Blackwolf Run, located in Kohler, Wisconsin, has achieved an international reputation in the world of golf. Its two 18-hole courses meet the needs of the recreational golfer through interesting play, a beautiful natural setting and clubhouse amenities, while providing the challenges and quality needed for tournament-level golf.

One of Pete Dye’s crowning achievements, Blackwolf Run opened for play in June 1988 and was named that year’s “Best New Public Course” by Golf Digest. It has continued to accumulate awards and honors including regularly being ranked on the list of “America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses” by Golf Digest and the “Top 100 You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine.

CHAMPIONSHIPS – PAST & FUTURE EVENTS

2012 U.S. Women’s Open Championship was hosted on the Original Championship Course, July 2-8, 2012, and won by Na Yeon Choi of South Korea. Na Yeon Choi watched Se Ri Pak’s historic victory at Blackwolf Run in 1998 – a win that inspired Na Yeon Choi to take up the game of golf. 

1998 U.S. Women’s Open Championship was conducted by the United States Golf Association, June 29-July 5, 1998, and won by rookie  Se Ri Pak in a sudden-death playoff against amateur Jenny Chuasiriporn. The first major title championship to be hosted at the course  spanned five days, 72 championship holes, 18 playoff holes and two sudden-death holes.

Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf, International Championship, July 28-29, 1997 (The River at Blackwolf Run).  Players: Ernie Els (winner), Robert Allenby, Steve Elkington, Mark McNulty, Frank Nobilo, Greg Norman, Nick Price, Vijay Singh.

Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf, International Championship, July 29-30, 1996 (The River at Blackwolf Run).  Players: Greg Norman (winner), Michael Campbell, Steve Elkington, Ernie Els, David Frost, Craig Parry, Nick Price, Vijay Singh.

Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf, United States Championship, July 31-August 1, 1995 (The River at Blackwolf Run).  Players: Mark McCumber (winner), Paul Azinger, Corey Pavin, Loren Roberts.

United States Golf Association (USGA) Mid-Amateur Qualifying, 1989

Wisconsin PGA State Open Championship:

1991 Steve Stricker

2003 Jon Turcott

2005 Ben Walter

2007 Dan Woltman

2009 Dan Woltman

2011 Jordan Niegbrugge

Wisconsin PGA Stroke Play Championship:

1993 Eddie Terasa 

Wisconsin State Golf Association (WSGA) Father/Son Championship

1993 Gross Division:  Dave & Derek Grams

1993 Net Division:  Oliver & Cliff Williams

U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying, 1992

COURSE NAME

The property was named after Black Wolf, chief of the Winnebago Indians (now known as the Ho-Chunk Nation). According to Gustave Buchen’s book, Historic Sheboygan County, the Chippewa and Menominee Indians joined forces to drive out the Winnebagos. Their intent was to occupy this splendid, beautiful hunting ground. Several battles were fought, and although the Winnebagos were outnumbered, Black Wolf led his band up the mouth of the river, waded up the shallow water of the lakeshore and overtook his enemies. Black Wolf was a prominent chief in the history of the Winnebagos in Wisconsin during the early 1800s. 

Each course of play at Blackwolf Run® has been given a name to reflect the natural features of the land. The River and The Meadow Valleys are separated by the Sheboygan River which cuts a seven-mile path dividing the property.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Overview:

Blackwolf Run, open to the public, is 36 holes of championship golf. It is divided into two 18-hole courses: The River and The Meadow Valleys and is a component of Destination Kohler centered in Kohler, Wisconsin.

Designer: Pete Dye designed both courses at Blackwolf Run, as well as both courses at Whistling Straits®. 

Opening Dates:  Two nine-hole layouts, the original River and Valleys courses, opened in June 1988; the Meadows course added another nine holes in July 1989. With the debut of the fourth nine at Blackwolf Run in August 1990, the course playing order was restructured into its current two 18-hole layouts.

Unique Features: 

• The beauty of the environment in which it is placed

• The combination of playability and challenge

• Several water holes

• Two railroad car bridges: a flatbed railroad car with wheels intact serves as a bridge between The Meadow Valleys #14 green and #15 tee;  the other bridges a creek on The Meadow Valleys #13

Grasses: 

• Greens: Creeping Bentgrass variety “A4”

• Tees: Creeping Bentgrass variety “Memorial” • Fairways: Creeping Bentgrass variety “Memorial”

• Primary Rough: a blend of four Kentucky Bluegrasses

• Deep Rough: a mixture of fine fescue, prairie grasses and wildflowers

• Many of the mounds are left in a natural state

Size of the site: 400 acres

Total putting surface (36 holes): 304,920 square feet of green (approximately 7 acres or 3.5 acres per 18-hole course) Combination green for The River #18 and The Meadow Valleys #18 totals 23,000 square feet Sand bunkers (36 holes): 9 acres

A continuous paved cart path runs 13 miles from start to finish of both 18-hole courses

Golf Practice Facility:  Practice areas are located near the clubhouse for guests to practice prior to or following their rounds. Private lessons with video and computer swing analysis and instructional clinics are available from the Kohler Golf Academy professional staff.

Tee Boxes:  Each hole at Blackwolf Run® features multiple tee boxes with five sets marked – red, white, green, blue and black, positioned for increasing  degrees of difficulty. The arrangement allows players of varying abilities to play together without diminishing the thrill or challenge of the course.

CADDIES In keeping with the grand tradition of the game, caddies are available on The River and The Meadow Valleys. A valuable mainstay since the game of golf started more than 400 years ago, caddies continue to provide information on everything from yardage and the subtleties of individual holes and greens to the history of the course and clubhouse — enhancing a player’s appreciation of a course and the game.

CLUBHOUSE

The 39,923-square-foot clubhouse at Blackwolf Run® is constructed of Canadian lodgepole pine logs, fieldstone and wooden shingles. It was constructed by Alpine Log Homes of Victor, Montana, and is available year-round for meetings, parties and special events.  Clubhouse Architect: Herb Quast, Kohler Co.; Interior Designer: Richard Butler and Associates, Chicago. The clubhouse features a golf pro shop, men’s and women’s locker rooms and lounges, underground cart storage, three meeting/banquet rooms,  a bar, restaurant, enclosed dining porch and outdoor patios.

RESERVATIONS While played by professionals, Blackwolf Run is proudly open to both resort guests and the general public. Some restrictions may be applied  to non-resort guests.