Whistling Straits Golf Course - Straits and Irish
Whistling Straits Golf Course - Straits and Irish, Kohler: Hours, Address, Whistling Straits Golf Course - Straits and Irish Reviews: 5/5
Whistling Straits Golf Course - Straits and Irish
Whistling Straits Golf Course - Straits and Irish
5
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
Beautiful, well-tended course soon to be one of the best championship golf courses in the world.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
248 reviews
Excellent
213
Very good
26
Average
9
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Jakuchis
Eau Claire, WI119 contributions
Whistling Straits (The Straits Course itself) is a stunning venue that will challenge all golfers. Wisconsin has now become a world class golf destination and Whistling Straits is an integral component (if not the forerunner) of that experience. 15 days ago, four of us reveled in the 18 hole challenge of playing "The Straits." It was magnificent! The service was extraordinary! This includes: the practice facility, the pro shop, the locker room, the caddies, the hospitality people (concessions) and the views. Each hole is a breathtaking work of architectural genius, with Lake Michigan incessantly looming in both the fore and background. This is a walking course only. I would suggest utilizing the caddie service. Their experience and knowledge will save you strokes. The price tag (with regard to green fees) is commensurate with top tracks in the U.S., similar to: Shadow Creek, Pebble Beach, TPC Sawgrass Players Stadium Course, Wynn Golf Club, etc. Whistling Straits is nestled in the unincorporated community of Haven in the Town of Mosel, WI. It lies within a one hour drive from Milwaukee and/or Green Bay; a two hour trek from Chicago and/or Madison. If you decide to play, be sure to take your camera.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ocean Diver
Bonaire67 contributions
Couples
Impressive water views and gorgeous course. Luke was a great caddy, he made the day.
Be aware that if it rains all the tee times get delayed and nobody from the course bothered to contact us to inform us our tee time was going to be delayed by 2.5 hours until we arrived at the course and checked in. For $500+ a round you would think there would be better customer service.
The driving range was a mud mess. The course drains well but not the practice area.
Get your round finished before 4:00 pm because the mosquitoes are terrible after that if there isn’t high wind. We got eaten alive. You will need lots of bug spray.
The course managers do not address slow play. We waited to tee off on every hole and play was extremely slow, like 5.5 hours. A first class course needs to manage tee times and slow play better.
The food at the course was excellent. The wait staff was very friendly and service oriented.
Be aware that if it rains all the tee times get delayed and nobody from the course bothered to contact us to inform us our tee time was going to be delayed by 2.5 hours until we arrived at the course and checked in. For $500+ a round you would think there would be better customer service.
The driving range was a mud mess. The course drains well but not the practice area.
Get your round finished before 4:00 pm because the mosquitoes are terrible after that if there isn’t high wind. We got eaten alive. You will need lots of bug spray.
The course managers do not address slow play. We waited to tee off on every hole and play was extremely slow, like 5.5 hours. A first class course needs to manage tee times and slow play better.
The food at the course was excellent. The wait staff was very friendly and service oriented.
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ron
3 contributions
Friends
Everything about the Straights and Black Wolf Run was amazing! Courses and in great shape with impeccable views. Well worth every penny! Staff was very friendly, caddies were great! Pace of play was good and they gap tee times 10 min apart to keep it that way. Very rarely waited over 5 days of golf. Straights and River courses were the best but Irish and meadows are great too! Definitely a buck list trip and worth the trip!
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KentuckyCodger
Lihue, HI112 contributions
Couples
Great time walking this course. Loved our caddies and enjoyed the views. Entire golf shop, restaurant and golf staff outside was accommodating and friendly. Top notch place!
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KhyberNYC
Huntington Station, NY7 contributions
Friends
Truly an exceptional and a gem of a golf course with amazing views and challenging holes demanding accuracy. The restaurant and pro shop are very good and so are the locker facilities.
The caddies were a huge disappointment and completely uninterested. We had four groups and everyone agreed the caddies were below par. Not sure if management really cares about the caddy issue.
The caddies were a huge disappointment and completely uninterested. We had four groups and everyone agreed the caddies were below par. Not sure if management really cares about the caddy issue.
