Championship runs in major tournaments make for intriguing storylines.
Of course, there was the Tiger Slam of 2001. Let’s not forget Rory McIlroy’s impressive back-to-back major victories in 2014, Jordan Spieth’s Masters and U.S. Open wins in 2015, and most recently, Brooks Koepka’s “four-pack” – his U.S. Open wins in 2017 and 2018, and his PGA Championship triumphs in 2018 and 2019.
Another notable name in golf is about to embark on an impressive championship run, as Golf Kohler will play a key role in two of golf’s premier events over the next 10 months – the 43rd Ryder Cup and the 150th Open Championship.
The 43rd Ryder Cup will occur Sept. 21-26, 2021, at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin, while the 150th Open Championship returns to the historic Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland, July 10-17, 2022. Golf fans should instantly recognize the Golf Kohler connection at these two major events: Whistling Straits is the crown jewel at Destination Kohler, one of the world’s foremost golf resorts, and the majestic Old Course Hotel, which Kohler owns, is within three yards of the famed “Road Hole” and will be a significant factor when golfers play the par-4 17th.
Golf Kohler knew these events were on the horizon – they just didn’t know that a global pandemic would shorten the timeline between the two. The Ryder Cup matches were scheduled for September 2020 but were postponed because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The new 10-month window has now presented Golf Kohler a tremendous opportunity to showcase its two premier properties to golf fans eager to play where the pros play.
Situated two-and-a-half hours north of Chicago, Destination Kohler epitomizes world-class luxury and championship golf. All four of its golf courses – including The Straits at Whistling Straits – were designed by legendary course architect Pete Dye. Besides this year’s Ryder Cup, its layouts have hosted three PGA Championships, the U.S. Senior Open and two U.S. Women’s Opens. Earlier this year, Destination Kohler opened The Baths of Blackwolf Run, a 10-hole par-3 course that also features a two-acre putting course, food and beverage service, and special events capability.
Beyond golf, the Kohler Waters Spa is one of only 60 five-star spas in the world, with an evolving health and wellbeing program with Yoga on the Lake at the core. Moreover, Kohler’s 500-acre nature preserve, River Wildlife, is the perfect escape from the rigors of city life with its hiking and sun-dappled walking trails along the Sheboygan River.
The resort boasts gracious accommodations that suit any traveler. The American Club is a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond Hotel that offers the finest amenities, service and comfort, while The Inn on Woodlake is a favorite among those enjoying the resort for golf and business. Other lodging options include the Kohler Cabin Collection, which offers a private escape for guests.
Kohler’s approach to hospitality can also be found overseas at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa. Bordering the most famous golf course in the world, The Old Course Hotel features 144 guestrooms and 35 suites that overlook the famous Links Trust courses, the West Sands Beach, the hills of Fife, and the beautiful Scottish coastline. Movie buffs will likely recognize these views from the Oscar-winning movie “Chariots of Fire.”
Stay-and-play packages at the hotel include golf on the many championship golf courses in and around St. Andrews, including The Duke’s — a heathland course owned and operated by Golf Kohler — and the Old Course. The hotel has six restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining and is easily accessible by road, rail or air.
These are exciting times in professional golf – with so many talented players, it’s likely a top-ranked golfer or a budding superstar will partake in a magical championship run over the next 10 months. Golf Kohler will also embark on an intriguing championship run of its own, as golfers and non-golfers alike will find world-class experiences both on and off the course in Kohler, Wisc., and St. Andrews, Scotland — all delivered by Kohler Hospitality.