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Course Report
The Kampen Course regularly hosts major NCAA tournaments and once hosted both the NCAA Men's and Women's Championships—a rare feat for a college facility.
About
The Kampen Course at Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex is a Pete Dye-designed, links-style, par-72 championship course featuring large bentgrass greens, fairways, and tees. Renowned for its formidable layout and tournament history, this 18-hole course on Purdue University's campus has hosted major collegiate and professional events, earning recognition as one of the nation’s top collegiate courses.
Caddie Tip
Be prepared for strategic challenges and deep bunkering—especially on the lengthy par 5s and the demanding finishing stretch. Favor conservative lines off the tee, and take extra care with approach shots into large, undulating greens. Managing wind on this open, links-inspired layout can be critical to your score.
The Main Challenge
Kampen demands precision off the tee due to well-placed fairway hazards and strategic bunkering, with especially tough par 5s that stretch over 600 yards. Wind and water hazards influence club selection and shot strategy on many holes, and the greens’ contouring tests putting skill throughout the round.
The Good
Golfers consistently praise the championship pedigree, Pete Dye design, and the challenging, links-style layout. The course’s immaculate large greens, rugged bunkers, and creative routing provide variety and interest throughout the round, making it a premier test for low handicappers and college events alike.
The Not So Good
Some players note that rough can be penal and slow play can occur during busy collegiate or tournament weeks. Others wish for improvements to winter turf conditions and more forgiving tee options for higher handicaps—especially on the lengthy par 5s.
Signature Hole:
#
18
Kampen’s 18th is a memorable par 4 demanding both accuracy and nerve, featuring water running alongside the right and strategically placed bunkers up the left. The large, undulating green makes for a challenging finish, rewarding only well-executed approach shots. This hole encapsulates the Dye philosophy of risk and reward, making it a fitting finale to a demanding round.
Clubhouse
Beyond a well-stocked pro shop featuring Purdue and golf merchandise, visitors will find locker rooms, spacious meeting areas, a snack bar, and tournament/event services. The clubhouse serves both casual public play and major NCAA competitions with equal attention.
Practice Facilities
The complex offers a full-featured training center with extensive driving range, short game areas, bunker practice, and large putting greens. Indoor training space, lessons, and custom club fitting are also available to the public and university teams alike.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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