Whistling Straits: Irish Course
Sheboygan, WI • Public
Destination Kohler
Destination Kohler
Destination Kohler
Overview
The Irish Course has the same manufactured dunescape found on its more famous sister Straits Course, but with three major differences. The fairways are bent grass, not fescue. Carts are allowed, although confined to cart paths. (It's walking only on the Straits, thought both 18s are relatively easy to walk.) And the Irish has the only blind par 3 found at Whistling Straits, the 13th playing 183 yards over sand hills to a huge green ringed by more than a dozen bunkers. It doesn't get more Irish than that.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest Public: Ranked since 2003.
Highest ranking: 43rd in 2019-'20.
Previous ranking: No. 47.
2023-'24 ranking: No. 56.
Best in State: Ranked #7 in 2019-2020 and 9th in 2021-'24.
2023-'24 ranking: 9th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“On land that was once Camp Haven, a military training facility on Lake Michigan, Pete Dye built Whistling Straits, including both Irish and the Straits. Essentially the Camp was flat, lakeside sand suitable for firing ranges and tents so that soldiers could rotate through and train. Dye must have moved enormous quantities of earth to create contours, shaped and undulating FW’s, bunkers of all sizes, fescue, rolling hills, lakes (ponds), etc. I found a reference that over 13,000 truckloads of sand were brought in to form the bunkers and dunes. 13,000! The player doesn’t confuse the Irish course for Lahinch or Ballybunion, but it’s hard not to appreciate the incredible effort (and expense) of creating Whistling Straits. For both the Straits and Irish, conditioning was excellent. The Irish was challenging, especially with some wind, and checked several boxes. I can’t wait to play #15 and #16 again. The staff, including the American hotel and pro shop/ restaurant at Whistling Straits, were incredible. It's obvious that they are excited to be there and the upbeat mood is infectious. Enjoy!"
Read More2024
Review
“A beautiful wild course built as an homage to Irish Links courses. Pete Dye transformed a flat parcel of land into a rolling dunescape complete with a mountain in the center of the course. Several of the holes felt contrived including #13 that requires a tee shot over a series of bunkers scattered across a hillside to a back pin placement perched on a shelf that severely penalizes wayward tee shots and lag putts left short. Many of the holes are well laid out and interesting in their design, but it runs a distant second to its older brother The Straits Course. It is an adventure to play."
Read More2024
Review
“Fantastic. True links style (reminds me of several courses in Ireland I've played - Lahinch, Waterville, Dooks, etc)"
Read More2023
Review
“Solid Pete Dye courese that still has punch, but lacks the views as it's highly rated sister course. Almost like two separate courses, the front 9 offers many tree lined fairways and creeks or marshy areas. The back 9 mostly runs along the Dunes, some of which parallel the Straights course. This is a good golf course that is enjoyable to play, just pales when comparing the history, views and challenge of Straights."
Read More2023
Review
“A wonderful golf experience."
Read More2023
Review
“Looks and plays like a course in Ireland."
Read More2023
Review
“For the average golfer this course is a great option. Has a fair amount of the feel of the Straits course but isn't as penal. Carts are allowed as opposed to Straits which is strictly walking, but you can also take a caddie or forecaddie. The caddies certainly add to the experience and know their way around the course which can only help you. Still a demanding course as far as shot placement and a great layout with a mixture of holes lengths and types that are interesting and fun."
Read More2023
Review
“Requires certain shots and doesn't leave room for a lot of imagination but it is still a good track. Will be much more forgiving on a windy day than the Straits course"
Read More2023
Review
“Little brother to The Straits that seems to be more forgiving off the tee. However, traps are everywhere, the theme of this beautiful piece of property."
Read More2022
Review
“Interesting design with several unique features. While extremely dramatic the whole site felt slightly contrived. The width of the course allowed for a variety of strategies."
Read More2022
