Blackwolf Run: River
Kohler, WI • Public
Destination Kohler
Destination Kohler
Destination Kohler
Courtesy of Kohler Co.
Overview
Only Pete Dye could have convinced owner Herb Kohler to rip apart an award-winning course (Golf Digest’s Best New Public Course of 1988) and still come out a winner. Dye coupled the front nine of that original 18 (now holes 1-4 and 14-18) with nine newer holes built within a vast bend of the Sheboygan River to produce the River Course. It possesses some of Dye’s most exciting holes, from the triple-option reachable par-4 ninth to the boomerang-shaped par-5 11th to the monster par-4 18th, where Kohler surprised Dye by converting a long waste bunker into a temporary lagoon for tournament events. For major events, like the 2012 U.S. Women’s Open, Dye’s original 18 was used. But for survey purposes, Golf Digest evaluates the River 18, which is available for everyday general play.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 1993-2022.
Highest ranking: No. 31, 1993-'94.
Previous ranking: 95th.
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked since 2023.
2023-'24 ranking: 117th.
100 Greatest Public: Ranked since the inaugural edition in 2003.
2023-'24 ranking: 18th.
Previous ranking: 16th.
Highest ranking: No. 11, 2005-'06.
Best in State: Ranked first, 1991-'99. Ranked inside the top five since 1991 and ranked fourth from 2013-2022.
2023-'24 ranking: 5th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“The River Course at Blackwolf Run is a contender for best course in Kohler, even including the Straits. I'd argue that the River has much more variety, a similar level of challenge, and a solid handful of holes that will stick in the player's memory for years to come. Holes 3, 5, 8, 9, 11, 13, 16, and 18 are all noteworthy here, and it would be no surprise if you picked a different hole than those 8 as your favorite. Yes, it lacks the "Ocean" influence and view, but the River is no doubt one of America's top public courses, and one of Pete Dye's best creations."
Read More2024
Review
“Named after Black Wolf, chief of the Winnebago Indians. Both the River and Meadow Valleys courses opened in 1988. Water appears on 14 of the 18 holes - it's always there. Big elevation changes which require adjustments to yardages or sight lines. Rarely did I have a flat lie and often felt as though the course was "pulling" me left or right. The course has few bailout areas- any approach shot miss will find bunkers, water, or rough. The 18th holes on both River and Meadow Valleys are a massive double green. Both holes finish in front of the large clubhouse made from Canadian pine logs. The staff and forecaddies were excellent. The player gets the impression that the entire town of Kohler is excited that he/she is there. Enjoy!"
Read More2024
Review
“Named after Black Wolf, chief of the Winnebago Indians. River and Meadow Valleys courses opened in 1988. A composite 18 holes from both courses was used when the LPGA US Open was played here in 1998. Water is everywhere, appearing on 14 of the 18 holes. Classic Pete Dye - target / penal/ strategic golf. Lots of elevation changes requiring adjustments to yardages and sight lines. Few bailout areas: miss with approach shot = bunkers, water, or rough. No houses visible. Double green on 18 for both courses at Blackwolf Run. Designed to be on a golf cart, several holes are hundreds of yards green to the next tee."
Read More2024
Review
“Play here if you can. Very nice resort course. Between whislting straights and here it is quite a golf trip!"
Read More2024
Review
“The creativity that went into designing this course is a marvel with the rolling contours of the fairways to the undulations of the greens. The Sheboygan River influences many of the holes not only in course management, but also in beauty. This may be the most challenging of the Kohler courses and is second only to the Straits Course overall."
Read More2024
Review
“One of the best courses open to the public in the US. Great use of the ever-present river. One of the most fun "hard" courses that I've played."
Read More2024
Review
“Visually stunning course. Great use of the river as an obstacle. Green complexes show a kinder Dye from what you see at his more difficult layouts. A must play."
Read More2024
Review
“An excellently maintained golf course, with great variety and elevation changes. The greens are in excellent condition and the course offers a lot of options for tee boxes. A few shots are narrow/tight so bring your accuracy off the tee! A truly worthwhile stop in the greater Milwaukee area! The restaurant on site is very solid, and you have to check out the par 3 course here (The Baths). It’s truly wonderful and an amazing way to spend an afternoon!"
Read More2023
Review
“Good enough to hold LPGA events, good routing, elevation changes, conditioning good, very good shot values. Expensive but worth it."
Read More2023
Review
“Too difficult to enjoy. It has some interesting holes and unique features but it was demoralizing"
Read More2023
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