Straits Course
Sheboygan, WI, USA
Whistling Straits' Straits Course doesn't mimic Ireland; it conjures it from the Wisconsin coastline, a windswept drama deliberately defying Midwestern expectations. Pete Dye, in perhaps his most theatrical era, sculpted a links-style fantasyland from former flat farmland. This is a course of immense scale, where pot bunkers lurk like predatory eyes and Lake Michigan gusts punish anything but conviction. Errant shots find tall fescue, creating a penalty far steeper than mere rough. The course requires the full complement of imaginative shot making. The Straits has commanded the game's attention, hosting multiple PGA Championships and a Ryder Cup, each event magnifying the course's inherent volatility and producing memorable, often agonizing, moments. The Kohler family's commitment to championship golf elevated the state's profile and created a bucket-list destination. It is a course best paired with a caddie, someone who understands the subtle breaks of the wildly undulating greens and can offer solace when a promising round encounters the inevitable disaster lurking around every corner. The post-round experience often involves recounting near misses and improbable escapes over a hearty meal at one of the resort's several dining options, a shared catharsis after wrestling with one of golf's most demanding tests. A side note about Whistling Straits is that Pete Dye was allegedly only given a photograph of a traditional Irish Links course, and told to mimic it. His efforts were not in vain. As well, a flock of Scottish Blackface sheep roam the grounds, adding to the illusion, but more often adding to the distraction.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Public: #27
Best in USA
Public: #7
Best in WI
Public: #1
Golfers say Whistling Straits delivers a bucket-list experience with spectacular Lake Michigan views that evoke Scotland and a Pete Dye routing that demands creativity and strategy on nearly every shot. Most praise the challenging but fair design, standout par 3s, and memorable holes like the finishing stretch, though some find the course repetitive or overly punishing in wind and a few note the 18th doesn't match the rest. Reviewers consistently highlight Kohler's top-notch service—including range massages, excellent caddies, and locker room amenities—that make the round feel special, though nearly all acknowledge the premium pricing ($500–700+) as steep even for a must-play venue. The course earns high marks for conditioning and memorability, with several golfers eager to return despite the cost.
9.1
490 players
Whistling Straits is every bit as incredible as its reputation. Pete Dye’s design, perched along Lake Michigan, delivers stunning views, endless strategy, and a true links-style feel. The wind, rugged bunkering, and dramatic terrain make every shot memorable. It’s challenging without being unfair and is an absolute bucket-list course that every golfer should experience.
Very surreal course with insane cliffs, unique green complexes and impeccable views. Nice to play where we’ve seen so much professional events too. The closing stretch is epic.
Bucket list course. Bucket list experience. First, they had a couple of massage therapists on the range and I don’t think I’ll ever get over it. Lol Beautiful piece of property and so much fun. Challenging and yes, of course, windy. My caddie was awesome and helped me navigate the course and probably saved me 3-4 shots. Beautiful walk and every shot makes you think, whether you realize it or not. Awesome starting hole. Awesome finishing hole. Ton of fun in between. It’s a must-play and be sure to hit the locker room after for a solid shower to bring you all the way back. Would definitely go back.
This place tickles all of your senses. It pays to be long and straight but that’s just a piece of the pie. Need to be able to shape it, hit it high, low, spinny, runners. Just a lot of fun. You’ll make some really easy doubles but should be able to find a birdie or two as well. Embrace the grind it could definitely wear you down. Lake Michigan makes this place feel like northern Scotland. You wouldn’t know you were inland if you were just dropped there on a random Tuesday.
Straits and Kohler experience exceeded expectations. Course can be really challenging
My favorite course ever. The routing is incredible. An awesome mix of strategy. The par 3s are maybe some of the greatest ever. I played in 30 mph winds that took nothing from the experience. Only hate the cost (I really don’t think any round of golf should be over $350) and they had the fairways pretty shaggy and my caddie could not tell me why that was. Overall that took away nothing from an amazing experience. While the par 3s were amazing I would argue that 18 is the best on property and could be one of the best finishing holes in golf! 🤷🏻♂️
Just an unbelievable day. We played in late September and it couldn’t have been a better day. I’d say our caddies were subpar but easy to get past that. This course has you a shot from disaster the whole way. The views are hard to beat and I always enjoy feeling like I’m playing overseas. We booked the first twilight round, think it was 40% off and we finished 18 as it became unplayable, just perfect. Can’t wait to give it a better fight next time
Such an incredible course, keep the ball low lol.
Played here a couple weeks before the Ryder cup. Unreal experience. Course was obviously in pristine condition. Range was kinda wonky with Ryder cup set up/saving the grass for the players (fair). Overall well-worth the $500ish for the tee time. The caddies were great. Pro shop was so good with the Ryder Cup merch. Definitely on the more challenging side of courses I’ve ever played, but we were able to put together a very proud 87. This course should be on every golfers bucket list!
An ass kicking you take with a smile. From the tips this may be one of the toughest test of golf for a low handicap golfer. There are spots you can miss that are in play that set you up to take an unplayable drop. Kohler is always top notch and this should be played atleast once, although I’ll likely play the Irish again instead of the Staits when I go back.
Public courses closest to Straits.
The journey to Whistling Straits Golf Club begins at Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport, roughly an hour's drive north along the western shore of Lake Michigan. As Interstate 43 gives way to quieter county roads, the landscape shifts from urban sprawl to rolling farmland before revealing the dramatic bluffs and windswept dunes of the Kohler property. The final approach along Lake Michigan's edge is striking - civilization falls away, replaced by a rugged, links-like terrain that feels transported from the Irish coast, until the clubhouse emerges against the water like a stone sentinel guarding one of American golf's most theatrical stages.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Straits has a Course Vaults score of 9.1 out of 10 based on 226 explicit golfer ratings.
Straits was designed by Pete Dye.
Yes. Straits is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Straits is 72.
Straits plays 7,790 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Straits is 152.
