Wisconsin
Sand Valley and Kohler in 5 Days
Estimate: Per golfer, 4 nights shared lodging (2 at Sand Valley, 2 in Kohler) plus 7 rounds, excluding flights. Based on reported 2026 rates of about $325 per round at Sand Valley (second same-day rounds 50% off) and roughly $645 for the Straits Course at peak plus about $90 for the caddie. Sand Valley rooms are scarce, so the low end assumes off-property lodging nearby.
This trip covers two very different kinds of golf in one state. Sand Valley is laid-back and walking-only, built on inland sand by the Keiser family that founded Bandon. Kohler is polished and expensive, with Pete Dye's Ryder Cup course on Lake Michigan.
It works because the drive between them is about two hours, so you can play a morning round at Sand Valley and be in Kohler for dinner. Fly into Central Wisconsin and out of Milwaukee and you never backtrack.
Day by day
- 1
Arrive, play the Sandbox
SandboxFly into Central Wisconsin and drive about an hour to Sand Valley. Play the Sandbox in the evening. Craig's Porch is the cheap, casual food stop on property.
- 2
Sand Valley and Sedge Valley
Sand ValleySedge ValleySand Valley in the morning, Sedge Valley in the afternoon at the half-price replay rate. Book dinner at Aldo's ahead if you want a sit-down meal.
- 3
Mammoth Dunes, then drive to Kohler
Mammoth DunesAn early round at Mammoth Dunes, lunch, then about two hours east to Kohler. Check in at the American Club and rest up.
- 4
Whistling Straits, both courses
Whistling Straits – Straits CourseWhistling Straits – Irish CourseMorning on the Straits with a caddie. If your legs hold up, take a cart on the Irish in the afternoon; otherwise use the time in Kohler.
- 5
Blackwolf Run River, fly out
Blackwolf Run – River CoursePlay the River Course in the morning and then drive about an hour to Milwaukee for an evening flight.
The courses
Sandbox
Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw · 2018 · Public
Seventeen par 3s, good for arrival day or as a third loop.
Sand Valley
Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw · 2017 · Public; resort guests get preferred rates
The original course: wide fairways, blowout bunkers and red pines. Among the best public courses in the country.
Sedge Valley
Tom Doak · 2024 · Public; resort guests get preferred rates
A par-68, under-6,000-yard course with tiny greens and heathland character. The easiest second 18 of the day at the 50% replay rate.
Mammoth Dunes
David McLay Kidd · 2018 · Public; resort guests get preferred rates
Huge fairways, big slopes and lots of fun shots. The most playable course for mixed-ability groups.
Pete Dye · 1998 · Public; advance times tied to Destination Kohler stays
Host of three PGA Championships and the 2021 Ryder Cup, with eight holes along Lake Michigan. Walking-only.
Whistling Straits – Irish Course
Pete Dye · 2000 · Public
Same clubhouse as the Straits, a bit inland, with carts allowed. A good afternoon round after the Straits.
Blackwolf Run – River Course
Pete Dye · 1988 · Public
Played along the Sheboygan River and the toughest of Kohler's four. Hosted parts of two U.S. Women's Opens.
Booking it
Sand Valley lodging books up 18 months out for groups; public tee times can now be booked online without a stay, which makes off-property lodging workable. At Kohler, a Destination Kohler stay (the American Club or a sister property) is what opens advance tee times for the Straits; short-notice public tee times there are unreliable in peak season.
Worth knowing
- All Sand Valley courses are walking-only. Pull carts rent for about $10 a day, and caddies are about $100 per bag plus tip; book them at least a week ahead.
- The Lido, the resort's recreation of C.B. Macdonald's lost course, is open only to Sand Valley lodging guests Sunday through Thursday, and only in limited numbers. If you stay on property, ask about it when you book.
- The Straits Course is walking-only. Budget for a caddie (about $90 plus a tip of around $70 per bag, per 2026 reports).
- The Commons, a 12-hole Jim Craig course at Sand Valley, opens in 2026 and is a good option for arrival day.