Whistling Straits - Straits Course

Whistling Straits was created by Pete Dye for Herb Kohler of the Kohler Company, opening in 1998 on a former military airfield along two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline near Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Dye transformed the flat, unremarkable terrain by moving massive amounts of earth to create dunes, bluffs, and over 1,000 bunkers that give the course its dramatic, links-like appearance inspired by the great seaside courses of Ireland.

The Straits Course has hosted three PGA Championships — 2004 (won by Vijay Singh in a playoff), 2010 (Martin Kaymer), and 2015 (Jason Day with a record-setting 20-under total) — as well as the memorable 2021 Ryder Cup, where Team USA dominated Team Europe 19-9. The 2010 PGA Championship is also remembered for Dustin Johnson's infamous grounding-his-club-in-a-bunker penalty on the 72nd hole. The venue continues to host major amateur events and is considered one of the finest public-access courses in the world.

Whistling Straits feels more like a links course on the Irish coast than anything you would expect in Wisconsin. The terrain along Lake Michigan is wild and rugged, with massive sandy dunes, tall fescue grasses, and over 1,000 bunkers — many of them unmarked waste areas where you must play the ball as it lies. The layout hugs two miles of shoreline, providing breathtaking Lake Michigan views from nearly every hole.

At 7,790 yards from the championship tees, it is one of the longest courses in the world, though the resort tees bring it down to a more manageable length. Wind off Lake Michigan is a constant companion and can add or subtract several clubs on approach shots.

Be aware that many of the 1,000-plus bunkers are unmarked waste areas — you are allowed to ground your club in waste areas but not in defined bunkers. Ask your caddie or starter for clarification before you begin. Play from tees that match your handicap; the course is a monster from the tips but very enjoyable from the green or white tees.

The wind changes direction constantly as the routing loops along the lake, so re-evaluate your club selection on every shot. Bring rain gear even on sunny days — Lake Michigan weather can change rapidly. Caddies are available and highly recommended for their knowledge of the wind and green reads.