Holey Terror: Hole No. 5 at Coyote Crossing

Coyote Crossing • West Lafayette, IN • coyotecrossinggolf.com • 765-497-1061

Hole No. 5 • Par 3 • 217 Yards

The first lesson in Golf Course Architecture 101 is that land should dictate design. So it’s no surprise that hall-of-famer Hale Irwin, one of the few players in history to win three U.S. Opens and a prodigious student of the game, would follow that rule to a “tee” at Coyote Crossing in West Lafayette, IN. The award-winning layout fits the property like a well-worn glove.

Coyote Crossing epitomizes Irwin’s design philosophy, taking full advantage of the natural features of the Northwest Indiana countryside located within easy access of Interstate 65 and Purdue University. Irwin described the terrain as “near perfect, with views of open meadows to mature wooded areas” after first scouting the site in 1998. In fact, the scenic beauty of the area and, in particular, Burnett’s Creek which sashays through the 175-acre plot, serve as aesthetic and strategic focal points of the course.

The layout presents an excellent mix of open and tight landing areas, but never that pit-in-the-bottom-of-your-stomach feeling that each tee shot and approach requires a perfect swing each time. An exception to that rule is No. 5, one of the best par 3s you’ll find anywhere and this week’s Holey Terror.

The hole measures 217 yards from the back tees, and is played entirely downhill from a series of five tiered tee boxes, through a chute of tall hardwoods and over a two-pronged creek bed to a shallow green below. There is a run-up fairway area just in front but be careful of the greenside bunker on the back left. Like all the par 3s at Coyote Crossing, this one requires pinpoint accuracy and nerves of steel (or graphite) to navigate.

Coyote Crossing matches Irwin’s lauded playing career and his mannerisms both on and off the course — kind, charming, respectful but one of the fiercest competitors ever to play the game. It’s little wonder that, given its pedigree, the course is one of the Midwest’s most awarded and celebrated places (ranked #6 public golf course in the state) to enjoy a round.

What is the most challenging hole at your favorite TeeTime Golf Pass participating course? Let us know! We would love to feature it in an upcoming issue of our weekly newsletter. Submit your Holey Terror to [email protected].