Pfau Course
Bloomington, IN, USA
Pfau Golf Course, threading through the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, stands as a testament to strategic, rather than brute-force, golf. Carved into the gently rolling terrain of southern Indiana, this modern layout favors thoughtful shot placement over sheer distance, a characteristic embraced by the university's historically strong collegiate program. Originally designed by architect Dave Pfau, the course was completed in 1998, offering a departure from the more classical layouts found elsewhere in the state. The course plays with a subtle cunning, with strategic bunkering and undulating greens that demand a deft touch. The routing weaves artfully through the existing woodlands, rewarding players who can shape their shots and manage the course's many doglegs. While it has not hosted national championships of the highest order, its demanding nature makes it a respected proving ground for aspiring professionals and seasoned amateurs alike. The course is known amongst locals as a great place to play, and not too challenging. Its conditions are impeccable. Despite not achieving widespread acclaim on a national scale, Pfau enjoys a strong regional reputation as a well-maintained and thoughtfully designed course. It's not uncommon to see students alongside faculty members, all enjoying a round. Many golfers can be seen frequenting the course during the school year and during breaks.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Public: #153
Best in USA
Public: #75
Best in IN
Public: #2
Golfers say Pfau is an exceptionally challenging championship-caliber course that ranks among the best university layouts in the country. Most praise the routing's elevation changes, varied hole lengths, and large, fast greens, noting that while the design rewards aggressive tee shots, the track plays brutally difficult with blind approaches, thick rough, and severe slope ratings that can punish even skilled players. Reviewers agree the course is a must-play for those seeking a true test, though some find the difficulty borders on excessive, particularly in tournament settings where the primary design goal seems to be challenge over playability. Nearly all emphasize choosing appropriate tees, as the course stretches over 8,000 yards from the tips and features uneven lies and penal bunkering throughout.
8.5
104 players
The Pfau Course. At Indiana. Class.
Pfau is a true test of golf unlike anything I’ve ever played. The last time I tackled this beast, I was the #3 on my high school team—and let’s just say scoring wasn’t exactly the highlight of the day. The round is defined by its blind shots, six-inch rough, and towering native grasses that seem to swallow golf balls whole. The challenge is part of what makes Pfau so enjoyable. It’s easily one of the premier courses in central and southern Indiana. With a 80.2/155, this track is a true demon. But if you appreciate a well-designed, championship-level course, you’ll absolutely enjoy your time at this gem that proudly belongs to the greatest university in America.
Criminally underrated. One of the best campus courses in the world. Has the bones and infrastructure to host a US Open or a PGA. World class course in my campus town
Pre Reno
it's a cool layout but... it's just too hard. feel like the sole purpose of the design was to be challenging. makes it worse when you play it for a tournament
Pfau is a fantastic college course. It’s a brute that’s extremely difficult and can play extremely long. Be sure to play the right set of tees! Good elevation changes throughout the course and good green complexes.
Incredible difficult post restoration. 8k+ from tips. Below that, never an even lie and you will find every bunker and long grass on the course.
Fantastic course and an absolute must play if you're anywhere near Bloomington. Great mix of short and long par 3 and 4s. Good use of elevation changes. Greens are huge and roll fast. More forgiving off the tee than it initially looks but you're rewarded for taking on the challenge off the tee by having an easier approach. The greens are very large but easy to 3 putt if you put yourself in the wrong position.
Public courses closest to Pfau at Indiana University Golf Course.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Pfau at Indiana University Golf Course has a Course Vaults score of 8.5 out of 10 based on 69 explicit golfer ratings.
Pfau was designed by Jim Soutar.
Yes. Pfau at Indiana University Golf Course is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Pfau is 71.
Pfau plays 6,813 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Pfau is 121.
