Kohler May Be Planning Fifth Course


The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Herbert V. Kohler may be considering the addition of a fifth course at his two golf resorts in Wisconsin. According to the report, architect Pete Dye has "assessed" property neighboring Lake Michigan for an 18-hole layout.

Kohler currently owns the 36-hole Blackwolf Run in Kohler and the 36-hole Whistling Straits in Haven. In 2015, Whistling Straits will host the PGA Championship for the third time and is on tap to be the site of the 2020 Ryder Cup.

After several calls, Journal Sentinel reporter Gary D'Amato said the Kohler Co. would not confirm or deny a Golf Channel report of the fifth course. Dye told Golf Channel that four holes of the new course would border the lake.

The four courses owned by Kohler are getting some competition. The public Erin Hills in Hartford will host the 2017 U.S. Open, the first time the national championship has been played in Wisconsin.

And Mike Keiser of Bandon Dunes' fame will start construction on the first of perhaps several courses this year on a 1,500-acre site south of Wisconsin Rapids. Designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, the initial Sand Valley layout will be the first of up to four courses at the high-end destination resort.

For D'Amato's full story, visit http://www.jsonline.com/sports/golf/fifth-kohler-golf-course-a-possibility-b99232426z1-252106461.html.