September 10, 2007

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN — Voted 4 1/2 stars by the readers of Golf Digest, Coyote Crossing Golf Course is all about naturally rolling and wooded terrain. The 4-year old Hale Irwin design situated just 8 miles north of Purdue University has availability in June, however was whacked from the 2008-2011 Carl Spackler Open Championship venue list due to distance to nightly entertainment in Lafayette and Purdue University.

"The lowest greens fee since Mountain Valley while remaing upscale," says Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club. "In my opinion, the best course ever played charging less than $50 on Saturday morning and selling alcohol. There are lots of cheap highly ranked municipal courses and state parks out there that do not sell alcohol. Coyote Crossing has beer, a great plush design, and Purdue University down the road with quality and cheap entertainment."

Long continued, "The distance from hotels to Coyote Crossing is about 8 minutes. The distance to/from the nightly entertainment and hotel is about 20 minutes through 15 traffic lights.

This course is a very rare treat while serving alcohol. Basically the Grande at $49.90 on Saturday with a touch better conditioning."

Trees come into play often at Coyote Crossing on both tee positioning and approach shots. Bent tees, fairways and greens are well manicured and well-conditioned. The greens have come in nicely and typically run hard and fast. Approach shots are often tight with rough and water hazards hugging the greens adding to the challenge of this scenic course.

"Creeks are in play on 13 holes," says Long. "That is very different than previous venues." Many areas have floral and landscaping adding to the beauty of the course. The golf course was also awarded the 7th Best New Golf Course in America back in 2002.

A brand new "Brothers Bar & Grill" is adjacent to Purdue University. They have good specials throughout the week including $1.50 refills and 10 cent wings on Wednesday night. Thursday includes $3.50 pitchers and $1.00 for Longnecks, T-Bombs, Jager Bombs, and domestic pints. They have lots of seating, on three different levels.

"There is an adequate Motel 6, Days Inn, and Marriott sharing the same parking lot," said Long of the diverse lodging options. "The largest suggestion from our members is distance to course and distance to entertainment. Safe shuttle transportation for 60+ golfers to/from Purdue University is 30+ minutes round trip. Although Lafayette offers free taxi service after midnight, this does not fix the distance annoyance."

Coyote Crossing has been eliminated as a possiblity for hosting a national championship. The 2008 Carl Spackler Open Championship venue list includes Old Silo in Kentucky, Diamond Hawk in New York, Rock Hollow in Indiana, and Conklin Players Club in New York. A decision on June 2008 venue is expected by October 1.