wood Lake continues is fine reputation as one of the premier accommodations in the Midwest. Offering five distinct rooms types including the spacious and lavish Woodlake Suite, there is something to suit all tastes and no matter which room you opt for you will find yourself in supreme levels of opulence and comfort. Each guestroom features luxurious furnishings and all the modern conveniences you would expect from a top class hotel including 42 inch plasma HD TVs; perfect for a night in with a bottle of wine and a movie.
Location
Kohler is just off Interstate 43
1 hour drive from General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee
1 hour drive from Green Bay
2 hour drive from Chicago
2 hour drive from Madison
5 hour drive from Minneapolis
Milwaukee Airport is served by
Seattle (SEA)
San Francisco (SFO)
Los Angeles (LAX)
Denver (DEN)
New York (NYC)
Miami (MIA)
Dallas (DFW)
and many other major US airports