Located along the shores of Lake Michigan in Kohler, Wisconsin, the Irish Course at Whistling Straits offers a more accessible, yet still challenging alternative to its famed sibling, the Straits Course. Both layouts were designed by the legendary duo Pete and Alice Dye and share a links-style inspiration reminiscent of classic seaside courses in the British Isles.
While the Straits Course—host to multiple PGA Championships and the 2021 Ryder Cup—is celebrated for its dramatic lakefront setting and demanding layout, the Irish Course offers a slightly more forgiving experience. Its fairways are wider—averaging about 45 yards across, nearly double the width of the Straits Course—and golfers are permitted to use carts and pull carts, whereas caddies are mandatory on the Straits Course.
The Irish Course delivers a rugged aesthetic: windswept fescue, steep grassy dunes, deep pot bunkers, and large undulating greens create a dramatic and engaging layout. Though it doesn’t run directly along the shoreline like the Straits Course, the Irish offers selected lake views, especially on the back nine, and features more inland water—seven holes bring lakes into play, including the striking par-3 2nd and the risk-reward par-4 17th.
From the moment you step onto the first tee, the course feels impressive yet playable. With fairways often stretching 40 to 45 yards wide, golfers can swing confidently without fearing punishment on every miss. The routing provides variety and change in direction, keeping you on your toes. While the wind off the lake adds challenge, the generous landing areas, open approaches, and multiple shot options around the greens make it enjoyable for players of all skill levels.
Whistling Straits is part of Destination Kohler, a world-class golf and hospitality destination developed by the Kohler Company.
Founded in 1873 by John Michael Kohler, the company expanded into luxury hospitality with The American Club, now a five-star resort at the heart of the Village of Kohler. Whistling Straits,
opened in 1998, followed the earlier success of nearby Blackwolf Run, solidifying Kohler’s status as one of America’s premier golf destinations.
Golf Magazine ranks the Irish Course among the top five public courses in Wisconsin, while the Straits Course holds the #1 spot. For those seeking a top-tier golf experience without the premium price tag of the Straits, the Irish Course delivers an outstanding alternative at a fraction of the cost.
If You Go:
• Course Info – Whistling Straits includes two eighteen-hole golf courses, the Straits and the Irish. The original Kohler golf complex near the American Club is Blackwolf Run with two eighteen hole golf courses, the River and Meadow Valleys.
• Location – Sheboygan, Wisconsin. One and one-half hour north of Milwaukee General Mitchel airport. One hour east of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Nine miles northeast of the Village of Kohler. Google Maps Link
• Lodging – The American Club, Kohler, is the primary resort lodging.
By Chuck Fox, Owner, Quintessential Golf, Resident since 2012