WHITE HAWK COUNTRY CLUB (219-661-2323)
Indiana Golf Course Review 8/07/05
White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point, Indiana - less than 1 hour east of Chicago, is a Dick/Tim Nugent collaboration that has developed into one of Indiana's top golf destinations. Opened for play in 1997, this facility features 27 holes of championship golf, with an additional nine planned of opening in 2006. Amenities include a grass range, short game area with sand bunker and putting green plus full service clubhouse with dining room (open for lunch daily and dinner Wednesday-Sunday), bar/lounge, a nice pro shop, changing room with showers, plus banquet facilities that can accommodate from 20 to 230 guests.
Our review included the Grey Hawk and Blackhawk nines - both of which are beautiful. The course is designed along a rolling terrain with fescue and tall native grasses and wildflowers bordering manicured bent grass fairways. Four sets of tee play to distances and slopes measuring 7004 yards/141 slope, 6323 yards/132 slope, 5786 yards/125 slope, and 5059 yards with a slope of 122 for men and 131 for the ladies from the forward sets.
The relatively high slope ratings indicate that golfers are in for a challenging round, and the plentiful water hazards certainly make a contribution. On the Blackhawk/Greyhawk configuration water comes into play in the shape of ponds, winding creeks and marshes on 14 holes, with some forced carries over natural areas. The island green on the par three 6th on Blackhawk is one of the layout's best golf holes - and the three hole stretch of 6, 7 and 8 on the Greyhawk are also beautiful holes, with natural areas and doglegs defining the designs.
There are some dramatic and challenging green complexes as well, with ridges, tiers and swales present on many of the large, well conditioned putting surfaces. The GPS present on all golf carts will come in handy in saving some strokes - providing accurate info to the pins. Land on the incorrect portion and three putts will not be uncommon. Sprinkler heads on the fairways are measured to the center of the green, and 150 yard stakes on all par fours and fives also double as directional devices.
All four of the par threes are picturesque, with holes 3 and 6 on Greyhawk and number 6 on Blackhawk featuring water hazards or natural areas. Accuracy and distance are necessary on many of the par fours and fives, challenging the games of even expert golfers. From the forward tees, the course is much more player friendly. In any case, players all skill levels will enjoy this challenging and beautiful design.
The Red Hawk nine will probably be paired with the new layout in 2006 (Silverhawk) to form two 18-hole championship designs - making White Hawk even more desirable for corporate events and outings. This is a beautiful golf property, worthy of consideration as one of the Midwest's top golf facilities. Highly recommended! For more info, visit our page for White Hawk, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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