Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run: Three-nights and Four Rounds of Golf in Wisconsin

Why should I play Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run?

Whistling Straits is made up of two courses, Straits and Irish Courses. The Straits course has hosted three PGA Championships, a US Senior Open in 2007 and a Ryder Cup in 2021. If it’s good enough for a PGA Championship and a Ryder Cup, it should be at the top of your list.

• The scenery is worth is alone, as the course is built along two miles of the Lake Michigan coastline.

• Blackwolf Run is comprised of three courses, River, Meadow Valleys and a 10-hole course called The Baths.

• Blackwolf Run is built around the natural terrain of the Sheboyan River Valley.

• Both these courses will off peace and serenity.

• An added bonus? The American Club resort… more on that to follow

Where should I stay to play Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run?

I always recommend golfers stay as close as possible to the golf course. In many cases, the golf courses are built with the resort in mind. I recommend the stay and-play package, staying at The American Club and playing on Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run.

The American Club is a luxury resort. Along with world-class golf, there are seven restaurants, a luxury spa and activities such as live music, fly-fishing, long-range shooting and more. This is not just a weekend getaway for golf. You can turn it into a family vacation, with many other activities.

What would be the ideal itinerary for playing Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run?

I recommend the three-night, four-round option.
Day 1 – Whistling Straits – Irish
Day 2 – Blackwolf Run – River
Day 3 – Whistling Straits – Straits
Day 4 – Blackwolf Run – Meadow Valley
If you are not golfed out, add a round on the par-3 course — The Baths.

The best time to play Whistling Straits?

The best time is between May and September, but I always like to recommend what is often referred to as the “shoulder season”. The shoulder season is just before the peak season of May through September. For instance, end of April and early October. This way there will be less crowds. Pricing is certainly a factor. Peak season being the most expensive. Shoulder season being a little less, and then if you don’t mind the cold, March/April or October/November can still be bearable, and the price will be lower.

What else should I know about Whistling Straits?

• Advanced planning is required. I would give it four to six months to ensure you can get tee times. The resort is popular and sometimes it’s not about golf. There may not be rooms available.

• Gratuities for caddies are not included, so make sure you take care of your caddies

• Be flexible in your dates. Be flexible in your tee times. If it’s summer time, you will have more daylight, so teeing off in the afternoon might not be that bad. In the later seasons, teeing off later, you might not have enough daylight to finish, keep that in mind.

Should I play Erin Hills in Wisconsin?

If you want to maximize your golf trip to Whistling Straits, then yes, you should add an additional night and play Erin Hills. You can try to fit in Erin Hills after an early round, but why stress? Take an additional night and relax.

• The Immigrant Restaurant – Elegant fine dining with European-inspired cuisine.

• The Wisconsin Room – Classic regional dishes in a historic, refined setting.

• The Horse & Plow – Cozy pub offering hearty American comfort food.

• Taverne on Woodlake – Modern bistro fare with lakeside views.

• Blackwolf Run Restaurant – Rustic American grill overlooking championship golf.

• Whistling Straits Restaurant – Scenic dining with upscale steak and seafood.

• River Wildlife Restaurant – Secluded lodge cuisine in a natural forest setting.