Written June 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vopro2
Leesburg, VA1 contribution
Friends
My wonderful wife surprised me with a two stay at The American Club to celebrate my 60th birthday! Two rounds of golf (Whistling Straits N Irish) My friend and I made our trek to Kohler, hearts thumping, blood pressure rising, thoughts of conquest ever present, anticipation at a fevers pitch! Upon arrival though I never saw one, but a red carpet seemingly appeared out of nowhere. We were treated like dignitaries from the time we checked in! First, the Straits! With a nervousness I hadn't felt since waiting for the favorable results of my biopsy , I stuck the tee into the ground, took a deep breath and hit a laser drive right into the middle of the fairway. With one birdie on number ten, my score card read 89 from the blue tees! This course is a monster but the surrounding atmosphere, Lake Michigan, the ever present bunkers, the slight breeze and the impeccable course conditions equaled "Golf Heaven” Day two the Irish course. Another incredible day in Heaven. Let me give a shout out to our caddies, Barry, day one and Jim, day 2. Each carried two bags and stayed 20 feet ahead of us on every hole! A remarkable golfing experience, one I will thank my wife to the day I die in hopes that Heaven remotely resembles Whistling Straits!!!! PS, if you only pay your caddy $35.00 bucks, then to Hell you must reside! LOL
Written August 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John A
Nanuet, NY58 contributions
Couples
Beautiful but very tough course along Lake Michigan. Started my twilight round at 3:45 PM to save a couple of bucks and no caddie. Well forget twilight, paid over $300.00 and didn't finish the round. Last 6 holes everything backed up even with "rangers" there, and by the 17th and 18th hole couldn't see the ball anymore. If your a masochist you'll love this course. Lots and Lots of bunkers. Hit my ball on the 10th green rolled to the back into a pot bunker. Had a pull cart with cart paths not wide enough to accommodate them, bag falling over in 1 foot wide cart path not fun. Next day we played The Irish, an inland course,which was much more enjoyable. This is a resort so they nickel and dime you to death. After they charge you a green fee, then a resort fee, then they tax it. Pull Cart Fee was $15.00 for a cart that became a roller coaster ride. At the Irish they charge you $70.00 for a riding cart. a little too steep really! Would not come to play again.
Written August 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
golftravelfan
Pittsburgh, PA38 contributions
The Straits course is a solid course.Heads right out to the lake on the front nine.Course was in decent shape but certainly not pristine.Though course is good it doesn't compare strongly to other courses in this price range-well behind Pebble,Bandon,Ocean Course in Kiawah.Irish course wouldn't even get a look as a top course if it wasn't next door.A walking course that is not designed to walk with a blah layout.Blackwolf Run courses were part of the package and were decent courses but would remind you of a nice public facility in your hometown.
Written May 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AlarmGuy13
Boynton Beach, FL24 contributions
Business
I have the good fortune of entertaining clients at some excellent attractions and this time, I was entertained by a vendor. The Straits course is a bucket list course and I must return.
Yes you must walk the course, but there is something majestic about that experience. You really get to take the course and the surroundings in and enjoy the beauty of nature and lake Michigan lapping on the shores of the Straits. Walking also provides some quiet time to think about your game, your next shot, or just some time to realize how good you have it at that moment.
The day my colleague and I played we were welcomed by a dense and thick fog for our first four or five holes. It was mentally draining not knowing where your ball landed or if it ran off the back of the green. It was also cold and windy, high 40's, low 50's with 20+ mph winds and even stronger gusts. But good fortune was on our side that day. The fog burned off, the wind curtailed, and the air warmed up.
The course is challenging but the caddies are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. We, as a twosome, lost a grand total of four balls. Our caddie directed us where to aim and how much more or less of a club to use based on how the wind was swirling or blowing off the lake. He really did an excellent job.
The tariff is high but in my opinion, worth every penny.
The pro shop is one of the best I've been in but it is very expensive. There was plenty of Whistling Straits gear to be had as well as PGA Championship gear as the tournament will be played there later this year.
Yes you must walk the course, but there is something majestic about that experience. You really get to take the course and the surroundings in and enjoy the beauty of nature and lake Michigan lapping on the shores of the Straits. Walking also provides some quiet time to think about your game, your next shot, or just some time to realize how good you have it at that moment.
The day my colleague and I played we were welcomed by a dense and thick fog for our first four or five holes. It was mentally draining not knowing where your ball landed or if it ran off the back of the green. It was also cold and windy, high 40's, low 50's with 20+ mph winds and even stronger gusts. But good fortune was on our side that day. The fog burned off, the wind curtailed, and the air warmed up.
The course is challenging but the caddies are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. We, as a twosome, lost a grand total of four balls. Our caddie directed us where to aim and how much more or less of a club to use based on how the wind was swirling or blowing off the lake. He really did an excellent job.
The tariff is high but in my opinion, worth every penny.
