Discover The Whistling Straits
The second shot on the par-5 11th hole on the Straits Course at Whistling Straits.
Ah the Ryder Cup. Even just saying those words makes the avid golfer tingle with excitement, doesn’t it? In 2020 the tournament is to be held at the prestigious Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, so you’d better get up to speed on this champion of championship courses.
Whistling Straights: Home of the 2020 Ryder Cup
Whistling Straits is certainly no stranger to high profile tournaments,having played host to some of the biggest and best in the world, including multiple PGA Championships and the 2007 Senior Open. The club’s two courses(designed by Pete Dye), which are set over a 560-acre site, offer the perfect location for such a prestigious tournament as the Ryder. It’s the first public ourse in nearly three decades to be graced with the honour.
Consistently ranked in Golf Digest’s American Top 100, Whistling Straits comprises of the Straits and the Irish courses (the latter was built on the site of a former army base with a simple brief: ‘make it look like Ireland’.Complete with grassy knolls, a windswept coastline and imported sheep, it’s most definitely done the job!
In a testament to Pete Dye’s brilliance, just a couple years after opening, the announcement was made (in 2000) that it had been chosen tohost the 2004 PGA Championship. From then, its reputation has gone from strong to stronger and it’s now considered one of the premier US courses for professionals and amateurs.
Nothing Dire About the Straits
Set against the wild and windswept beauty of Lake Michigan, the Straits are not only a superb technical course with some dramatic elevations, they’ve also capitalised on all the elements of the stunning location. You’ll need your windbreaker as it can get pretty gusty in places, but the quality of the game is unbeatable.
Encompassing two miles of the lake’s shore, every natural feature has been used, and Dye has added plenty more of his own, with bunkers galore, sculpted fairways and windswept holes overlooking the water.
Are you in Ireland, Michigan or Wisconsin? Who can tell? But with any luck you’ll be there with us in 2020 for the Ryder Cup!
Vital Stats
·18 holes
·Par-72
·Walking only
·22 acres of fairways
·500+ bunkers
·14 water hazards
If you’re interested in a dedicated golf break in beautiful Wisconsin, we highly recommend the lovely Grand Geneva Resort and Spa in Lake Geneva. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills, and within arms’ reach of two superb championship golf courses, you’ll be able to play all day and then come home to be pampered with the indulgent spa facilities, fine dining and luxury accommodation.
Coming to the Ryder Cup in 2020? If you’re thinking of attending one of the most exciting events in the golfing calendar, geti n touch and we can help you arrange a bespoke golfing break. We also specialise in other great destinations in the USA, France, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Portugal and many other places. Call 01494 875164 for reservations.