KOHLER, Wis. – March 22, 2018 – Destination Kohler – Wisconsin’s golf leader and home to Major Championship courses Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run created by acclaimed architect Pete Dye – has made four new appointments on its golf leadership team.
Michael Aschenbach has been elevated to head golf professional at Whistling Straits. The first assistant golf professional at both Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits since 2007, Aschenbach played an important role in executing the 2004, 2010 and 2015 PGA Championships and 2007 U.S. Senior Open. He will now direct all golf operations at Whistling Straits in addition to performing lead golf instructor duties at the Kohler Golf Academy. Aschenbach is also an executive vice chair of the 2020 Ryder Cup.
Formerly the second assistant golf professional at Whistling Straits, James Font has been promoted to first assistant professional at Blackwolf Run. Before joining the Destination Kohler team, he was the head golf professional at The Bull at Pinehurst Farms in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. Font will also serve as an instructor at the Kohler Golf Academy and play a critical role ensuring the team is delivering a five-star experience to all guests.
Ed Elsner has been appointed to a newly created position, manager of golf events at Destination Kohler. He will oversee the execution of all group golf events and lead public golf group sales. Executive vice chair of scoring services for the 2004, 2010 and 2015 PGA Championships, 2007 U.S. Senior Open and 2012 U.S. Women’s Open, Elsner is a certified rules official for USGA and PGA of America winter championship series. Like Aschenbach, Elsner is an executive vice chair for the 2020 Ryder Cup.
“Michael, James and Ed are exceptional communicators and talented PGA professionals ideally suited to take our renowned standards of service to even higher levels,” says Dirk Willis, PGA, General Manager & Group Director – Golf, Kohler Co. “With the entire Destination Kohler team already focused on ramping up for the 2020 Ryder Cup, our attention to detail in all aspects of our golf experience has never been greater.”
In addition, Josue Reyes was recently promoted from merchandising manager to the newly created position of director of retail. Josue’s expanded role will support all retail outlets at Destination Kohler and Destination St. Andrews. Additionally, he will spearhead the growth of their online retail presence with both external and internal customers.
“2018 marks the 10-year anniversary of Josue being a part of the Destination Kohler family,” adds Willis. “A proven retail industry professional in revenue generation, inventory management and retail business development, Josue’s new appointment is well deserved.”
Now taking 2018 reservations for the popular “Dye-Abolical” and “Golf Kohler” stay-and-play packages. Destination Kohler is home to the Midwest’s only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort-hotel – The American Club – and was recently selected by Conde Nast Traveler as the #1 resort in the Midwest. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the historic American Club building, which was once home to immigrants who came to work at the Kohler factory. Boasting elegant rooms outfitted with the finest Kohler plumbing products, The American Club also encompasses an evolving health and wellbeing program with Kohler Waters Spa and Yoga on the Lake at the core.
Sister property, the Inn on Woodlake opened new two- and four-bedroom suites on Jan. 1 after a year-long expansion project. All suites feature a central common area with a large flat screen TV and fireplace, plus kitchenette with beverage refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker and sink. Bedrooms are configured with either two twin or one king bed and feature a large flat screen TV, minifridge, coffee maker and private bathroom with double vanity and walk-in KOHLER© shower. A patio extends the floor plan of some of the four-bedroom models.
The boutique hotel also boasts an updated and more spacious lobby. The central common space, or Atrium, will continue to offer complimentary breakfast to guests, and has been expanded to now include a cocktail bar and a patio with direct access to the popular putting green overlooking Wood Lake.
To book, please call 866-446-5170. Groups of 12 or more are invited to ask about Ultimate Buddy Trip options. Favorites include Ryder Cup-inspired tournaments and pairing parties, special happy hours, 19th hole celebrations, team shirts, locker room name plates, and logoed tee gifts.
For more information: DestinationKohler.com, 866-446-5170. Stay up to date on resort news and happenings on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Kohler Co. Hospitality & Real Estate Group
The Kohler Co. Hospitality & Real Estate profile includes The American Club, boasting the first and only Forbes Five-Star hotel property in Wisconsin, and world-renowned championship golf courses Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. Acquired in 2004, its sister property, The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in the birthplace of golf, St. Andrews, Scotland, is a AA Five Red Star property and recognized as one of the most luxurious resorts in the world.
About Destination Kohler
Herb Kohler created Kohler Co.’s Hospitality & Real Estate Group with the reclamation of The American Club, the first and only Forbes Five-Star hotel in Wisconsin, and then built world-renowned championship golf courses, The Straits at Whistling Straits and The River at Blackwolf Run. The resort is named one of the three best golf resorts in North America by Golf Digest. Kohler Waters Spa is the only Forbes Five-Star Spa in Wisconsin and one of only 56 in the world. The resort features 12 dining establishments from the Four-Star Immigrant to traditional pub fare at Horse & Plow and rustic country gourmet at River Wildlife. The resort is located in the Village of Kohler, Wis., one hour north of Milwaukee and two-and-a-half north of Chicago.