Contact: Leslie Stachowiak
Biennial Rankings Name the Straits and River Courses as Top Golf Experiences
KOHLER, Wis. – September 24, 2015 – GOLF Magazine recently released its biennial Top 100 Courses in the World Rankings, naming both the Straits course at Whistling Straits (#27) and the River course at Blackwolf Run (#94) in the Top 100 Courses in the U.S. Additionally, the Straits course was named #52 in the Top 100 Courses in the World. Both courses are part of Kohler Co.’s Destination Kohler, the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort-hotel in Kohler, Wisconsin. One of only 48 worldwide with these designations, the destination offers unparalleled golfing and hospitality experiences.
The highly respected World Rankings are determined by a group of international panel members who include major-championship winners, architects, journalists and group of connoisseurs who have played all of the world’s top 100 courses.
“It’s a great honor to have both Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run included in this prestigious world ranking,” said Jim Richerson, General Manager and Group Director for Kohler Golf. “We are always proud of our rankings, but this one in particular is special, knowing that it is picked by the most knowledgeable and influential people in the golf industry, who recognize the extraordinary creations by Pete Dye and Herb Kohler.”
Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run are both public, championship-caliber courses having collectively hosted six Major Championships, with Whistling Straits hosting The Ryder Cup in 2020. This past August, Whistling Straits hosted a record-breaking PGA Championship with the most combined ticket sales and corporate hospitality sales to date, surpassing the PGA Championship held at Whistling Straits in 2004.
Whistling Straits is made up of two links-style courses – the open and rugged lakeside Straits course and the more inland grassland-and-dunes Irish course. Borrowing influences from Irish links courses, the Straits has fescue fairways and massive sand dune bunkers. Just inland, interspersed by four meandering streams, the grassland and dunes aspect of the Irish is a deceiving tranquil landscape. Blackwolf Run was created alongside the Sheboygan River and basin formed by the flows of glacial runoff. Both the River and Meadow Valleys courses feature many twists and turns alongside the river and during the fall season, golfers can watch the salmon swimming upstream while they play through.
“Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run have unique and thoughtful characteristics that challenge both the professional and amateur golfer, which is both enjoyable and frustrating to the player,” said Richerson. “Knowing our courses provide a special experience for every level of golfer, we certainly look forward to hosting future Major Championships and welcoming the Ryder Cup to Whistling Straits in 2020.”
Kohler Co., most notable for its artistic and innovative kitchen and plumbing products, has a rich history of creating high-end products and experiences. Since forming the Hospitality & Real Estate Group in 1981, Kohler Co. has continued the tradition of offering the most luxurious and personalized experiences at both Kohler-owned properties in Wisconsin and St Andrews. Both properties, known for their high-level customer service and impeccable attention to detail, are recognized internationally for their championship golf courses. Destination Kohler is home to public courses Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run, which have collectively hosted the 1998 and 2012 U.S. Women’s Open, 2004, 2010 and 2015 PGA Championships, 2007 U.S. Senior Open and is the future location for 2020 Ryder Cup.
For reservations, please call 800-344-2838 or visit www.DestinationKohler.com for more information. Stay up to date on Kohler Golf news and happenings on Facebook , Instagram and on Twitter.
About Kohler Co. Hospitality & Real Estate Group
The Kohler Co. Hospitality & Real Estate profile includes The American Club, boasting the first and only Forbes Five-Star hotel property in Wisconsin, and world-renowned championship golf courses Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. Acquired in 2004, its sister property, The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in the birthplace of golf, St Andrews, Scotland, is a AA Five Red Star property and recognized as one of the most luxurious resorts in the world.
About Destination Kohler
The American Club, a Forbes Five-Star Recipient and the Midwest’s only AAA Five-Diamond resort-hotel was named #3 Golf Resort in North America, by Golf Digest Magazine. The resort is one of only 48 hotels in North America with both the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond distinction. Kohler Waters Spa in Kohler, Wisconsin is the first and only Forbes Five-Star spa in Wisconsin and one of 48 spas worldwide to hold this distinction. The resort features 12 dining establishments from the Forbes Four-Star Immigrant Restaurant to traditional pub fare at Horse & Plow and rustic Italian at Cucina. The resort is located in the Village of Kohler, Wisconsin, one hour north of Milwaukee and two and a half hours north of Chicago.
