Whistling Straits: Straits Course
Sheboygan, WI • Public
Carlos Amoedo
Carlos Amoedo
Photo by Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Overview
Pete Dye transformed a dead flat abandoned army air base along a two-mile stretch of Lake Michigan into an imitation Ballybunion at Whistling Straits, peppering his rugged fairways and windswept greens with 1,012 (at last count) bunkers. There are no rakes at Whistling Straits, in keeping with the notion that this is a transplanted Irish links. It has too much rub-of-the-green for the comfort levels of many tour pros, which is what makes it a stern test for top events, such as three PGA Championships, the 2007 U.S. Senior Open and 2021 Ryder Cup.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 2001.
2023-'24 ranking: 26th.
Previous ranking: 23rd.
Highest ranking: 16th, 2013-'14.
100 Greatest Public: Ranked since our inaugural edition in 2003.
2023-'24 ranking: 4th.
Previous ranking: 3rd.
Highest ranking: 2nd, 2013-'14.
Best in State: Ranked first since 2011.
2023-'24 ranking: 1st.
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Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
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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 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 FWs, B's 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! Home of 3 PGA championships and the 2020 Ryder Cup. Walking only, caddie required. 1/2 of the holes are on Lake Michigan. Each green has a side which is dead - the player is forced to play to the other side as a bailout or risk disaster. Typical Pete Dye penal golf. Hazards include the usual - B's, W, deep rough. UH holes, DH holes, DL L and DL R. Big slopes on some greens, more subtle slopes on others. Tee Ball in the FW has a chance at par or birdie. Tee Ball off the FW is lucky to bogey."
Read More2024
Review
“on land that was once Camp Haven, a military training facility on Lake Michigan, Pete Dye built Whistling Straits, including both Irish and 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 FWs, B's 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! Home of 3 PGA championships and the 2020 Ryder Cup. Walking only, caddie required. 1/2 of the holes are on Lake Michigan. Each green has a side which is dead - the player is forced to play to the other side as a bailout or risk disaster. Typical Pete Dye penal golf. Hazards include the usual - B's, W, deep rough. UH holes, DH holes, DL L and DL R. Big slopes on some greens, more subtle slopes on others. Ball in the FW has a chance at par or birdie. Ball off the FW is lucky to bogey."
Read More2024
Review
“The views are second to none. Very difficult course, the 18th hole is by far the hardest closing hole I have ever played."
Read More2024
Review
“This course deserves every accolade written about it with a site that was transformed from a flat parcel of land along the shore of Lake Michigan to a dunescape from the imagination of its architect Pete Dye. Too many spectacular holes to describe along the shore of this inland ocean. What is impressive is the finishing hole that turns its back on the Great Lake and heads toward its home of Kohler Lodge to a green set amidst moguls and pitted bunkers straight out of a fairy tale. Every golfer who aspires to play the great courses should experience Whistling Straits once in their lifetime."
Read More2024
Review
“One of most unusual courses you will ever play. Will be extremely difficult to score if you don't have a high ball flight on your approach shot. Don't leave the fairway. If you do, don't plan on finding your ball. Just a hard golf course! BUT.... a must play."
Read More2024
Review
“Wow, 5-star all around... A true American gem."
Read More2023
Review
“The views are spectacular, but the golf course is incredible. Combine those two and you know you are in for a treat. With lake views from every hole, you will marvel at the beauty. But you best keep your attention focused on each hole, as there are pleny of challenging situations awaiting. Waste bunkers of all shapes and sizes abound. Rolling terrain provides for plenty of unexpected bounces. Junipers await to engulf your golf ball. And then the greens offer tiers, slopes and undulations that will test your skill and patience. Incredible course, great golf and a memorable round. (And keep your eyes open for the eagles nest off the left of the 10th hole)"
Read More2023
Review
“The reputation of this course precedes itself, so there isn’t much to add, except to say it’s a must play. An incredible course Witt even more fantasist views of the lake. It is an extremely challenging course, but fair. Wind is definitely a factor depending on the day. The practice facility is also world class, so I recommend getting there early to loosen up. Make sure also to hang around for lunch in their semi-covered patio after. The food was delicious!"
Read More2023
Review
“Wind is the biggest factor to this course which has many. With figure 8 routings on each 9 tells the player wind is fair to every player and every shot. Looks like a natural course but was contrived to look like it. Many good and some great holes. #18 a bear, very tough finishing hole."
Read More2023
Review
“Simply of the best sets of four par 3s on a course. Mesmerizing beauty to behold, one of the most unique courses out there that is ready to pounce on astray golf shots. Wind from lake adds to extreme challenge. Hole 18 is a special, difficult treat."
Read More2023
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