The Irish course is much more than a meager "solid second" at Whistling Straits. Sure, it doesn't have the lake views the more famous Straits course has (although there are a few), but the shot values are still remarkable.
Most mid-handicappers may even enjoy their round on the Irish more. It's landing zones are a little wider and lacks a bit of the intimidation of the Straits course. There are plenty of memorable holes too, like the par-3 13th, "Blind Man's Bluff," which features alternate tee boxes. From the top tees, you have a blind shot over dunes to the giant, 14,000 square foot green. From the lower tees, depending on the pin location your shot may be blind as well.
The Irish course is about half the cost of the Straits course at $150 and does not require a caddie. Those who book golf packages through Kohler also have the opportunity for free replays here as well.
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
The Irish course at Whistling Straits in Kohler: fewer lake views but friendlier fairways
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Irish course at Whistling Straits - 3rd
The par-3 3rd hole.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Irish course at Whistling Straits - 4th
The long par-4 4th.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Irish course at Whistling Straits
Irish course at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Whistling Straits: Irish course bunkers
The Irish course has a countless amount of bunkers.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
The par-4 10th hole.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Blind Man's Bluff
The blind tee shot from the upper tees on Blind Man's Bluff.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Blind Man's Bluff
The lower tees on Blind Man's Bluff.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
It's hard to believe the land was pancake-flat before the golf courses moved in.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
The Irish course at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Irish course at Whistling Straits - 17th
The par-4 17th wraps around a pond.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
18th tee at Whistling Straits - Irish course
The par-5 18th tee.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
18th green at Whistling Straits - Irish course
The view of the elevated green from the fairway on the 18th.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com