The pros love the Straits course at Whistling Straits. You'll love it too, but for different reasons.
It hosted the 2004 PGA Championship and will host it again in 2010 and 2015 and also the Ryder Cup in 2020. It is also set to host the Senior U.S. Open in July of 2007.
The Straits course is a daunting challenge for the mid-handicapper. Caddies are required and it is walking only - out to offer a links golf experience in the realm of Ballybunion in Ireland.
Of course, that dramatic landscape had to be created. Architect Pete Dye moved tons of dirt and imported even more. The result is the modern answer to traditional links golf overlooking Lake Michigan - big enough to pass as an ocean - and bunkers in the thousands. Among the most famous holes are the par-3 7th and 17th which both sit above the sea.
You must be a guest of Kohler's American Club hotel to play the Straits course.
Straits at Whistling Straits
The Straits course overlooks Lake Michigan at most points.
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Straits' 3rd
The par-3 third hole.
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Straits at Whistling straits
2004 PGA Championship host Whistling Straits will have you soaking up the views, ripping up your scorecard
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Bunkers
There are thousands of bunkers here, often small and rugged.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Straits at Whistling Straits
2004 PGA Championship host Whistling Straits
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5th - The Snake
The par-5 fifth, "Snake" plays inland around a pond.
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Straits at Whistling Straits
Straits at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Straits at Whistling Straits
Straits at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Pinched Nerve
The par-3 seventh is one of the Straits' most famous - it's name is "Pinched Nerve".
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Straits at Whistling Straits
Straits at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Whistling Straits clubhouse
The par-4 ninth plays back towards the clubhouse.
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10th fairway
You can play to the left or right of the big bunker that sits in the middle of the 10th fairway.
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Par 3 12th
Straits' at Whistling Straits par-3 12th.
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13th
Straits at Whistling Straits - the 13th.
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Straits at Whistling Straits - 17th
The 17th is a hooker's worst nightmare.
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18th at Whistling Straits
The 18th is a long par 4 with a small landing zone.
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Straits at Whistling Straits
Straits at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Straits at Whistling Straits
Straits at Whistling Straits
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Whistling Straits' Clubhouse
Whistling Straits' Clubhouse
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18th green
The 18th green is massive.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com