At Whistling Straits, the “Straits” course is clearly meant to be the star of the show. It hogs ALL of the lakefront property and most of the manufactured dunes, while the Irish course faces the inland farms and harbors the on-property holding ponds.
Course map:
http://www.americanclubresort.com/golf/ws/irish_course_map.htmlSo why would anyone chose to play the Irish? Well, it does allow carts for those too weary to walk on the long, caddy-only Straits. It’s also quite a bit cheaper and it offers a different golfing experience for those hoping to play 36 distinct holes in a single day (or trip). Better yet, it is a very good course with several memorable holes in its own right.
Just how different is Irish golf from Straits golf? Well, it measures 600 yards fewer in total from the tips, is less predictably/redundantly routed, and generally features more contour in the greens. Also, judging from my 2 days on the property, it is far less crowded (making for faster rounds).
Will I ask any more redundant questions? No I will not. They represent poor writing. Let’s take a look at the course.
#1: 400 yards.
The opening hole of the Irish course is adjacent to# 1 on the Straits, and several key differences between the two courses are already apparent: 1) the fairway is much wider, 2) the hole is MUCH (nearly 100 yards) shorter from the tips 3) there aren’t 12 other golfers and caddies clogging up the hole.
The approach angle is less favorable from the left side but, even uphill, with a short club this shot is well within the capabilities of a competent golfer.
The first green features enough rolls and surrounding trouble to keep golfers honest – birdies will be well-earned while few will pile up a huge number and immediately regret their decision to tee one up.