Whistling Straits delivers a level of mystique as soon as you step on the property. Golfers feel its presence looming. This golf course review of Whistling Straits will explain that feeling. Lake Michigan is visible immediately as you drop off your bags. In this part of Wisconsin, the air is a bit more crisp and the wind blows a touch harder. Architect Pete Dye bunkers seem to create an eerie echo as the wind howls through the grounds. Whistling Straits, upcoming host of the 2020 Ryder Cup, has two courses on its grounds. The Straits and The Irish are both available to play by the public. Enjoy this golf course review of Whistling Straits – comments can be left here, on my website or Instagram.
Architect Pete Dye created this masterpiece opening in July 1998 on the shores of Lake Michigan. Since 2004, it has hosted 3 PGA Championships and the upcoming Ryder Cup in 2020. The course is walking only requiring a caddie and can play as long as 7790 yards from the back tees. During my round, I played the Green tees measuring 6663 yards. The scorecards at Whistling Straits provide recommendations for tees based on handicap.
A stone clubhouse centers Whistling Straits grounds. Plenty of Ryder Cup 2020 gear is available for purchase in the pro shop where a fire is always roaring. Logos of Whistling Straits wind-blowing man are everywhere and worn by employees and guests. There is a buzz as golfers either prep for their round or finished an epic one.
Whistling Straits Experience
A single, inconspicuous gate awaits all visitors at the entrance. Incoming golfers unload bags at the caddie shelter where tags are applied based on tee times. Arriving early to take in the grounds is expected so no one blinked an eye when we had three hours until teeing off. Our bags were put into a cubby with our tee time labeled in gold.
Whistling Straits golf courses adopted links-style golf and can often feel like Scotland due to the wind and Lake Michigan. One links golf course attribute is the narrow walking paths within and between golf holes. The paths are a prominent feature of Whistling Straits starting with the walk from the parking lot to the clubhouse. The single file nature of walking between holes seems immediately familiar but compared to any other course in Wisconsin – it is quite unique.
We had a perfect day for golf. Temperatures stayed steady at 68 degrees all day, light wind and crystal clear skies. I asked our caddie about the fog probability at Whistling Straits. One in 20 rounds are impacted by heavy fog. In cases of heavy fog, there is no delay but rather caddies stand 50 yards away serving as the golfer’s aiming point. Then hunt and do it again.
Course Strategy
The sound of water hitting the beach is a constant reminder you are playing on the third biggest lake in the nation. Lake Michigan only comes into play with a big miss as swaths of bunkers and fescue keep your ball in play. The bunkers are noticeable from the first tee to the last. These features add to the identity of Whistling Straits and Pete Dye designs. Pete Dye course designs often include mini bunkers as well as other common features; wood planks, double dog legs and difficult 18th holes.
Whistling Straits, as with any challenging golf course, requires consistent shot-making to score well. Tee shot placement outweighs length at The Straits course. Caddies are beneficial to provide a good line.
Top Holes
As with all my golf course reviews, I have identified my top holes at Whistling Straits.
Hole 7 – Shipwreck: Par 3 185 yards
A reasonable length par 3 with a green that appears to hang on the edge of Lake Michigan. Any shot short right will leave you in the hazard or an extremely difficult up and down spot. A left miss leaves a difficult shot at par. Brilliant hole. Focus on hitting the green and putt for a par.
Hole 17 – Pinched Nerve: Par 3 197 yards
The Straits course does not offer an easy ride on your way to the clubhouse. Hole 17 requires an accurate iron shot meaning 197 yards. A huge wave-like bunker protects the right side and a drop-off cliff will await if missed left. The miss is short if par is on your mind.
Hole 18 – Dyeabolical: Par 4 424 yards
Pete Dye courses are known for their finishing holes. The Straits course is no different. Par is a great score. A demanding tee shot down the right side should only travel 220 yards as hazards come into play long. A long second shot into a large green will prove difficult for an average player. Amongst the golfing stress, I recommend taking a few minutes to enjoy the walk up this majestic final hole with the beautiful clubhouse framing the view.
This hole is a great backdrop for the expected drama at the Ryder Cup event in 2020. As golf fans, we can only hope matches push to this amazing final hole.
Conclusion
Whistling Straits comes with a price tag. Golfers need to rationalize an amazing golf experience versus the cost of a round. My advice is to save up and take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime course to play where the pros play. You will not be disappointed and left with memories of a great day. My hope is you enjoyed this Whistling Straits golf course review – you can find more here on my webpage.
