Whistling Straits!!!

[mikeylikesgolf]

I am going to the American Club to play all 4 courses. Any advice is appreciated. I am a 7 handicap and not too long off the tee (240 yards) Which tees should I play? Any course management tips are welcome!!!

[cipher]

I am going to the American Club to play all 4 courses. Any advice is appreciated. I am a 7 handicap and not too long off the tee (240 yards) Which tees should I play? Any course management tips are welcome!!!

I played the Irish course last year.  I am playing The Straits on the 8th.  I would keep it around/under 6400 yards on all the courses.  They are very hard, don't make it harder than it needs to be.

[Big C]

I agree with Cipher. I've played the Straits twice and the Irish once. The Straits course is so beautiful that you want to really enjoy the walk and take in the surroundings. There is nothing that will detract from the experience more than having to search in the brush and gorse every other hole to find your ball. Play a set of tees that will allow you to hit 3 wood and the occasional long iron off the tee and keep the ball in play. Even on a perfect day, the wind will still be somewhat of a factor, so playing the tips and forcing yourself to hit driver every hole is just a recipe for unnecessary punishment. And trust me, even from a shorter tee box the course will provide plenty of challenge. I struck the ball really well on the day we played and still ended up carding an 89 - those greens can be tricky!

I don't remember much about the Irish course, and I haven't played the other two (although I hear Erin Hills is fabulous). Bottom line, you are a lucky man - enjoy it!

[mikeylikesgolf]

Thanks. I am considering playing shorter tees. I noticed Straits is the 6th hardest course in the USA according to Golf Digest. I am going to buy some cheaper balls and tee it forward!

[cipher]

Thanks. I am considering playing shorter tees. I noticed Straits is the 6th hardest course in the USA according to Golf Digest. I am going to buy some cheaper balls and tee it forward!

I think there are a couple options at 6000 to 6400 yards that would fit your game.  I am going with 6400 yards myself.

[cipher]

BTW, look at the difference in the fairway widths between the Irish and the Straits course.

[atxpkrgolf]

Not sure when ur going or if you've already gone.  See if there is a caddie named Jabo still there and get him.  As for what yardage to play from, that is up to you.   As far as knowledge, u just have to have to keep it out of those deep bunkers at all cost, even if it means playing back a bit. It is so penalizing that it will ruin your round.  I played one of my best rounds at this course when I was probably between a 12-15 handicapper. I shot 86 and can recall a lot of shots even though it's been a long time since playing it.  Have a blast