The Irish Course is the newest addition to Whistling Straits, completing the 72 holes set out by Kohler Co. and Pete Dye. Since its opening in August 2000, the course has been a unique feature of the resort, blessed with an Irish style and personality combined with American flair. With vast sweeping grasslands, heather-drenched dunes and cavernous pot bunkers, the 75.6 course rating and 146 slope suggests that the overall challenge offered by the Irish Course is an ominous one. Nevertheless, poor scores will likely be easily forgotten in lieu of the overall experience; with stunning scenery and a resident flock of sheep that roams the property and lends authenticity to its Irish flavour, this integral member of the Whistling Straits golf complex has a mature feel despite being a design still in its infancy. The Irish Course will only get better in time.  

After a pair of medium-length par fours, a true sense of the Irish Course experience comes at the 147-yard third, which plays over a small pond and rugged waste area to a thin green banked by Dye's trademark railroad ties. Proper club selection is imperative, as swirling winds make judging the distance difficult, and a handful of small bunkers long protect against the overly conservative play.

Standing on the tee at the 570-yard fifth, one will hope their sand game is in order. A giant waste bunker flanks the right-hand side of the fairway, and demands a well-played tee shot up the left-center. On the lay-up, players must decide whether to aggressively try and carry the river that bisects the landing area, or take an iron and stay short of it. The approach is to a receptive green surrounded by several bunkers.

Avoid the sand at the fifth, and the same tall order awaits at the sixth. At 160 yards, length is not a problem, but the green is tiny, and elevated above a veritable moat of sand. Hit the green, and par is virtually assured. Miss, and a deft bunker play will be required in order to make a three. 

Another nerve-wracking decision at the closing hole of the outward half, a 484-yard par four with a creek bisecting the ideal landing area. Golfers opting to stay short of the water would be wise to keep their tee shot down the left-hand side, which will shorten the approach. A bold play over the stream will leave a medium-length approach to a large green that is fronted by another section of the same river. Only two great shots will yield a reasonable chance at par.

Those who named the 208-yard, par-three 11th 'Lamb Chop' surely did so with tongue planted firmly in cheek. A gallery of sheep will likely serve as the audience for this difficult shot over waste bunkers to a green semi-tucked behind a large mound left, on which the animals in question tend to roam. Misses short and right will surely find the sand. Anything left will leave the player having to deal with an altogether different type of hazard.

The next par three on the back side is no easier. The 183-yard hole plays shorter than its listed yardage, as the tee is elevated, but the approach must carry a bluff and a marsh area short and left. Bunkers protect behind the green, so an overly conservative play does not ensure a good score.

After a difficult stretch of par fours in the latter section of the inward half, golfers get a slight respite at the 558-yard closing hole. A strong tee shot over sand and water leaves players with the decision of either carrying the stream or laying up in front of it. The third is a short pitch to a deep, elevated green with a large swale to the right. A par at the last is a realistic goal, but likely of little condolence for your course. The Irish Course is a wonderful golf experience, and one that will test your strengths and expose your weaknesses.