Melded into a river basin formed by the flows of glacial runoff, Blackwolf Run opened for play in June of 1988 and was named that year's "Best New Public Course" in the country by Golf Digest. Both the River and Meadow Valleys are regularly ranked in "America's 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses" by Golf Digest and the "Top 100 You Can Play" by GOLF Magazine.

Regarded as one of Pete Dye's crowning achievements, Blackwolf Run has hosted a number of professional championships. The Andersen Consulting World Golf Championships in 1995, 1996 and 1997 as well as the U.S. Women's Open in 1998 and 2012.

River course is one of the most challenging and scenic destinations in North America. GOLF Magazine says this course "must be considered the nation's finest public-access course of modern times."

River course at Blackwolf Run was ranked #14 in Golf Digest 's ranking of America's 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses for 2013/2014.