Welcome to Whistling Straits, Home of the 2021 Ryder Cup
Having been postponed until 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ryder Cup has been held in anticipation for longer than usual. Being held in America, this year’s competition is taking place in Whistling Straits, Wisconsin. The course has played host to a variety of competitions, including the 2015 PGA Championship and 2007 U.S. Senior Open. From September 24 – 26 Whistling Straits will be the site where Europe and the USA battle it out.
Described by Golf Digest as “equal part beauty and beast”, Whistling Straits is a man-made course set on the coast of Lake Michigan. Designed with historic Scottish golf courses in mind, the 560-acre course was sculpted over a former airfield. The beauty of this course is equally matched by the variety of challenges that it provides those playing on the course. To check out the variety of challenges that this course provides, watch this video by Golf Digest.
The easiest way to sum up the challenges of the Whistling Straits course is: Bunkers, Water, and Wind. Whilst you might not be playing in the Ryder Cup, or playing on the Whistling Straits course, you are likely to have to deal with some of the same issues. No matter where you play, practising the right skills and using the best tools will always help you out when dealing with these challenges.
Whistling Straits has 1,012 bunkers placed around the course, making them a key feature in any round of golf that you play there. Being able to play in a bunker is a key skill that the European and American teams will most definitely be using in this competition. If you find yourself stuck in a bunker, using some sturdy shoe spikes can help you get greater support when aligning yourself with the ball. Golf Monthly highlighted the Champ Zarma Tour Cleats as one of the best golf shoe spikes on the market.
With many of the holes situated adjacently to Lake Michigan, golfers will have to be wary of the water and plan their shots accordingly. The third hole of this course has a major water hazard on one side, and deep bunkers on the left. Having an extremely clear idea of how far they want to swing is necessary with holes like these. If facing challenges like this, utilising a tool that helps you better plan your swing can make a world of change. Rangefinders are a lightweight tool that can help you get a better sense of what distance you need to aim for and take a lot of the guesswork out of golf!
Playing into the wind provides a greater challenge at Whistling Straits, as the added risk of landing your ball in the water or bunker is even greater. The eighteenth hole is often complicated with a mass of swirling winds - running the risk of losing your ball. If you find yourself struggling with playing into the wind, then using a training aid such as a Tempo Trainer can help you warm up and also develop your downswing. When on the course, use some sunglasses to shield your eyes from both the sun and the wind; Sun Dog have created a range that not only protect your eyes, but also offer defined precision when on the course.
Associated Product List
