Game Changers

A Tribute to a Golf Visionary: Herb Kohler

Published on
Keith Pelley, CEO of the European Tour and President of the PGA of America Jim Richerson present Kohler Company President and Chief Executive Officer David Kohler and Kohler Company Executive Chairman Herbert Kohler Jr. with a plaque acknowledging their hosting of the 2020 Ryder Cup during Sunday Singles Matches of the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits on September 26, 2021 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Keith Pelley, CEO of the European Tour and President of the PGA of America Jim Richerson present Kohler Company President and Chief Executive Officer David Kohler and Kohler Company Executive Chairman Herbert Kohler Jr. with a plaque acknowledging their hosting of the 2020 Ryder Cup during Sunday Singles Matches of the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits on September 26, 2021 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

A dynamic leader whose impact has been seen across the game of golf and beyond, Herb Kohler recently passed at the age of 83.
“His zest for life, adventure and impact inspires all of us,” his family shared in a Kohler Company press release. “We traveled together, celebrated together, and worked together. He was all in, all the time, leaving an indelible mark on how we live our lives today and carry on his legacy.”
Among his many achievements supporting the game of golf, Mr. Kohler guided the creation of the iconic Kohler golf courses near Sheboygan, WI, including combining his vision with Pete Dye's to build Whistling Straits — which hosted 3 PGA Championships (2004, 2010 & 2015) and an unforgettable Ryder Cup (2020). His vast contributions to the game have been felt far & wide and he will truly be missed.
Here are some of our favorite memories & notable tributes: