Blackwolf Run — The River Course
Pete Dye's river-carved championship course in the village of Kohler — a public, wallet-friendlier sibling to Whistling Straits that twice crowned U.S. Women's Open champions.
Blackwolf Run — The River Course in photos
Can I play Blackwolf Run — The River Course?
Yes — the River Course is a public, pay-and-play Pete Dye layout run by Destination Kohler, so visitors can book without membership. It winds along the Sheboygan River in the village of Kohler and twice hosted the U.S. Women's Open (1998 and 2012). Resort lodging guests receive tee-time priority, but non-guests can also play subject to availability.
How to book: Book through Destination Kohler golf reservations by phone or online; guests staying at The American Club or Inn on Woodlake get priority and package pricing. Reserve a few weeks ahead in summer. Carts are available, and forecaddies can be arranged in advance.
About Blackwolf Run — The River Course
The River Course at Blackwolf Run threads Pete Dye's aggressive design through the wooded valley of the Sheboygan River, using water, sharp doglegs and dramatic bunkering to test every club in the bag. It hosted the U.S. Women's Open in 1998 — Se Ri Pak's iconic 20-hole playoff win — and again in 2012, making it one of the most decorated women's championship venues in the country. As part of Destination Kohler it stays public and pay-and-play, offering championship pedigree at noticeably gentler prices than neighboring Whistling Straits. It's routinely ranked among the best public courses in the United States.
Signature hole
The par-4 9th and the closing par-4 18th, 'Dyehard', both flirt with the Sheboygan River, delivering the risk-reward drama that decided two U.S. Women's Opens.
What makes it special
Two U.S. Women's Opens
Walk the fairways where Se Ri Pak triumphed in 1998 and champions were crowned again in 2012.
Pete Dye river drama
The Sheboygan River guards greens and landing zones across the back nine.
Championship golf, softer price
A top-ranked public course at a fraction of the Straits' green fee.
Tournament pedigree
- U.S. Women's Open (1998)
- U.S. Women's Open (2012)
Need to know
Best time to play
May through October, with the best turf and weather from June to September; spring and autumn bring cooler play and better value.
Dress code
Collared shirts and tailored golf attire; no denim. Soft spikes.
Good to know
The River is the tougher and more scenic of Blackwolf Run's two 18s, with the river and Pete Dye's fierce bunkering in play throughout. It can be walked or ridden; forecaddies are recommended for first-timers, and rounds run about four and a half hours.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Milwaukee (MKE) ~1 hr; Green Bay (GRB) ~1 hr; Chicago O'Hare (ORD) ~2.5 hrs.
On arrival
Blackwolf Run sits in the village of Kohler itself, just off I-43 about an hour north of Milwaukee near Sheboygan. It's a short drive from The American Club, and most visitors arrive by car or Destination Kohler shuttle.
Stay near the course
Stay at Destination Kohler's The American Club or the Inn on Woodlake, both minutes from the clubhouse, for tee-time priority and package rates. Sheboygan offers lower-cost lodging a few minutes away.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices The American Club
Kohler
★★★ 3-starTap for live prices Inn On Woodlake
Kohler
A taste of the luxury stays near Blackwolf Run — The River Course — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Kohler — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Kohler.
Explore KohlerFrequently asked questions
Can anyone play the River Course at Blackwolf Run?
Yes — it's a public, pay-and-play course; resort lodging guests get tee-time priority, but non-guests can book subject to availability.
How much does it cost to play?
Roughly $180–$300 per round depending on season, with twilight rates from around $75, plus cart or forecaddie fees. Rates are approximate and seasonal.
Do I need to stay at the resort?
No, but staying at a Destination Kohler property secures priority tee times and package pricing.
Is it easier than Whistling Straits?
It's a different, more classic river-valley test — still a demanding Pete Dye layout that has hosted the U.S. Women's Open twice, but at a friendlier green fee.
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Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
- The River Course — Destination Kohler
- Blackwolf Run — Wikipedia
- Golf Rates and Policies — Destination Kohler
Guide updated 2026-07-27.