Golfing in America’s Dairyland

Any players who are familiar with golf in the Midwest know the Great Lakes region is a golfer’s paradise. Even though the season is relatively short, the gradual hills, seemingly endless lakeshores, vast forests and a plethora of water make the Midwest’s topography perfect for golf courses.

Recently, Wisconsin has been making a push for golf supremacy in the region, largely because America’s Dairyland will host the 2017 U.S. Open and the 2020 Ryder Cup.

Any golfer planning a golf trip somewhere in the Midwest would be remiss to ignore Wisconsin’s east coast along Lake Michigan, home to some of the nation’s finest golf courses. Here’s a quick look at some of the best links Wisconsin has to offer.

Whistling Straits

Whistling Straits is one of two 36-hole, links-style golf courses associated with The American Club (more to come on the other), located near Kohler, Wisc. Designed by the legendary Pete and Alice Dye, both courses (the Straits Course and the Irish Course) are not only considered some of the best courses in the Midwest, but indeed the entire world.

The Straits Course is the flagship course at Whistling Straits, and it has hosted many tournaments, including the 2004, 2010 and 2015 PGA Championships, as well as the 2007 U.S. Senior Open. In 2020, the Straits Course will play host to the Ryder Cup.

Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, the course attempts to replicate the ancient links-style courses of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

A photo posted by The American Club (@theamericanclub) on May 29, 2016 at 7:39am PDT

Blackwolf Run

The second golf complex associated with The American Club is Blackwolf Run, originally an 18-hole course since expanded to 36 holes. Designed by the inimitable Pete Dye, both courses are considered some of the best in the region, consistently being ranked in the top 100 by many publications.

Set along a glacial river basin, the par-72 course follows the Sheboygan River as it meanders eastward toward Lake Michigan.

A photo posted by @erinhillsgolf on May 25, 2016 at 6:59am PDT

Erin Hills

Located in Erin, Wisc., Erin Hills is one of the newer courses in the region, completed in 2006, but has already played host to a number of major tournaments. Designed by Michael John Hurdzan, the par-72 course has been the host of the 2008 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links and the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship. It will be the future host for the 2017 U.S. Open.

Taking a minimal approach to design, the course uses the naturally carved features in such a way the golf holes seem to be one and the same with the land. With a “walk-only” policy, expect to enjoy 18 holes in the peace and quiet of Wisconsin’s natural beauty.

Wisconsin is clearly home to some of the greatest golf courses in the country, and maybe even the world. So grab your bag, make a tee-time and get out on the course!