This year’s PGA Championship on Aug. 10-16 will again take place at Whistling Straits in Kohler, a mere 30 minutes north of Cedarburg as the crow flies. Guests staying at the Washington House Inn, local golf enthusiasts and, indeed, anyone who enjoys following the game, are all rubbing their hands in glee at the thought of the easy 40-minute drive that separates them and what is perhaps one of the most exciting golf championships in the world.
Created by the renowned golf course designer Pete Dye, Whistling Straits is comprised of two 18-hole championship golf courses known as The Straits and The Irish, and is ranked right at the top of Golf Digest’s list of America’s 200 Greatest Public Golf Courses.
For those perhaps not familiar with the Straits, some fascinating features to watch for are: two miles of uninterrupted shoreline along Lake Michigan; eight holes that hug the shoreline; a wonderful view of the lake from all 18 holes; four stone bridges at holes 1, 9, 10 and 18, and amazing bluffs and massive sand dunes. In addition to receiving fastidious care from many devoted staff members, the grass is kept in tip-top condition by a flock of Scottish black-face sheep that are kept on-site during the golfing season and which wander the property freely as they nibble away to their heart’s content.
As might be expected, the inn is almost filled to capacity during the run of the championship but savvy enthusiasts might want to jot down this piece of information – the 2020 Ryder Cup will be hosted on The Straits at Whistling Straits. “It’s never too early to plan ahead,” says Innkeeper Wendy Porterfield with a smile.