The pro shop is one of the best I've been in but it is very expensive. There was plenty of Whistling Straits gear to be had as well as PGA Championship gear as the tournament will be played there later this year.
Written July 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cathy L
Leland, NC495 contributions
This course is not for the faint of heart. No carts are allowed and it is a very long course. Very rugged course, very few level areas. You are required to use a caddie. This was a good thing since the fog was awful. Many of the holes border Lake Michigan so it can be windy and/or foggy anytime. The condition of the fairways was as good as I have every played. Beautiful vistas and some nasty holes designed by Pete Dye. Pete it’s hard enough without all the pot bunkers! Our caddie was fantastic. Great course knowledge.
Written September 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kbiesmann
Madison, WI62 contributions
Hi -- Is is possible to just visit the clubhouse and have a quick look at the course? I'm a golfer but my hubby isn't and we will be in the area this week. I just want to see it in person for a few minutes.
Ocean Diver
Bonaire67 contributions
Yes. You can visit the clubhouse and the pro shop. I suggest lunch at the clubhouse, excellent food! From the club patio you can view two holes. It is a magnificent view.
Robert G
Del Mar, CA
How much does it cost to play 18 holes at Whistling Straits in June?
ArtisticTraveler
Dallas, TX9 contributions
Worth every penny!

Columbia85
Stuart, FL
I've done 5 tracks in Ireland and 7 in Scotland past two summers. Organized all by myself with a buddy joining for two venues each.
What's the most cost effective way to organize a 2 person Wisconsin course trip for 5-6 days that includes the most notable courses including Straits & Blackwolf Run?
Jonathan
Merthyr Tydfil, UK15 contributions
We stayed at the American Club and we played both courses. If you can I’d put Erin Hills on the list and only a 1 hour away from Kohler.
has anyone played twilight on the straits? do you normally finish by sunset?
Ocean Diver
Bonaire67 contributions
This is a LONG course and the mosquitoes will eat you alive.
About how long will it take to play the straits?
KCarl227
25 contributions
4 to 5 hours... depending on how busy it is.
Walking course. ..
TommyJK3
Bixby, OK6 contributions
Kind of a foolish-sounding question....
How does 75* feel off Lake Michigan? Colder than actual temp? Shorts / Golf polo warm enough? Playing there this weekend. Calling for temps in the mid 70s - low 80s...
thanks
TK
Hudsondeal
Fairfax, VA61 contributions
I think you are safe with shorts, although I would check the wind conditions. If it is blowing over 20 mph, that would make it feel a bit chillier. Have fun!
Wanted to come play here with a group of 4 friends. Any good time to come where rates are reasonable for both hotel and golfing? Preferable 2 nights stay playing two rounds.
Thanks.
Paul M
Boca Raton, FL22 contributions
hello: I have ONE day to choose either the Irish or the Straits...I have played the Straits course a few years ago. Do I try the Irish or play the Straits again? thanks
David R
Kaukauna, WI152 contributions
For the view of the lake I would play the straights. Plus then when ever a PGA event is played you can replay your shots and say hey I know how to play that hole!
But both are great courses and offer some awesome challenges, views, and layouts. You won't be disappointed with whichever one you pick.
How to get from Hotel Benjamin on 53rd to Mets game at Citi Field- thanks
stephen c
Hilton Head, SC
I am sorry but I think this question was passed on to me in error. I do not know if there even is a hotel by that name in Kohler.
Frequently Asked Questions about Whistling Straits Golf Course - Straits and Irish
- Whistling Straits Golf Course - Straits and Irish is open:
- Sun - Sat 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Hotels near Whistling Straits Golf Course - Straits and Irish:
- (1.68 mi) Lake Orchard Farm Retreat
- (8.02 mi) The American Club
- (7.34 mi) Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center
- (7.76 mi) Inn on Woodlake
- (6.78 mi) GrandStay Residential Suites Hotel Sheboygan
- Restaurants near Whistling Straits Golf Course - Straits and Irish:
- (0.01 mi) Whistling Straits Restaurant
- (7.26 mi) Lino Ristorante Italiano
- (7.12 mi) Il Ritrovo
- (7.13 mi) Trattoria Stefano
- (7.11 mi) Field to Fork
- Attractions near Whistling Straits Golf Course - Straits and Irish:
- (7.97 mi) Bookworm Gardens
- (7.85 mi) Kohler Design Center
- (6.92 mi) John Michael Kohler Arts Center
- (6.65 mi) The Blind Horse Winery
- (7.92 mi) Kohler Waters Spa