Virginia Golfer May / Jun 2020 | Page 33

The 17th hole at Whistling Straits is a 249-yard par-3 with breathtaking views. Above: The challenging approach of the 18th hole at The Straits. Nestled amongst rolling hills in the Sheboygan River Valley, The American Club at Destination Kohler’s quartet of Pete Dye-designed courses have played host to some of the sport’s biggest events, including three PGA Championships, a U.S. Senior Open and two U.S. Women’s Opens. This year has proven no less similar, as golf course professionals and resort staffers alike prepare for the spectacle and competition of Ryder Cup play to descend on Destination Kohler. From Sept. 22-27, golfers from around the world will turn their attention to The Straits at Whistling Straits to see if U.S. captain Steve Stricker can parlay home-country advantage into a 2020 Ryder Cup victory over Europe. “The Ryder Cup is the most exciting and iconic event in golf, and we’re thrilled to have all eyes of the world on Whistling Straits and Kohler, Wisconsin,” said Destination Kohler’s Stephen Maliszewski. “Whistling Straits is one of the greatest championship courses in the world and it’s going to be a spectacular backdrop for the competition, set on the majestic shores of Lake Michigan. “The bar has been set pretty high for the Ryder Cup, so we’re doing everything we can do to exceed expectations and make our experience even more incredible than that of any other Ryder Cup.” This year’s competition marks the first time in almost three decades that Ryder Cup matches have been held at a public course—which means that no matter where you are or who you know, there’s time for you to pack your clubs, head to the Badger State, and experience Destination Kohler for yourself. (Though please keep advised of the latest COVID-19 related travel restrictions before making plans to do so.) Each of The American Club’s courses—The Straits, The Irish, The River, and The Meadow Valleys—is distinct in design, offering unforgettable, “bucket list” experiences for golfers of all skill levels. It’s virtually impossible to find four of Golf Digest’s top-60 public courses in one region, much less at the same resort. But that is what awaits at The American Club at Destination Kohler. M AY/J UNE 2020 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 31