Q: What are some of the major modifications and upgrades that Pete Dye made to the two courses at the Birck-Boilermaker Golf Complex that helped improve the look and playability of each golf course?
A: “The Kampen-Cosler course was built in the late 1990s and the old “North Course” was long and flat with very little imagination to it. Pete turned the course into a links style, improved the layout and the greens and also added bunkering to augment the holes. That bunkering will have all been renovated over the last two winters, making this great course even better.”
“Ackerman-Allen was redesigned in 2015 and opened in 2016. Pete kept the old “Ackerman-Hills” course as a parkland-style layout and was able to keep the original design and feel alive in the new layout, while adding a few new wrinkles to the course as well. Because we obtained more land, a couple of new holes were built on the west side of the course, adding a great par four and par five. Ackerman-Allen is loved by almost all who play it.”
Q: At what time of the year are both golf courses in their absolute best condition for play?
A: “I would say the courses are in great shape from May to September. There really isn’t a bad time, but the weather and conditions are typically best during those months.”
Q: What does your superintendent do to transform two golf courses that are impacted by cold, winter temperatures into a pair of golf courses that are playable in the spring?
A: “For one thing, our superintendent will not open the courses until they are ready and the ground temperatures are favorable. We debate this all the time, but I am glad he sticks to his guns so that the conditions for the courses stay good throughout the year instead of being tempted to let people play when the air temperature is higher, but the turf is not yet ready.”
Q: What is your favorite hole on each golf course and why?
A: “My favorite hole on Kampen-Cosler is the sixth hole. It is a par five that wraps around the water condition known as the celery bog. It has a great elevation drop off the tee and gives a fantastic view of the hole from the tee. On Ackerman-Allen, I think my favorite hole is the third hole, which is a par four. This hole plays down and back up a hill to a green that is somewhat hidden with the second shot. A large bunker guards the left side of the hole and in the background the Purdue Water Tower can be seen. It is not a hard hole, but one that is very good to the eye.”
Q: What big events and tournaments are scheduled to be held at the Birck-Boilermaker Golf Complex this year and in 2024?
A: “This year, we are hosting the National Collegiate Club Golf Championship, The Boys State Junior for Indiana, and the Veterans Golf Association Championship. In 2024, we are scheduled to host the Men’s NCAA Division I Collegiate Regionals.”
