Kate and I honeymooned in Kohler Wisconsin (years ago), and played all four of the golf courses (Whistling Straits, The River Course, Meadows Valley and the Irish Course.) The day we played the Straits course, it was a little cold and rainy and by the 14th or 15th hole they blew the horn, basically ending our round. They offered a rain-check for the holes we didn’t play but we declined, promising to return at some point and play it again. That replay happened in September of 2008.
We hit the range and practice putting green prior to our tee time, and started walking to the first tee right on time (photo above.) Carts aren’t allowed, and caddies are required. Kate and I played with two other men who were both playing as singles. I played the Blues (6,909 yards) and Kate played the Reds.
The opening hole is a 366 yard par 4, playing straight towards Lake Michigan. The wind isn’t significant (yet), due to the green being higher than the tee. Keep in mind that the wind is there; it just can’t be felt at ground level. My tee shot went to the right (little tentative on the tee), but was able to hit the green and 2-putt for an opening par. So far so good.
The second is a 554 yard par 5. I didn’t play any of the par 5’s as “reachable” although it may have been possible. I was playing for a decent score, rather than taking risks. In addition, the second shot is perilous, if I were to go for it in two. Everything on the left disappears. It’s a little tough to see from the following picture, but there are people standing on the green. To their left is Lake Michigan.
The third hole is the 1st par three. Interestingly, all four of the par 3’s border Lake Michigan. As you can guess, that makes wind reign supreme on all four of these holes. This is a 176 yard and carries a handicap of 17, meaning it’s the second easiest hole on the course. Yeah, good luck with that.
The fourth is a 443 yard par 4 nicknamed “Glory”. It’s also the toughest hole on the golf course. I’m not sure what my final score was here, but I guarantee it wasn’t a par. How do I know that? Because this is where my tee shot landed.
The 5th hole is called “Snake” and for good reason. Here’s the hole layout:
There’s much more wind than one thinks when hitting your approach. Also, it seems that the trees behind the green give a false sense that you want to make sure you’re not long.
Because of that false sense of depth and wind, all four of the people in our group hit in the sand in front of the green. What are the odds?
The 7th is called “Shipwreck” and for good reason. The second par 3 that borders Lake Michigan, this one plays 192 from the Blues. Such a beautiful hole.
The 8th takes you along the Lake, and back towards the clubhouse (not in view yet, but soon). I did see a hawk while there (the first time I played here we saw a fox a couple times). Love seeing the wildlife.
The ninth plays straight towards the clubhouse, and the 18th green is also in view. This is really a beautiful sight. Be careful on the right; it’s all junk.
After finishing 9, we walked up to use the restroom and grab a snack and a drink.
As we teed off on the back 9, the black-faced sheep (which are allowed to roam the course at will) were crossing our fairway, and we reached them at the 10th green.
The 11th is called the “Sand Box”. It is a par 5, which is unreachable for me but possible for some. The approach to the green has to cross over a very, very large sand trap (thus, the hole’s name.) This picture is taken from standing on the green, looking back towards the tee. Behold… The Sand Box.
The 13th is called “Cliffhanger”, and true to its word, the green hangs on a cliff. Here’s what my third shot looked like (note one of my fellow golfers in the sand between Lake Michigan and the fairway.)
Between the 13th green and fourteenth tee there is a restroom, and a “Widows Watch”, which happens to be the name of the 14th hole. Here are pictures of the restrooms (quite hidden, actually):
And the Widows Watch:
The 17th is the final par 3 and a long one, measuring 216 from the Blues. It’s name? Pinched Nerve. Not bad.
Be careful not to go too far to the left. The drop-off is significant.
The finishing hole is spectacular, to say the least. Here’s the view from the tee (be sure to look at it large; it’s worth the extra time.)
As you approach the green, you need to descend to cross a bridge. Really a beautiful spot. This is one of Kate’s favorite pictures of the entire course.
You may have heard of the four leaf clover-shaped green. Here’s the last picture I took as we were leaving the hole and walking back to the clubhouse.
It is not inexpensive to play here, but if you ever get the opportunity I strongly suggest it. It is the round of a lifetime, and I consider myself lucky to have played it (1.7 times.)
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