WISCONSIN — This week marks the 25th anniversary of the Kohler area’s Whistling Straits. The Straits course has hosted three PGA championships, a U.S. Senior Open and a Ryder Cup. There’s understandable pride in those accomplishments.
“There’s a lot of things that stand out,” said Mike O’Reilly, the director of golf for Destination Kohler. “One in my most recent memory is being involved with the Ryder Cup. The first tee shot of the Ryder Cup on the actual match on Friday morning is a pretty special moment.”
The PGA Championship has moved on the golf calendar from August to May, a fickle time for Wisconsin weather. That will impact what Whistling Straits’ future will look like.
“We continue to explore those opportunities with the United States Golf Association and PGA of America,” said O’Reilly. “Might be a little bit different events than we’ve hosted in the past, but we will continue to host events for the next many years.”
In recent years, and even days, Wisconsin courses such as Erin Hills and Sentry World have hosted major golf tournaments. It’s a trend that Whistling Straits helped start.
“Mr. Kohler was a trailblazer,” O’Reilly said. “And he was the first one to bring this level of golf or this level of golf experience to the state of Wisconsin. Since that has grown and it’s been great for all, all parties. You know, we’re happy to be part of such a great golf community in the state of Wisconsin. People can now visit this state and play up to ten top 100 public ranked golf courses in one golf trip.”
This milestone anniversary at Whistling Straits is a perfect time to assess the future, O’Reilly said.
“As an organization, I think it’s a good time for us to celebrate the past,” said O’Reilly. “Also, look to the future and say, ‘Okay, we’ve done well; what are we going to do better looking forward?”’
O’Reilly called Whistling Straits a special property: One that can be appreciated and enjoyed for more than major tournaments.
