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Blackwolf Run: River vs. Meadow

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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.

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