Report by Anand Datla
August 10, 2015: It is a two mile stretch of uninterrupted shore line, running along the undulating banks of the mighty Lake Michigan. The Whistling Straits is a public golf course, designed by the widely respected architect Pete Dye. The 7501 yard, 18 hole course contains four par-5 holes with par set at 72.
The facility has two courses – The Straits and The Irish, with the former playing host to the 97th edition of the PGA Championship. The venue is just off the I43 North, a highway that runs through the state of Wisconsin.
The fact that a course born in 1998, is already holding its third PGA Championship should underline the might and muscle of the Kohler empire that was instrumental in getting this course set up towards the end of the previous century. Whistling Straits is also set to host the Ryder Cup in 2020.
With as many as eight holes hugging the shoreline, the spectacular setting makes it ideal for television. In part that might also explain the quick success of the course, since its opening in 1998.
The fairways are a blend of three fescue cultivars, while the greens and tees use Bentgrass. There are over 500 bunkers protecting this beautiful course, besides the 14 water hazards that add to its complexity.
The earlier editions of the PGA Championship held at the Whistling Straits in 2004 and 2010, both had to be decided in a playoff. Very few can forget the intriguing finish to the 2010 edition.
Martin Kaymer pipped Bubba Watson to the flag in a three hole playoff under fading light to clinch the maiden major title of his career. Vijay Singh was the winner in 2004.
The current edition promises some exciting action as the young guns of golf continue their surging campaign to snatch control of the game with their fearless brilliance.
The young brigade is expected to make it a keen contest yet again, with the likes of Jordan Spieth, Zach Jonson, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Rory McIlroy seeking to leave their own imprint on the game.
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- Pros
- anand datla
- PGA Championship
- Whistling Straits
