When researching resort destinations for your next golf trip, consider visiting Kohler, Wisconsin. Kohler is home to 4 Championship golf courses, the world-renowned Kohler Waters Spa, and The American Club that offers accommodations second to none. Plus, it is easily accessible and is only about 2 ½ hours north of Chicago (or 1 hour north of Milwaukee, near Sheboygan, WI).
The American Club
The American Club has the best accommodations and amenities of any resort you will see out there today. There are 2 buildings to The American Club – the main hotel and the Carriage House. The well-appointed buildings are beautiful brick 3-story buildings that used to house the Kohler plant workers in the early 1900’s, and needless to say, it does not have a typical resort hotel look or feel. When you enter the main building, it feels as though you have walked into the warm, welcoming living room of a dear friend…and the staff makes you feel that way as well.
When visiting Kohler, we choose to stay at the Carriage House. It is a bit pricier than the main building, but it has the same styling and comes with some nice perks. At the Carriage House, you are invited to complimentary continental breakfast, tea in the mid-afternoon, and drinks before your evening activities. It is a nice opportunity chat with other guests or just relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Another perk of staying at the Carriage House is that the spa is located in the lower-level of the building. Guests are encouraged to wear their Kohler-provided robes and slippers anywhere on the premises, including down to the spa area. It is not uncommon to see folks fresh from the spa relaxing in the living room while chatting with friends. (Please note: All Carriage House patrons must be at least 18 years old. Families with children can stay at the main hotel.)
Kohler Waters Spa
The entrance of the spa is located on the main level of the Carriage House and has its own large, living room-esque lounge area. I took full advantage of the spa and checked-in about an hour early for my services. This allowed me time to listen to music on my IPhone and truly immerse myself in the experience. About 15 minutes prior to my services, I proceeded downstairs to the main services area. Located on this level are locker rooms for both men and women and a shared pool and spa area.
The women’s locker room provides all of the amenities you could ever need. There is a separate pool, steam, and spa area, as well as shower facilities stocked with signature Kohler Waters Spa products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and disposable razors). Spa attendants are never far away if you need any additional assistance. (I have good “child-bearing” hips, so I always request a larger robe from a Spa Attendant when checking-in and they are more than happy to accommodate.) The locker room also has a dressing area fully stocked with brushes, hair dryers, and styling products, so you can go back out into the world looking great.
Golf
Of course, one of the main reasons to make a trip to the Badger State is for the golf. There are 2 golf facilities with 2 courses each – Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits. If you are as much of a golf enthusiast as I am, you are probably more familiar with Whistling Straits, as this is where 2010 PGA Championship was played.
Blackwolf Run
The courses at Blackwolf Run are about a 5 minute car ride from the resort (approx. 2 miles away) and are the closest to the resort. (After many visits, my husband and I both agree that The River Course at Blackwolf Run is our favorite.) Each hole has its own distinct traits and challenges, including steep drop-offs and the Sheboygan River running through it. However, don’t let that intimidate you! This course is very playable for the average golfer. (For pictures and detailed information about each hole, visit http://www.danperry.com/blog/river-blackwolf-run-review/).
The second course at Blackwolf Run is the Meadows Valley Course. This course has many of the same challenges as The River Course, but unfortunately, I don’t have detailed information regarding this course to pass on. The last time we played this course was several years ago and since then, it has been reconfigured for a tournament for LPGA Tour. (For detailed information, visit the official website at http://www.destinationkohler.com/golf/bwr/valleys_detail.html)
Whistling Straits
The courses located at the Whistling Straits facility are The Irish Course and The Straits Course. These courses are an easy 15 minute ride from the resort and are 2 of the most picturesque courses in the United States. (The American Club also provides shuttle service to and from Whistling Straits as well.) Something to note about this course is that golf carts are not permitted, unless there is a medical reason to use one. Caddies are provided to carry bags and can offer valuable expertise when navigating this course.
Can you say “unpredictable”? Both The Straits Course and The Irish Course are positioned directly along the shore of Lake Michigan, so not only is it beautiful, but the weather can be very unpredictable. Lake Michigan is known for creating its own weather systems and it is no more evident than here. When playing this course, bring supplies for crazy weather – like a warm golf jacket, hat and gloves, and an umbrella. Both times we played this course, the weather started out very nice and turned windy and chilly within a period of about 5 minutes. (The first time, we actually got rained out on the 15th hole and walked back to the clubhouse in the pouring rain.) This is not an uncommon occurrence, but don’t let it deter you from playing here. You don’t want to miss what this course has to offer.
The course itself is visually intimidating and if you get into the long fescue, you could be looking at a really high score. However, if you focus on your distances (and heed the advice of your caddies), you will be in great shape. The fairways are not particularly thin, so the average golfer has a lot of area to work with. Get cute with your game here and you will end up losing a lot of balls or always be in one of the infamous bunkers. (Beware of the giant bunker on the 11th hole – you’ll know it when you see it. I’m convinced it sees me coming and turns on a tractor-beam to capture my ball.)
One last quick note regarding the courses at Whistling Straits – if you hear bells, stop and look around. There is a herd of sheep that live on and roam both courses. They are used to people and you don’t need to fear them, but they are a force to be reckoned with. Step to the side and watch them as they jog past. It’s one of many unique features on these courses.
Of course, this is just an overview of all that Kohler has to offer. For detailed information on the holes, trouble spots, and additional advice when navigating these courses, please visit http://www.danperry.com/blog/golf-course-reviews/ and scroll to Wisconsin Golf Courses. You will find photos and valuable insights into each hole. And for additional information regarding the resort, please visit www.destinationkohler.com – the official website for all things Kohler!