Yes, you can absolutely play Whistling Straits. This rugged masterpiece, sculpted along two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, isn’t a private, members-only enclave, it’s a public resort course open to any golfer with the desire to tackle one of golf's most dramatic challenges. This guide will walk you through exactly how to secure a tee time, what to budget for the experience, and most importantly, how to prepare your game for this major championship-level test.
That’s right. Whistling Straits is the flagship course of Destination Kohler, a luxury golf resort in Kohler, Wisconsin. Unlike the ultra-private gates of a place like Augusta National, the gates at Whistling Straits are open to all. The property features two incredible 18-hole courses, both designed by the legendary Pete and Alice Dye:
Because it’s a resort, access isn’t as simple as calling up your local muni, but playing a course of this caliber is an attainable goal for any golfer. It just takes some planning.
Securing a tee time at the Straits Course, especially during peak season (June-September), requires forward thinking. The demand is high, so booking well in advance is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the process.
The surest way to get a guaranteed time on The Straits Course is by booking a golf package that includes lodging at one of the Destination Kohler properties, like The American Club or the Inn on Woodlake. Resort guests get priority booking, often able to reserve tee times months, or even up to two years, in advance when booking specific packages.
While this adds to the overall cost, it turns the round of golf into a complete, immersive experience. It also removes the stress of trying to snag a leftover public time slot.
Booking windows vary depending on whether you’re a resort guest. Here's a general idea of how it works:
For packages and resort stays, the easiest way to book is by calling Destination Kohler’s Central Reservations or by exploring the packages on their website. Their agents can walk you through the options, align them with your desired dates, and package the entire trip for you.
Are you a solo traveler trying to check a bucket-list item off your list? Don’t lose hope. Whistling Straits often has single-player openings due to last-minute cancellations or twosomes and threesomes in the tee sheet. Your best bet is to call the pro shop directly a day or two before you want to play. Getting on as a single requires flexibility, but it’s a very common way for individual golfers to get to experience the course.
Playing a Top 100 public course and major championship venue is an investment. It’s important to go in with a clear understanding of the costs so you can fully enjoy the day without any surprises.
Prices fluctuate based on the season and time of day, but you can expect the following for peak season (Summer 2024 rates for context):
Playing in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can offer lower rates, but you also a run higher risk of cold or wet weather.
Walking The Straits Course with a caddie is required. This is not just a rule, it’s an essential part of the experience. Your caddie is your guide, your green-reader, and your strategic consultant. The system works as follows:
So, for The Straits Course, you should budget approximately $750 - $900+ for the complete on-course experience per person (greens fee + caddie fee + tip).
As a golf coach, this is where I get excited. You’ve booked the trip, now let's get your game ready. You don’t need to be a scratch golfer to enjoy Whistling Straits, but you do need to be prepared for the specific type of test it presents. Showing up unprepared is a recipe for frustration.
The Straits is a true links-style course. The two dominant features are the ever-present wind off Lake Michigan and the hundreds of bunkers that litter every hole. Pete Dye designed it so that there is no single defined line of play, he gives you options and dares you to execute. Very few trees mean the wind is a factor on every single shot.
Forget trying to overhaul your swing. Instead, focus on sharpening three specific shots that you will be hitting all day long.
Accuracy from the tee is far more important than raw distance. A 280-yard drive into one of Dye’s punishing bunkers is infinitely worse than a 240-yard drive in the fairway. Before you go, spend time on the range finding a "fairway-finder" tee shot. This is often a three-quarter swing where you focus on a balanced finish. The goal isn't to hit it as far as you can, it's to put the ball in play.
You cannot play this course by launching high, ballooning iron shots into the wind, it will eat you alive. You need to be able to control your trajectory. A simple knockdown shot is your best friend. Here's how to practice it:
Mastering this will save you countless strokes and make playing in the wind feel manageable instead of impossible.
You will find a bunker. Probably many. The sand is thick and the lies are often unpredictable and uneven. Don’t try to be a hero. Your #1 goal from a fairway bunker is to get out and advance the ball. Practice hitting from the sand, focusing only on clean contact and getting the ball back into the fairway.
Your day at Whistling Straits is more than just a round of golf - it’s an event. When you arrive, you’re greeted by an impressive stone clubhouse that feels like a castle overlooking the lake. Take some time to soak it all in.
You’ll meet your caddie on the range. Use this time not just to warm up, but to get to know them. Ask them about the day's conditions, the green speeds, and the wind. Trust them. They have walked this course thousands of times. When they tell you to aim 20 feet left of the flagstick because of the wind and slope, do it.
Finally, get ready to walk. The course is a breathtaking trek up and down the dunes along the shoreline. Wear comfortable golf shoes, and remember to admire the views. Even if you aren't playing your best, playing holes like the par-3 17th, "Pinched Nerve," perched right on the lake’s edge, is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Playing Whistling Straits is an incredible and challenging experience that's available to any passionate golfer. By planning ahead for your booking, budgeting appropriately for the costs, and preparing your game for the conditions連絡 you will face, you can create a golf memory that truly lasts a lifetime.
A course like The Straits demands that you think your way around, and having an expert opinion to guide your strategy is invaluable. My goal with Caddie AI is to give you that same kind of strategic advantage in your pocket, on any course you play. Whether it's picking the smart target off the tee at your home club or getting a recommendation on how to play a tricky shot you’ve never seen before, we provide on-demand guidance to help you make smarter decisions, eliminate costly mistakes, and play with confidence.
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