Course Recommendation between Chicago and Indianapolis

[MattSTL88]

Hey All,

 

Looking for a recommendation on where to get in a round between Chicago and Brownsburg, IN (NW Indianapolis), this is the route if it helps. I'm thinking the Chicago courses on my radar (Cog Hill, Cantigny) are a bit too far out of the way for me this time and I am playing Brickyard Crossing and Sagamore Club in Indy. My initial thought is one (Kampen?) of the Purdue courses (unless I can't get on as an IU grad 😉 ), but open to other recommendations either on the way or in Indy itself.

 

 

 

Thanks!

[Symphonize]

Trophy club in Lebanon, 5 minutes off of 65, was always a great track. Haven’t played it in over 5 years, so can’t speak to current conditioning or anything, but always had fun there. 
 

but definitely can’t go wrong with either of the two Purdue courses (Kampen or Ackerman). And they just finished a brand new $20M clubhouse, with a few restaurant choices all right there. 

[ldchristopher]

Closer to Chicago, consider either White Hawk or Sandy Pines. Coyote Crossing in Lafayette is a really enjoyable round. Hale Irwin design. The Purdue courses are cart courses, so if you’re a cart guy, that’s probably up your alley. But Coyote Crossing is a lot more walker friendly. North of Indy, Bear Slide and Purgatory are both solid. I prefer Purgatory since it drains much better. I’ve had some sloppy rounds at Bear Slide. 

[MattSTL88]

thank you both! I'm thinking probably Coyote Crossing or one of the Purdue courses since they are not that big of a detour at all. It looks like maybe can only play the Ackerman course though as an unaffiliated guest, so does that make a difference? Both courses look nice from looking online 

[MountainKing]

I would put a vote in for Purdue, especially if you like Pete Dye courses.   I prefer the Ackerman course myself, as it's a more traditional course and has less of the Pete Dye nonsense you find on the main course.   They're both well maintained and not terribly priced for what you get. 

[cnixon83]

Unless you're affiliated with Purdue (JPC member, parent of student, or guest of a member) you may have some trouble getting on at Kampen as they made that course semi-private this year.

[MattSTL88]

2 hours ago, MountainKing said:

I would put a vote in for Purdue, especially if you like Pete Dye courses.   I prefer the Ackerman course myself, as it's a more traditional course and has less of the Pete Dye nonsense you find on the main course.   They're both well maintained and not terribly priced for what you get. 

Sounds like up my alley. I generally like Dye courses, but know what you mean on the nonsense part

[MattSTL88]

2 hours ago, cnixon83 said:

Unless you're affiliated with Purdue (JPC member, parent of student, or guest of a member) you may have some trouble getting on at Kampen as they made that course semi-private this year.

Yep, this is what I was finding too. I'm thinking Ackerman is the winner, unless somehow the times don't work then probably Coyote Crossing

[ldchristopher]

If you like Langford designs, Harrison Hills could also be in play. 9 of 18 are original Langford holes. Tim Liddy did the other 9 and he did a pretty decent Langford imitation. It’s a top 10 course in IN as well. 

[david.c.w]

Harborside International is on the southside of Chicago and from what I recall, pretty decent daily fee courses (36 holes).

[jshel]

Would echo Harrison Hills if you want something unique. 

 

Ravisloe in Homewood, Illinois is a Ross design that was private and is now public. 

 

Trophy Club is also a solid choice. 

[psygolf]

The Course of Aberdeen near Merriville is a nice option

[MattSTL88]

On 5/16/2025 at 11:32 PM, jshel said:

Would echo Harrison Hills if you want something unique. 

 

Ravisloe in Homewood, Illinois is a Ross design that was private and is now public. 

 

Trophy Club is also a solid choice. 

Ravisloe is interesting, pretty on the way and I'm a big Ross fan. Going to be a tough decision with a lot of options, maybe can sneak in 36 that day...