Hole 16 at Whistling Straits

Par 4 • 474 Yards • Sheboygan, Wisconsin

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Brutal

The 16th hole at Whistling Straits showcases Pete Dye's masterful design philosophy, presenting golfers with a demanding par 4 that epitomizes the strategic challenges found throughout this world-class championship course. This hole demands both precision and power, serving as a stern test late in the round along Wisconsin's dramatic Lake Michigan coastline.

Tees:

474y436y425y383y333y

Green:32y × 51y

Fairway @250y:46y wide

10 BunkersWater dogleg

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Whistling Straits

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 474 yds
Green: 9944 sq ft
Bunkers: 10
Water: Yes
Course Slope: 146
Course Rating: 75.6

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

Position your tee shot carefully on this 474-yard par 4, as the fairway widens significantly from 35 yards at the 200-yard mark to 46 yards at 250 yards. Longer hitters should consider laying back to the 200-yard area for better positioning, while shorter hitters can take advantage of the wider landing area further out.

hazard warning

Beware of the strategically placed bunker at 242.6 yards from the tee - this Pete Dye design feature will catch aggressive drives that find the fairway's wider section. Plan your tee shot distance accordingly to either lay up short or carry well beyond this hazard.

approach

Your approach shot will be crucial to this large green measuring 9,944 square feet (32 yards by 51 yards). The generous green size allows for aggressive pin-hunting, but be aware of the greenside bunkers positioned at 410.5 yards that guard the putting surface.

green

Take advantage of the substantial green dimensions of 32 by 51 yards - this Pete Dye design gives you plenty of room to work with. Focus on getting your approach shot to the correct tier or section of this large putting surface rather than attacking tight pin positions.

hazard warning

The back bunker positioned at 490.1 yards from the tee serves as a backstop for aggressive approach shots. While this hazard is well behind the green, be mindful not to over-club your approach on this 474-yard hole, especially when pins are cut in the back sections of the deep green.

train this shot at home

This 474-yard par 4 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

When water is in play, commit to a conservative target. A bogey beats a big number every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 474-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 16?

This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4, water in play, heavily bunkered, large green requiring good lag putting.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 16?

Key hazards include: 4 greenside bunkers; water at 363.8 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 16?

The green is large and can play quite long. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.

What's a good score on hole 16?

This hole is one of the tougher holes where par feels like birdie. A challenging par 4. Accept that bogey happens and avoid big numbers.

Can I practice hole 16 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Whistling Straits. You can play this exact 474-yard par 4 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →