As this week’s matches have proven this far, fall golf in the Midwest is tough to beat — especially when your venue is as spectacular as this year’s Ryder Cup host, Whistling Straits.
This isn’t the first time golf fans have had the chance to enjoy the stellar views of the Straits course, which flanks the shores of Lake Michigan. Whistling Straits has an impressive major championship pedigree, with three PGA Championships (2004, 2010 and 2015) and U.S. Senior Open (2007) on its resume.
Located in Haven, Wis., just north of Sheybogan and 72 miles from the Milwaukee airport, Whistling Straits boasts 36 holes of incredible golf: the well-known Straits course, and its sibling, the Irish course. The best part? Both courses are publicly accessible, if not exactly affordable. So are two other Destination Kohler courses a few miles away at Blackwolf Run, along with a par-3 course, The Baths.
How to book a tee time at Whistling Straits
Tee times can be made online by visiting Whistling Straits’ website, or by calling the reservation team at (855) 444-2838. In the high season (roughly June through mid-October) you can expect to spend $485 on green fees alone at the Straits course.
Whistling Straits: 5 things to know about the Ryder Cup host venue
If you aren’t planning on staying at the onsite American Club hotel, golf reservations may be made online no more than two weeks in advance. (You don’t have to stay in the hotel to play if you’re looking to book a round after Oct. 17, 2021.) Guests looking to book more than two weeks in advance, looking to book a stay-and-play golf package, or looking to book a group of more than eight players, should contact the reservations team via telephone.
Other fee information at Whistling Straits
According to the course website, for non-twilight tee times, the rate quoted at confirmation of your tee time on the Straits Course includes greens fees, caddie fees and tax — but not caddie gratuity. (Recommended gratuity is $50 per bag.) The course is walking-only, so caddies are highly recommended but not required. Carts are not available.
The caddie fee is $70 per person for 18 holes. To help promote a brisk pace-of-play, Whistling Straits recommends traveling with a single-strap carry bag weighing less than 25 pounds. If your bag does not meet these requirements, you may be asked to use a provided change-out bag. Pull-carts can be rented for $15 per player.
Ready to book? Enjoy! But first — soak in the fervor of this weekend’s Ryder Cup excitement.
