Blackwolf Run: River vs. Meadow

[Michael J. Moss]

Headed to Kohler in two weeks with friends. 36 holes planned on our first day at Blackwolf Run.  We've never played Meadow and are looking for advice. Should we do River twice, or is Meadow fun?  I hear it's more foregiving. Playing the Straits course thereafter.

Thanks in advance.  

[Jeff Goldman]

Hermanbarron,

Play the Meadow-Valleys in the morning and the River in the afternoon.  While its definitely not as good as the river course, and the front nine is on the least good land of the 36 holes, the back nine is spectacular starting at 12.  The par-3s on the back nine may be 2 of the 3 best in the whole complex, and have to be seen, along with 14.  Others on this site don't value the course as highly as I do, but it does have 5 or 6 great holes.

Jeff Goldman

[A_Clay_Man]

The backnine on the Meadows is the Valley nine. Save for the tenth hole all the holes are still the same when it was the River course's backnine. The stretch Jeff mentions is absolutely the best property, and, having never seen the straits, I doubt it's better. The hole on the Valley nine that is #14 (nature's course) and it's adjoing creek meandering along the left side is surreal in it's beauty. The folwing par 3 Mercy is priceless with an gorge carry. Make sure you play the appropriate tees.

While the Meadow is the flatest land, I believe it was specifically selected for that reason, providing some variety and perhaps a breather from the other holes built on more severe terrain. And don't think it's a slouch by any means, alll the holes have wonderful character and each has their own way of coming up with a bite out of ones postierior.

If you miss the Valley nine you will just have to go back and see what you missed. It is that good.

[Jeff Goldman]

I believe a first round US Open qualifier was held there, nobody broke 70, and there were a bunch of very high scores.

[Mitch Hantman]

I believe the Meadow/Valleys course is grossly underrated.  It is a great test, and there are some excellent holes throughout the entire 18.  Don't forget to check out the unused hole from the original 18 - it is the first tee of the River, to the 10th green of the Meadow Valley course.  You drive through it on the way to the first tee.  It was used as #1 in the US Women's Open a few years back.  #4 is a terrific par 5, with many ways to play it.  

The River gets more acclaim, because the design is sexier/glitzier.
Don't pass up this course.

[A_Clay_Man]

A slight correction about the original tenth tee. It is not the River's first, rather it was located on a small hillock that is adjacent to the bridge just to the right as you look from the clubhouse side. The approach shot was the most unique in the game. So unique that it was deemed un something. The old green sat up 34' above the level it sits now and was the flatest green probably ever constructed. A true table top, I mourn it's loss and the flow of the original course.

[Will E]

Ditto what everyone has said. The Meadow Valleys is required if you want to experience Blackwolf Run, and it ain't forgiving. If you could play the tournament course,1-4 and 14-18 of the River and the old 10-18 of MV, you'd see my favorite 18 combo, including the Straits.
There's also this place an hour west.....LAWSONIA, ever hear of it?? I'll be product testing there this weekend.

[Michael J. Moss]

Shooter,

The Links Course at Lawsonia- William Langford, 1930, restored recently by Ron Forse.  I hear it's a beauty.  Please report back.

I was also contacted today by Kohler and they are, indeed, offering up discounts to play the Straits course.  Very dissapointing  .  I need hard and fast conditions.  I have two rounds booked on the Straits and am considering moving one to the Irish.

[Paul Richards]

My best advice is to play the Meadows in the morning and then the River in the afternoon.  Always build up to the crescendo!!!

[Mitch Hantman]

What is the problem with the Straits course that they are offering a discount?

[A_Clay_Man]

turf issues

[Michael J. Moss]

Mitchgolfs,

Go to the thread "Whistling Straits-should the PGA be worried?"  It's on page two and talks about the turf issues alluded to.  I think you have to be an agronomist to understand it  .