New book explores Kohler’s history and dedication to golf
Many resorts have tried to capture the spirit of golf the
way Kohler has, but what
many may not know is that
golf was never part of the
master plan. Kohler golf
simply grew out of the
age-old practice of
listening to what customers want. Back in
the early 1980s, when guests of The
American Club started saying they
wanted more opportunities locally to play
golf, Herbert V. Kohler Jr. heard them loud
and clear. Blackwolf Run was built in 1988
and was an immediate hit, named “Best
New Public Course” by Golf Digest.
Twenty-plus years and five courses later,
Kohler has cemented its name in the golf
industry.
Now fans of both the
sport of golf and Kohler’s
golf courses can read all
about it in “Golf Kohler: In
the New and Old Worlds”
– a lavish coffee table
compendium of six
books loaded with
stories and photos about
the remarkable marriage between this
historic game and one of America’s oldest
family-run businesses.
Written by 2010 PGA Championship
Program contributor John Steinbreder, the
author of 10 books – six on golf – and a
former writer and reporter for magazines
such as Golf Digest and Sports Illustrated,
“Golf Kohler” uses vintage maps,
magnificent original
photos, and hours of research and
interviews to capture the true flavor of the
game, the courses and the company. The
collection covers everything from the
unusually symbiotic working relationship
between Herb Kohler and legendary golf
course architect Pete Dye to the distinct
personalities of individual courses, each
with its singular pleasures and white-
knuckle challenges. For anyone who
admires the sport and Kohler’s steadfast
commitment to it, “Golf Kohler” is a must-
read.
Built in 1918 to house single
male Kohler Co. employees, by
the 1970s The American Club
had outlived its original
purpose and was transformed
into a luxury resort hotel. In
1978, the building was placed
on the National Register of
Historical Places, ensuring it
can never be torn down.
industry, and that fire and ambition
fueled unprecedented growth and change.
Kohler plumbing products have become
synonymous with high design and daring
inventiveness.
Over the years, Kohler Co. established a
solid plumbing beachhead in Europe by
bringing such companies as Jacob Delafon,
Mira and Sanijura into its family of
businesses. These market leaders not only
provide an effective base from which to
distribute throughout Europe and the
Middle East, they also bring excellent
product technology and a significant
position in growing product categories.
In a relatively short span of time, Kohler
has also emerged as the dominant plumbing
brand in China. The company has a large
manufacturing footprint in Asia, with
numerous plants throughout China,
Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and India.
In addition, Kohler has operations and
businesses in Russia, Morocco, Mexico and
other far-flung locales that are worlds away
from its headquarters in Wisconsin.
Beginning in the mid-1980s, Kohler
expanded its influence on interior design to
foster the merging of the bedroom and
bath – a concept it had already pioneered –
by entering the furniture and accessories
business. Baker and McGuire – two of the
finest brand names in the home furnishings
industry – brought new markets,
technologies and design resources to
Kohler that complemented the company’s
dedication to excellence.
The company further expanded its
presence and influence in the kitchen and
bath by bringing mirrored cabinetry and
tile manufacturers into the fold with the
respected brand names of Robern and Ann
Sacks.
Kohler’s Global Power Group grew
exponentially as well, and combined its
resources and reputation in generators,
plumbing and hospitality to spin off Kohler
Rental, a business that addresses the
temporary power requirements of
customers in the mega-billion dollar
industrial, construction, corporate, sports
and entertainment industries.
The hospitality industry became a focus
for the business as well, and the once-sleepy
Village of Kohler was transformed into a
renowned tourist destination, a charming
small town, and home to one of the world’s
leading businesses. It offers residents and
guests alike the opportunity to take
advantage of the area’s extensive amenities,
PHOTO COURTESY OF KOHLER CO.
84 THE OFFICIAL PROGRAM OF THE 2010 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
