Whistling Straits (Straits Course)
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- 7,790yds
- Holes
- 18
- Opened
- 1998
- Access
- Resort
- Design
- Modern
History
Whistling Straits' Straits Course, Pete Dye's inland links masterpiece carved along Lake Michigan's western shore in Wisconsin, was designed to evoke Ireland's rugged coastline. Dye moved millions of tons of earth to create massive dunescapes, hundreds of bunkers, and dramatic seaside terrain from a flat former Army airstrip. Opened in 1998, it hosted the 2004 PGA Championship, the 2015 PGA where Jason Day set a record 20-under performance, and the 2021 Ryder Cup with Steve Stricker's victorious American team. The course has hosted more major championships than any Wisconsin venue in history.
Signature Hole
18th hole, par 4, 489 yards — a long perilous lakeside finisher with a tiny green perched above Lake Michigan
Notable Tournaments
- 2004 PGA Championship
- 2010 PGA Championship
- 2015 PGA Championship
- 2021 Ryder Cup
In the context of the top 100
Where this course sits against every ranked course on the list.
Frequently asked questions
Is Whistling Straits (Straits Course) public or private?
Whistling Straits (Straits Course) is a resort course, open to resort guests and the public; tee times are usually booked through the resort.
Who designed Whistling Straits (Straits Course)?
Whistling Straits (Straits Course) was designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1998.
Where does Whistling Straits (Straits Course) rank among the top golf courses in America?
Whistling Straits (Straits Course) ranks #23 on our consensus ranking of America's 100 greatest golf courses, synthesized from Golf Digest, Golfweek, and GOLF Magazine.
What is the signature hole at Whistling Straits (Straits Course)?
The signature hole at Whistling Straits (Straits Course) is the 18th hole, par 4, 489 yards — a long perilous lakeside finisher with a tiny green perched above Lake Michigan.