GOLF DIGEST 2017/2018
#60 BLACKWOLF RUN
MEADOWS VALLEY COURSE
The biggest reason for playing the MV course is to see the back nine. (It was the front nine when the ladies played the US Open here.
River 1-4 13-18 was back nine)
For many people, the MV course is the most enjoyable to play. It still has Pete Dye’s testy greens, but there’s much more short grass and recoverable places to miss.
(The 403/362 yard fifth has a well placed green tucked behind two huge trees.)
MV also builds towards an arousing finish. The front nine has several good birdie opportunities and players can get off to a good start.
(The 240/176 yard eighth is a fine par three. Note all the internal contours that make for interesting pin locations.)
The back nine is where things get interesting. Unfortunately, the original tenth tee can’t be used because of logistical reasons, so the compromise is a poor dogleg right through a chute of trees. That’s too bad because the original is a great.
(The 461/407 yard twelfth is a strong par four where anything missed left can lead to a big number.)
(The 423/384 yard fourteenth plays downhill to a green beautifully built up with railroad ties. The creek guards the right and rear.)
The two par threes on this side get a lot of attention for their bravado do or die style shots. They’re both totally Dye! They do have similar qualities but they’re exactly what this type of terrain dictated.
(The fifteenth is 227/189 yard all carry shot over a scrub filled valley...
...this view from twelve fairway shows just how much contour is in the green.)
(I’m not a big fan of trees that block entrances to greens especially like the one here on the par three seventeenth. It’s a mid to shortish iron so the player should be able to control the ball enough to get on the green. 182/152)
Dye’s 5-3-4 ending makes this a fantastic finishing stretch. Players can be bold and brash, and hit exciting shots for birdie attempts, or play conservatively for pars. Mix in some difficult pin placements and bogey or worse is also a possibility.
(The 590/487 yard sixteenth is the prototypical Dye par five that’s reachable in two shots. The sand short is very deep. Note the steps. Laying up demands concentration as the fairway narrows.)
MV gets overlooked by most going up to Kohler to play Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits. It’s the easiest course of the four, but it’s a ton of fun and has some excellent holes. I give MV a 6 (very good)(worth driving 2 hours). 
(The 458/383 yard eighteenth ends with a long approach shot over the river. The clubhouse overlooks the green in grand style. (An alternative green short of the river can be used.) Par is a well deserved score.)
[ The American Club is one of the few Five Star Five Diamond resorts in the world. It has everything which makes Destination Kohler the perfect buddies trip, couples trip, or whatever trip. Obviously the golf is second to none! ]
TOP 100 PUBLIC GOLF COURSES
#4 Straits
#15 River
#45 Irish
#60 Meadow Valley
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