Kampen Course at Birck Boilermaker
West Lafayette, Indiana
A Pete Dye design at Purdue University, the Kampen Course is one of the most challenging college courses in America. The 7,432-yard layout through rolling terrain features Dye's signature railroad ties, dramatic bunkering, and challenging forced carries that provide a stern test for even elite players.
History & Heritage
The Kampen Course at Purdue University was designed by Pete Dye (with Tim Liddy) in 1997, transforming the old North Course into what has been voted the 2nd toughest course in America by GolfAdvisor. Part of the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex and Pete Dye Golf Trail.
Home course for Purdue\'s golf teams and open to public play. The links-style layout with 52 bunkers and water on seven holes creates relentless challenge. Three holes (1, 12, 15) force players to choose between the ideal approach angle and visibility.
Signature Holes
The most talked-about and photographed hole — has decided tournaments. Part of a closing stretch that brutally tests everything you have left. Dramatic and punishing in classic Dye fashion.
What to Expect
Par 72 links-style layout with large bent-grass surfaces. 52 bunkers and water on seven holes create relentless challenge on a relatively flat terrain. The difficulty comes from bunkering and forced carries, not elevation.
Public at $40-75 — among the toughest college courses in America.
Playing Tips
Course management is paramount. Many holes force a choice between safer line with harder approach vs. aggressive line with better angle.
Wind is constant on this exposed links-style layout. Factor it into every shot.
Water on seven holes demands honest carry distance assessment.
Highlights
- ✓ Pete Dye championship design at Purdue University
- ✓ 7,432-yard stern test for elite players
- ✓ Among America's toughest university courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really one of the toughest in America?
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