On what should have been Ryder Cup weekend, we played Whistling Straits

We expected this to be a stage for pageantry and camaraderie. Instead, it was just open for public play.

The 43rd Ryder Cup, pitting the U.S. and Europe, was scheduled for this weekend (Sept. 25-27) along the Lake Michigan shores of Wisconsin at Whistling Straits.

It was, of course, postponed due to the COVID pandemic. The two sides will meet at the same location and play Sept. 24-26, 2021.

The PGA of America and European Tour had been considering a variety of options, including playing this year without fans or with limited spectators. But high-profile players voiced concern over playing a Ryder Cup without fans.

Instead, the mighty course was available to the masses this weekend. Golfweek’s Jay Blasi — a renowned architect who was the Design Project Architect for Chambers Bay, site of the 2015 U.S. Open — was part of a group of players who soaked up the sights and sounds.

So what would it have been like if the Ryder Cup were played at Whistling Straits this weekend?

It certainly wouldn’t have felt foreign to the English and Irish players on the European roster:

Too bad the ⁦@rydercup⁩ isn’t today as we have some linksy weather. pic.twitter.com/YLYIe8rxjf

— Jay Blasi (@jayblasi) September 26, 2020

One aspect that makes Whistling Straits so spectacular is the way eight holes hug the lakeshore. But due to record-setting water levels, Lake Michigan waves have been wreaking havoc along the course. While it still looks spectacular, it’s made some holes a little rougher around the edges than in years past.

Lake Michigan took its toll on the shoreline this year. pic.twitter.com/4a1asphzGN

— Jay Blasi (@jayblasi) September 26, 2020

And then there’s the weather.

In the past, when major events have come through Sheboygan — Whistling Straits has played host to three PGA Championships and a U.S. Senior Open — all have done so prior to Labor Day, when the temperatures are high and winds often mild.

That’s not typically the case in September, however, and this year was no different. Although the mercury did push the thermometer up to 70 on Saturday for Golfweek’s Blasi and crew, the forecast moving forward doesn’t look as promising. High temperatures will dip to the 50s by the end of the week and lows could reach the 30s. Snow is a possibility for next year, even though our crew only dealt with some foggy and windy conditions.