A Step into History and the Glacier Age at Blackwolf Run, Kohler, WI

by Karen J. Lee

A golf oasis of breathtaking beauty is tucked away in the heartland of Wisconsin near the shores of Lake Michigan, in Kohler, Wisconsin. This unique planned history-laden community and golf center was first envisioned by Walter Kohler, Sr. more than 75 years ago. The courses at Blackwolf Run were created by world-renowned golf course designer Pete Dye. The Meadow Valleys course at Blackwolf Run offers an exciting challenge to the amateur golfer and a daunting dare to the professional. The opening nine, set on gently rolling terrain, is reminiscent of Scottish links courses; the concluding nine shows the influence of glacial carving of the land, with deep ravines bordering a river valley. The abundant river is home to a variety of birds, wildlife, and is a special haven for fly fishermen.

One of the few courses in the nation to achieve five stars in the Golf Digest "Places to Play" guidebook (third edition, 1998-99), Meadow Valleys also was ranked 34th in the United States on GOLF Magazine's list of the "Top 100 You Can Play" (May 1998). Its Valley "nine" comprised half of the routing for the record-setting 1998 U.S. Women's Open conducted by the USGA at Blackwolf Run. Hole #18 (played as the ninth hole of the U.S. Women's Open) was named one of the "500 Best Holes in the World" by GOLF Magazine (Jan. 2000).

Emphasizing nature's terrain, the River Course at Blackwolf Run will challenge a golfer's depth of skill. The layout offers sweeping panoramic views of the Sheboygan River Valley. A glacier from the Ice Age served as early landscape architecture for this site. Sculpting river valleys present deep ravines, meadow plains, and gentle rolling hills and abundant lakes. Ten thousand years after natures' glacier landscape creation, Pete Dye took this artistic piece of land and added his signature style. It has been cited as one of the best-designed golf courses in America.

Intimidating to the professional, fair and dramatic to the amateur, it is a pleasurable delight to view the weaving in and around of the landscape wilderness. The dramatic contrast measures 6,991 from the back tees with a slope of 151 -among the strongest in the country. Target landing areas, strategic bunkering, large undulating greens and water or river gorges on 14 of 18 holes characterize the challenge of this PGA championship course.

Golf Packages and Special packages include:
Three nights, two guests. $1,975-$2,609.
"To Dye Four" Package
Four nights, two guests. $2,735-3,570.
Golf Academy for Women
Three nights, golf instruction. One or two guests- $943-$1,275.
Spring Golf Getaway Blackwolf Run
Seven days a week, May 1 through May 31, 2004
$534 per person, based on double occupancy with comfortable, gracious living in the Village of Kohler.

There is an abundance of other things to do at Kohler, including a shopping village, design center and excellent restaurants.

Culinary treats at Blackwolf Run Restaurant

Overlooking the Sheboygan River, with panoramic views of the championship golf courses, Blackwolf Run Restaurant offers Wisconsin rustic charm. Guests can dine inside the spacious log clubhouse that features a vaulted ceiling, huge fieldstone fireplace and a collection of Native American artifacts. If weather permits, the outdoor dining on the terrace overlooks the 18th greens of the River and Meadow Valleys Courses. An innovative menu of hearty traditional fare, Specialties include Corn Sausage Chowder, Beef Tenderloin with Seared Jumbo Scallops, and Bone-in Filet Mignon.


Design stores to tour and shop

While enjoying the historic playground of outdoor activity, there are specialty design shops not seen in other communities. The Kohler Design Center is a three-level showcase of innovative product design and technology, creative achievement, and American history. This 36,000 square foot design resource, a Midwest mecca for more than 140,000 homeowners, builders, architects and designers serves as a valuable design resource and product showcase for the Kohler company, manufacturer of upscale pluming fixtures.
You can plan an hour to three hours to tour and view a myriad of bath interior designer showrooms that bring in an 18th century appeal to a contemporary look with newest feature in color and style. A fusion of old and new, the space offers a comprehensive representation of Kohler Co.'s state-of-the-art products and stunning examples of the company's contributions to gracious living and interior design.
The Design Center has grown to become a dramatic exploration of design ideas of gracious living. The Center is a source of inspiration for more than 150,000 consumers, builders, architects and designers each year, the Kohler Design Center, with its three levels, is a curious mix of past, present and future.
Another design center in the Kohler Village offers an upscale variety of tile and stone palettes for the home.
For anyone entering the world of tile and stone, the Ann Sacks line, incorporates a mix of tile and stone patterns, palettes, and textures that can be called art as
well as functional flooring. The range is impressive, and it appears
to have the capacity to compliment countless room styles. Ongoing designs are introduced often from very special small digs unearthing the most unusual stone.

The American Club at Kohler

Accommodations at the impressive historic American Club will enjoy luxury with Kohler whirlpool baths and down comforters in every room. Guest rooms in the original building honors a famous American with portraits, biographies and various memorabilia decorating the walls.
Complimentary access to Sports Core Health & Racquet Facility and advance tee times to Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits golf courses are advantages afforded to The American Club guests. In addition, The American Club guests are able to purchase a land pass to River Wildlife, a 500-acre private wilderness preserve.

Accommodations:
The American Club
(800) 344-2838 ext. 700
(920) 457-8000 ext. 700
Fax (920) 457-0299
Golf
Blackwolf Run
(800) 618-5535
Spa Kohler Waters Spa
(866) 928-3777

Meeting Rooms
The charm of rustic banquet facilities, with spectacular view of the courses' finishing holes, the Blackwolf Run lodgepole clubhouse also offers banquet faculties in their room which includes: The Treaty, Wolf Pack and Bear Clan room, featuring a variety of accommodations for conference needs.



Recommended: Yes