Whistling Straits/Blackwolf

[eboettne]

With the excitement of the Ryder Cup, me and a buddy booked a 3 night/4 day trip to Whistling Straits in early May(we always do golf trips in shoulder/offseasons).  I've made trips to Bandon x2, Sand Valley, Sand Hollow & Giants Ridge(Northern MN) resorts.  Curious in general from people who have been there on things like: Ranking of courses? Good food in the area? Best transportation options between courses? Best place to stay(we're currently booked for Inn @ Woodlake as it seems more modern)? 

 

Currently our itinerary is:

Wednesday - Arrive, Afternoon tee time at Meadow Valleys, evening tee time at The Baths

Thursday - Morning Tee Time @ The River Course, Free Replay Tee TIme @ The Irish

Friday - Morning Tee Time @ The Irish, Free Replay Tee Time @ Meadow Valleys(Going to try and get on the Straits instead)

Saturday -  Morning Tee Time @ The Straits, Free Replay @ Meadow Valleys(Going to try and get on The River instead)

 

Really just looking for insider tips from people who have been there or even how the resort stacks up against the ones I have been to. 

 

Thanks!

Edited September 27, 2021 by eboettne

[MountainKing]

I don't have much to offer other than,  the replay rates can be tough to depend on since you can't book them in advanced.... unless they've changed that policy. 

[eboettne]

10 hours ago, MountainKing said:

I don't have much to offer other than,  the replay rates can be tough to depend on since you can't book them in advanced.... unless they've changed that policy. 

We were able to book Meadow Valleys and The Irish in advance. Need to wait until day of to see if we can get on Straits or The River.

[okular]

inn at woodlake is awesome.  some amazing restaurants in the american club.

 

straits is the only course worth playing imho.  the others are fine, but the straits is simply one of the finest experiences golf has to offer.  

Edited September 30, 2021 by okular

[MountainKing]

2 hours ago, okular said:

inn at woodlake is awesome.  some amazing restaurants in the american club.

 

straits is the only course worth playing imho.  the others are fine, but the straits is simply one of the finest experiences golf has to offer.  

 

I've only played the BWR courses, but I'd say the River course is absolutely worth a round on. MV is fine, but no way I'd pay what they're asking for that one again. 

[Phreddy]

Another fan of The River Course and BWR here.  The Straits gets the acclaim and properly so, but there is a lot to love.

[Chanceman]

We will def play Straits and River.  But would you say Meadow Valley and The Irish are worth playing more than say The Bull and Sentryworld? On our schedule I dont think we could play all four, but two is manageable.

[Phreddy]

7 hours ago, Chanceman said:

We will def play Straits and River.  But would you say Meadow Valley and The Irish are worth playing more than say The Bull and Sentryworld? On our schedule I dont think we could play all four, but two is manageable.

The Irish is right there and worthy of your time.  The Bull is a really good course with some Nicklaus design features that people either love or loath.  I haven't yet played it under the new ownership and will let others pontificate on conditions/value.  Sentry World is an interesting call.  Personally I like the course very much.  Relative to the others you have mentioned it will be an easier track.  It has been closed for two years and is owned by a golf centric insurance company.  Making money is not their top priority, hence the conditions are immaculate without paying nosebleed prices.  Some of what you get is purely aesthetic.  Flower beds and landscaping that make the course standout yet don't impact play.  Personally I would leave Sentry World as parkland style compliment to a dunes/links style trip to near by Sand Valley.

 

Phred

[stasek]

On 10/1/2021 at 12:05 AM, Chanceman said:

We will def play Straits and River.  But would you say Meadow Valley and The Irish are worth playing more than say The Bull and Sentryworld? On our schedule I dont think we could play all four, but two is manageable.

We played the Bull, Meadow Valley, and Erin Hills earlier this year.  For the money, the Bull is a no brainer and definitely worth playing.  MV is nice (some holes on the back are quite interesting), but I’m not sure it’s worth the price of admission (we took carts).  

[Chanceman]

mmmm looks like The Bull and The Irish rather than Sentryworld and Meadow Valley.

[Chilidog]

Definitely choose the Bull over Meadow Valley. That’s a no brainer. Irish is not far behind the Straits in my mind in terms of visually stunning and really fun to play. It just lacks the water views that the Straits has. The likelihood of getting a replay on the Straits is pretty low. But given the season is just getting started in May and could be 65 and pretty or could be snowing, you could have good luck. Have fun!

[azgolfer44]

hijacking this thread.  is there someone to shower and change after playing Blackwolf?  Would prefer to clean up before a long cross-country trip later that evening.  TIA!

[cassel191919]

13 hours ago, azgolfer44 said:

hijacking this thread.  is there someone to shower and change after playing Blackwolf?  Would prefer to clean up before a long cross-country trip later that evening.  TIA!

I would call them and ask for sure, but I am pretty sure we drove back to the straits to shower before we drove home.

[Madhoshi]

Just got back from Kohler. I also drove back to straits to shower before hitting the drive back to O'hare. 

[brewcrew9]

Blackwolf does have a full locker room with showers