An 18-hole championship course that plays to 7,072 yards from the tips, Whittaker Woods was designed by the late Ken Killian, the legendary architect behind Kemper Lakes. Like many elite tracks of the modern era, Whittaker Woods, with a slope rating of 144 from the back tees, is formidable enough to challenge the most competitive golfers, yet features multiple tee placements allowing golfers of all abilities to partake and have fun. Indeed, the course plays under 5,000 yards from the front tees and has been cited by Michigan Golf as offering “great, playable golf for everyone.” The course gets its name from Captain Wessel Whittaker, one of the region’s original settlers. Captain Whittaker ran his ship aground on the Lake Michigan coastline near what is now New Buffalo in 1834 and fell in love with the landscape, which he described as “a natural harbor surrounded by dunes and tall trees where a river flowed from the surrounding woodlands into Lake Michigan.” The region’s natural beauty that so captivated Captain Whittaker is on full display at Whittaker Woods.
Remarkably, fabulous golf is only part of the draw at Whittaker Woods. The stunning clubhouse is worth the trip in and of itself. It has the woodwork and stonework one might expect from its origins as a 1920s farmhouse and an amazing and eclectic assortment of memorabilia and sculpture displayed inside and out. Golfers and visitors alike may enjoy a full bar and a terrific dining atmosphere with delicious fare and friendly hospitality. A separate and stunning banquet facility, Fairway Hall, can accommodate groups up to 300.