Golf: The Senior Open at Whistling Straits

Whistling Straits was the home of the Senior Open from July 2, 2007 to July 8, 2007. Calling all golfers and spectators was what Sheboygan, Wisconsin heard for several months prior to opening week. The weather was fantastic except for one round called because of rain.

The golf course own by Herb Kohler, once again proved to be a tricky course for the top senior golfers from all over the world. The first news of Whistling Straits came back in 2004 when Whistling Straits hosted the PGA.

Sunday the last day of the tournament, proved to be the challenge as the wind gusts topped thirty miles an hour at some times. Although there are not many areas of shade at Whistling Straits, it did not stop the crowds from coming out to watch there favorite golfers in the one hundred degree temperatures.

The fans came from everywhere to watch the spectacular moment when the final round came down to the last three holes. Brad Bryant had come out the final winner in the Senior Open at Whistling Straits. Bryant had taken the first place prize of $470,000. Not bad for a weeks worth of golf, one would think.

Brad Bryant's caddie, Tony Smith, has been with Bryant for a few years and will undoubtedly share in his fortune although he would not disclose the total amount of money he will receive for this win. Smith, from Atlanta considers Bryant his friend more than a boss. They have a good relationship that helps when trying to take the lead and the win in any championship.

Located right on Lake Michigan in Haven, Wisconsin, the golf course is considered a walk only golf course because of the rugged terrain. Pete Dye worked with Herb Kohler to design a championship golf course. It has proved to be just that in the last two tournaments hosted there so far.

Golfers from all over the world come to Whistling Straits to test their abilities on a course that ranks seventh out of twenty-five for walk only golf courses. Golfers who have played the course have said it is a tough course, but that is all a part of playing golf.

Sheboygan, Haven and Kohler, Wisconsin will look forward to the next round of championship golf at Whistling Straits. Herb Kohler said after the Senior Open that his golf course would also be the host of the 2010 PGA Championship, 2015 PGA Championship and the 2020 Ryder Cup. In 2012, Blackwolf Run, another one of Herb Kohler's golf courses in Kohler, will host the 2012 Women's Open.