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They Said it Couldn't Be Done
Herb Kohler capitalized on customer demand, in the form of comment cards in the suggestion box, when he created what some have called the most spectacular 72 holes of golf in America – the Straits and Irish courses at Whistling Straits and the River and Meadow Valleys courses at Blackwolf Run. At one time, a Chicago Tribune editor opined about Sheboygan County, Wisconsin: “The likelihood of turning this vast rural farmland into a golf mecca is about the same as making a toilet a work of art.” Herb achieved both as millions of homeowners, hotel guests and golfers can attest, and culminating with the 43rd Ryder Cup in 2021.
They Said it Couldn't Be Done
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Herb Kohler capitalized on customer demand, in the form of comment cards in the suggestion box, when he created what some have called the most spectacular 72 holes of golf in America – the Straits and Irish courses at Whistling Straits and the River and Meadow Valleys courses at Blackwolf Run. At one time, a Chicago Tribune editor opined about Sheboygan County, Wisconsin: “The likelihood of turning this vast rural farmland into a golf mecca is about the same as making a toilet a work of art.” Herb achieved both as millions of homeowners, hotel guests and golfers can attest, and culminating with the 43rd Ryder Cup in 2021.
Iconic Destinations
Herb had a deep respect for history and preservation. In his opinion, he served as a disciple to what his forbearers had begun, fully aware of the responsibility in carrying that heritage forward. Always searching to expand his hospitality portfolio, he was steadfast that the properties be iconic destinations starting with the flagship American Club Hotel. Built in 1918 by his uncle Walter Kohler, and opened as a hotel by Herb in 1981, The American Club was a residence for immigrant workers from Europe where they also took English and U.S. citizenship classes. His second property, The Old Course Hotel, sits on the 17th fairway of the Old Course – the most famous golf course in the world in the birthplace of golf in St Andrews, Scotland. And in 2017, he opened LODGE KOHLER, right across the street from historic Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers.
Iconic Destinations
Herb had a deep respect for history and preservation. In his opinion, he served as a disciple to what his forbearers had begun, fully aware of the responsibility in carrying that heritage forward. Always searching to expand his hospitality portfolio, he was steadfast that the properties be iconic destinations starting with the flagship American Club Hotel. Built in 1918 by his uncle Walter Kohler, and opened as a hotel by Herb in 1981, The American Club was a residence for immigrant workers from Europe where they also took English and U.S. citizenship classes. His second property, The Old Course Hotel, sits on the 17th fairway of the Old Course – the most famous golf course in the world in the birthplace of golf in St Andrews, Scotland. And in 2017, he opened LODGE KOHLER, right across the street from historic Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers.
And because of the nature of our courses, we have some very unusual outcomes. That kind of drama is what those courses produce. And they do it time and time again.”
– Herb Kohler
Major Achievements
When Herb Kohler hosted a major golf championship, it was memorable, record-breaking or both. It began in 1998, when a South Korean rookie named Se-Ri Pak outlasted an amateur at the U.S. Women’s Open Championship at Blackwolf Run. The event required a fifth day to determine a champion, and has been lauded as the catalyst moment that ushered in a new generation of young South Korean female golfers who have dominated the sport ever since. Two of three PGA Championships at Whistling Straits required additional holes to break ties, and then there was Herb’s crown jewel event at Whistling Straits – the 43rd Ryder Cup in 2021. It was deemed by leading golf experts as the best ever in the Cup’s illustrious 94-year history with the U.S. team, the youngest on record, posting the largest margin of victory in taking back the Ryder Cup.
Major Achievements
When Herb Kohler hosted a major golf championship, it was memorable, record-breaking or both. It began in 1998, when a South Korean rookie named Se-Ri Pak outlasted an amateur at the U.S. Women’s Open Championship at Blackwolf Run. The event required a fifth day to determine a champion, and has been lauded as the catalyst moment that ushered in a new generation of young South Korean female golfers who have dominated the sport ever since. Two of three PGA Championships at Whistling Straits required additional holes to break ties, and then there was Herb’s crown jewel event at Whistling Straits – the 43rd Ryder Cup in 2021. It was deemed by leading golf experts as the best ever in the Cup’s illustrious 94-year history with the U.S. team, the youngest on record, posting the largest margin of victory in taking back the Ryder Cup.
Hospitality Innovation
Herb Kohler’s Hospitality portfolio evolved into something far more splendid over time, driven by a series of innovations, rather than a grand vision. It started with refurbishing The American Club into a luxurious resort-hotel, an idea that was met with a few eyerolls from his Board members. Soon after, he set aside hundreds of untouched acres to create River Wildlife – a preserve for hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing. Applying the company’s expertise in the relaxing and rejuvenating qualities of showering and bathing, Herb developed the Kohler Waters Spa to complement his resort offering, and KWS quickly emerged as the leader in hydrotherapy experiences. An aficionado of preservation, Herb converted the vacant and one-time Wisconsin governor’s residence into the exquisite private membership club Riverbend.
A connoisseur of fine tastes and knowing what he likes, Herb and his culinary team developed the perfect confection of chocolate, caramel and pecans – the Terrapin – and Kohler Original Recipe Chocolates was born. Diverse product lines soon followed – chocolate ganache, milk chocolate bars, and chocolate brandy to name a few. And Herb continued to innovate later in life with the enjoyable Baths of Blackwolf Run 10-hole par-3 golf course, the cozy collection of private guest cabins offering peaceful respite, and the Straits Chapel to host life’s special moments.
Hospitality Innovation
Herb Kohler’s Hospitality portfolio evolved into something far more splendid over time, driven by a series of innovations, rather than a grand vision. It started with refurbishing The American Club into a luxurious resort-hotel, an idea that was met with a few eyerolls from his Board members. Soon after, he set aside hundreds of untouched acres to create River Wildlife – a preserve for hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing. Applying the company’s expertise in the relaxing and rejuvenating qualities of showering and bathing, Herb developed the Kohler Waters Spa to complement his resort offering, and KWS quickly emerged as the leader in hydrotherapy experiences. An aficionado of preservation, Herb converted the vacant and one-time Wisconsin governor’s residence into the exquisite private membership club Riverbend.
A connoisseur of fine tastes and knowing what he likes, Herb and his culinary team developed the perfect confection of chocolate, caramel and pecans – the Terrapin – and Kohler Original Recipe Chocolates was born. Diverse product lines soon followed – chocolate ganache, milk chocolate bars, and chocolate brandy to name a few. And Herb continued to innovate later in life with the enjoyable Baths of Blackwolf Run 10-hole par-3 golf course, the cozy collection of private guest cabins offering peaceful respite, and the Straits Chapel to host life’s special moments.