Kohler/Whistling Straits Trip Advice

[Scooter321]

Headed to Kohler in a few weeks. I have played Straits before but none of the other courses. I plan to play Blackwolf Run River and one other round. What do people think of Irish? Worth playing since I have already done Straits before or skip it and do Straits again? I know Straits is a better course but wondering if it is worth doing Irish just because I haven't played it before. Replay not really in the cards because wife (who doesn't golf) will be with me and at that time of year figure it is better not to tee off too early so it warms up a bit.

 

Also, looking for dinner recommendations...staying at a house off property so can be at the resort or in Sheboygan. 

[dcmidnight]

Absolutely loved the Irish - almost as much as the Straits when we went. Really fun time, cant recommend it enough.

 

Honestly we played all 4 courses and the only thing we didnt like was the lodging at the American Club itself. IMO you're doing the absolute best thing, my wife and I both said if we went back we would just get a local AirBNB

[mci711]

Irish is better than both courses at Blackwolf Run, but not worth playing instead of straits. Also I'd assume the stands may still be up depending on your trip which is pretty cool. 

Edited September 20, 2021 by mci711

[vallygolf]

Irish is a really good course.  I would still choose Straits.  While I dont have the Straits rated as highly as most.  it is very unique and IMO is better enjoyed on subsequent rounds.  

[tiderider]

River is a very good course ... however ... this is the 13th ... a par 3 ... 

 

http://golftripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Blackwolf-Run-River-Hole-13-3-copy.jpg

 

 

[dcmidnight]

LOL here's my uncropped, unzoomed shot from the tee, I think it was playing 210 the day I played.

 

 

[Scooter321]

 

2 hours ago, dcmidnight said:

LOL here's my uncropped, unzoomed shot from the tee, I think it was playing 210 the day I played.

 

 

 

Good thing I hit a draw

[mauiman]

Play the Straits. You’ll want another try at it.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

I can’t imagine going there and not playing the Straits.   I’ve been a dozen times or so and played it each trip. 
 

it’s like going to the Magic Kingdom and not getting the Mickey Ice Cream Bar 😂

[vallygolf]

16 hours ago, Carolina Golfer 2 said:

I can’t imagine going there and not playing the Straits.   I’ve been a dozen times or so and played it each trip. 
 

it’s like going to the Magic Kingdom and not getting the Mickey Ice Cream Bar 😂

wait...what...?  They have mickey ice cream bars at Magic Kingdom....

[jvincent]

21 hours ago, dcmidnight said:

LOL here's my uncropped, unzoomed shot from the tee, I think it was playing 210 the day I played.

 

 

 

The day I played it there were guys fishing. One low burner and I could have taken out three different guys.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

2 hours ago, vallygolf said:

wait...what...?  They have mickey ice cream bars at Magic Kingdom....

They are real and they are spectacular!

 

[Carolina Golfer 2]

2 hours ago, jvincent said:

 

The day I played it there were guys fishing. One low burner and I could have taken out three different guys.

Yep. I’ve definitely seen that as well. Apparently it’s a pretty good Trout spot.  

[Scooter321]

Any recommendations on spots for dinner? 

[Carolina Golfer 2]

18 minutes ago, Scooter321 said:

Any recommendations on spots for dinner? 

Most of my trips there, I stayed in Milwaukee and drove back there afterwards.

 

The last trip however, I stayed on site, and we had a couple meals at the Horse and Plow at the American Club.  It was just fine, good food and good atmosphere.  

 

[Golferpaul]

On 9/20/2021 at 12:00 PM, Scooter321 said:

Headed to Kohler in a few weeks. I have played Straits before but none of the other courses. I plan to play Blackwolf Run River and one other round. What do people think of Irish? Worth playing since I have already done Straits before or skip it and do Straits again? I know Straits is a better course but wondering if it is worth doing Irish just because I haven't played it before. Replay not really in the cards because wife (who doesn't golf) will be with me and at that time of year figure it is better not to tee off too early so it warms up a bit.

 

Also, looking for dinner recommendations...staying at a house off property so can be at the resort or in Sheboygan. 

I would add The Bull.  A wonderful course and close to Sheboygan.  If you don't mind driving, go to Erin Hills.

[Golferpaul]

44 minutes ago, Scooter321 said:

Any recommendations on spots for dinner? 

We really liked Black Pig in Sheboygan.

[exgolfpro]

Il Ritrovo for dinner.  Play BlackWolf Run.  The River is my favorite course at Kohler.

[Divot_Forensicist]

On 9/20/2021 at 1:16 PM, dcmidnight said:

Absolutely loved the Irish - almost as much as the Straits when we went. Really fun time, cant recommend it enough.

 

Honestly we played all 4 courses and the only thing we didnt like was the lodging at the American Club itself. IMO you're doing the absolute best thing, my wife and I both said if we went back we would just get a local AirBNB

Mind sharing what you found displeasing about the lodging there? My wife and I were thinking of going next year and staying there. Thanks in advance.

[StudentGolfer4]

3 hours ago, Divot_Forensicist said:

Mind sharing what you found displeasing about the lodging there? My wife and I were thinking of going next year and staying there. Thanks in advance.

I’ll add my two cents. The night I spent at the American Club was fantastic. Most people I have spoken too echo similar thoughts. 
 

Maybe it’s not truly a 5 star resort as advertised? If the price is no issue, it’s a great place to stay

[dcmidnight]

12 hours ago, Divot_Forensicist said:

Mind sharing what you found displeasing about the lodging there? My wife and I were thinking of going next year and staying there. Thanks in advance.

 

For the price you pay, IMO, the rooms are just not worth the money. We had paid for an upgraded suite that was really dark and dingy, had one tiny window and whatever you think of when you upgrade to a "suite" - that wasnt it. Its an older property as well and it felt like it. We could hear the phone ring in the room next to us and we could hear the guys above us walking around that came in late - its that kind of place.

 

And I have no issues paying for good lodging so thats not the issue, we stayed at Erin Hills afterwards and the room was worlds better for way less money.

 

Anyway for the price, I always recommend people look at least consider other options. 

[jibbs1082]

On 9/20/2021 at 1:00 PM, Scooter321 said:

Headed to Kohler in a few weeks. I have played Straits before but none of the other courses. I plan to play Blackwolf Run River and one other round. What do people think of Irish? Worth playing since I have already done Straits before or skip it and do Straits again? I know Straits is a better course but wondering if it is worth doing Irish just because I haven't played it before. Replay not really in the cards because wife (who doesn't golf) will be with me and at that time of year figure it is better not to tee off too early so it warms up a bit.

 

Also, looking for dinner recommendations...staying at a house off property so can be at the resort or in Sheboygan. 

I would recommend Irish, enjoyed it as a warm up round to Straits. Exceeded Blackwolf Meadow by a significant amount IMO. River I didn't play...

[glenva]

We went three years ago and stayed at the American Club which was great.  Had two great dinners at Trattoria Stefano and the associated pizzeria in Sheboygan.  Both were better than anything we found at the American Club.  

 

I would definitely play Straits if I went back but if I was going to play one of the other courses it would be River.  Irish is significantly better than Meadow.  

[davep043]

On 9/22/2021 at 2:02 PM, Scooter321 said:

Any recommendations on spots for dinner? 

My wife and I had a really nice dinner at Lino's, right on the waterfront in Sheboygan.