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
“Very challenging Pete Dye course in a beautiful setting with the Sheboygan River running near many of the holes."
Read More2022
Review
“This is a scenic, very challenging resort course with many unusually designed holes."
Read More2022
Review
“Some very demanding holes from the Black tees, in particular 4, 11-13, "
Read More2022
Review
“The better of the two courses at Blackwolf Run and part of Herb Kohler's famous resort, Blackwolf River is an excellent and very difficult Pete Dye layout with tight holes weaving through the forests. Notable holes include the par 3 4th over water, gorgeous downhill 5th and 8th, and risk-reward 9th. There are some quirky holes here that not everyone will love such as the 9th and 13th, but as far as public courses go, Blackwolf Run is certainly one of the best in America."
Read More2022
Review
“Peaceful and scenic golf course running through rolling terrain, with the eponymous river coming into play on several holes"
Read More2022
Review
“The golf here is excellent, but it is the Sheboygan River that deserves the most credit."
Read More2021
Review
“The Kohler River is the theme throughout this layout. The Pete Dye beauty has some bite. If you play in the fall, turkeys, eagles, deer and spawning fish can be seen."
Read More2021
Review
“Is it worth the money...yes. I could play this course every day."
Read More2019
Review
“Spring condition was excellant. Course played fast and greens were very true. The layout challenges the entire bag, but a good score can be shot. Amenities for the golfer were top notch."
Read More2018
Review
“What an ideal setting for this top quality golf course. The holes are very challenging but with good golf shots one can shoot a good score. There are some very good risk reward holes that take a bit of nerves to attempt but enjoy the fruits when achieved. The setting along the river is very picturesque . I would play this course again in a heart beat."
Read More2018
Review
“Such terrific shot values. The course starts and ends on a bit of a light note, but the middle stretch is such a fun ride. Great use of the topography and the river that runs through the course. The views of the holes from the tee heighten the anticipation of the shot to be played."
Read More2018
Review
“Good enough to hold LPGA events, good routing, elevation changes, conditioning good, very good shot values. Expensive but worth it."
Read More2018
Review
“Championship course that is difficult, but fun."
Read More2018
Review
“Tough Pete Dye layout. A must if you are at the resort."
Read More2018
Review
“This is a wonderful golf course in Wisconsin. It has a great deal of character and wonderful par threes. This is the typical Dye course with interesting angles and unique bunkers. I love playing these courses because of the character each hole presents from the tee. The river and water that runs parallel to many of the holes present a challenge."
Read More2018
Review
“If you aren't playing Whistling Straits in Kohler you should be at the River. This course has a good 4 or 5 holes that will stick in your memory for a long time. You may even see a salmon swimming upstream to spawn. Don't leave the area without playing here"
Read More2018
Review
“While on property, check out the Blackwolf Run Restaurant, which has panoramic views of the golf courses. The rustic American grill has both indoor and outdoor dining, with a large fieldstone fireplace on the inside and a spacious patio outside."
Read More2018
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