Indiana is home to some of the best golf courses in the United States, making it a popular destination for amateur and professional players. This article will explore 15 of the top-rated golf courses in Indiana, covering different areas of the state and offering tips on how to make the most out of each course. No matter your skill level or budget, you’ll be sure to find something that suits your needs and preferences.
French Lick Resort: Pete Dye Course
The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort, which hosted the Senior PGA Championship in 2015, stands as a testament to both its remarkable design and unparalleled surroundings. Situated atop one of Indiana’s highest elevation points, this course offers breathtaking 40-mile panoramic views of the southern Indiana countryside. With narrow, immaculate fairways and rugged, intense terrain, Pete Dye aimed to create a course that would be both challenging and enjoyable for players.
The course features elements that truly make it unique, including three man-made lakes, rumpled chipping swales, and country-lane cart paths. Not to mention the “volcano” bunkers and multi-mile views in all directions add to the course’s appeal. The variety of elevation changes throughout the course adds an extra level of excitement for golfers, while the spacious fairways and greens provide ample room to showcase one’s skills. With its mountaintop design, amazing shape, and fast greens, the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort offers an unforgettable golfing experience for enthusiasts of all levels.
Location: 8670 West, IN-56, French Lick, IN 47432
The Pfau Course at Indiana University
The Pfau Course at Indiana University, nestled within the scenic campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, offers a challenging and captivating golfing experience. Renowned as one of the longest and most demanding courses faced by NCAA competitors, this course showcases the natural beauty of southern Indiana. With its state-of-the-art facilities, including a comprehensive short game practice area and two driving range areas, the Pfau Course provides golfers with the perfect environment to hone their skills.
Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the course features zoysia fairways meticulously framed with 8-10 yards of picturesque hardwood groves. Additionally, the blend of fescue, reminiscent of Irish links courses, creates a visually stunning contrast to the native grass roughs. The meticulously maintained greens, which are suitable for all seasons and feature bent grass, serve as the perfect setting for precise shots. With an impressive 147 bunkers, including generous and wide bunkers strategically placed throughout the course, golfers are presented with both challenging and strategic shot-making opportunities. Notably, the sharp dogleg-right 14th hole adds an extra element of excitement to the game. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting your golfing journey, the Pfau Course offers a variety of six tee options to cater to every skill level.
Location: 1492 Indiana 45 46 Bypass, Bloomington, IN 47408
Victoria National Golf Club
Located in Indiana, Victoria National Golf Club was recognized as the Best New Private Course of 1999. Designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio, the course boasts a simple routing that takes full advantage of the natural beauty of the area. Fazio himself described the course as a challenge, stating that even a gust of wind can make it too hard. With ravines, rolling fairways, and breathtaking views, Victoria National is truly a sight to behold.
Spanning over 418 acres, this magnificent golf club features greens and tees made of bent grass and blended bluegrass, adding to the overall allure of the course. With its aesthetically pleasing layout and meticulous attention to detail, Victoria National offers more than just a round of golf. The club is home to over 500 million gallons of water, including deep water hazards and fingery lagoons, making for a visually appealing and engaging experience. With its combination of challenging holes and stunning surroundings, Victoria National Golf Club stands out as one of the most remarkable golf destinations in the world.
Location: 2000 Victoria National Blvd, Newburgh, IN 47630
Crooked Stick Golf Club
Crooked Stick Golf Club, located on 240 acres of the Fort Harrison State Park, is renowned for being Pete Dye’s inaugural design. As the first Dye course to host a major championship, it has gained an esteemed reputation among golf enthusiasts. The club boasts a private membership, catering to individuals who appreciate the exclusivity and refined amenities it offers.
With its distinctive features, Crooked Stick captures the essence of Dye’s design philosophy. The course incorporates wooden sleepers, blind shots, undulating fairways, and pot bunkers, providing both challenge and intrigue for players. The small greens demand precision, further testing the skill and accuracy of golfers. As players make their way through the course, they will notice a contrast between the front and back nine. The front nine is situated on relatively flat terrain, showcasing a strategic layout that requires thoughtful shot selection. In contrast, the back nine introduces more elevation changes, creating a captivating blend of golfing experiences amidst picturesque scenery.
Location: 1964 Burning Tree Ln, Carmel, IN 46032
The Donald Ross Course at French Lick Resort
The Donald Ross Course at French Lick Resort offers a compelling experience for golf enthusiasts. Spanning 18 holes and measuring 7,030 yards, the course presents a challenge suitable for both local and international talent. Its remarkable history includes hosting numerous local, regional, and national tournaments, including the prestigious 1924 PGA Championship, which saw golf legend Walter Hagen emerge as the victor.
One notable aspect of The Donald Ross Course is its links-style design, which infuses the challenge with elements of strategy and finesse. The course showcases Ross’ signature bunkering, featuring impressive 80 deep green-side bunkers with flat bottoms. Meanwhile, the layout remains true to Ross’ classic design principles, ensuring each hole is characterized by a combination of strategic bunkering and artful green sloping. With its captivating blend of history, challenge, and stunning aesthetics, The Donald Ross Course at French Lick Resort is a must-play destination for avid golfers seeking an engaging and rewarding experience.
Location: 11160 IN-56, French Lick, IN 47432
Brickyard Crossing Golf Course
Brickyard Crossing Golf Course offers a unique and captivating experience, as it is situated adjacent to the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This renowned golf course has seen prestigious tournaments such as the PGA Champions Tour Comfort Classic from 1994-2000 and the LPGA Indy Women in Tech Championship from 2017-19. With 14 holes positioned alongside the backstretch of the impressive 2.5-mile racetrack, players are treated to a breathtaking view and a truly memorable round of golf.
As golfers navigate their way through the course, they can expect a well-maintained and challenging layout. The rough is known to be long and deep, adding an element of difficulty to each shot. To assist players in their game, golf carts equipped with GPS are provided, ensuring an enjoyable and seamless experience on the course. Moreover, the staff at Brickyard Crossing Golf Course is known for their friendly and helpful demeanor, creating an atmosphere of warmth and professionalism.
Location: 4400 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
Glendarin Hills Golf Club
Glendarin Hills Golf Club, located in the Lakes Country of Northeastern Indiana, offers a resort-style course that provides a truly engaging golfing experience. From the moment you step onto the tees, you’ll notice how they have been adapted to suit your play, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable game. As you navigate through the course, you’ll be delighted by the sight of deer and wild turkeys, immersing yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you. The meadows and woodlands that make up the landscape of Glendarin Hills create a picturesque backdrop for your golfing adventure.
Not only does Glendarin Hills Golf Club boast stunning scenery, but the course itself is meticulously maintained. The bunkers feature perfect sand, adding an extra layer of challenge and precision to your shots. The greens are known for their exceptional speed and undulations, offering a true test of skill and strategy. As you progress through the course, you’ll appreciate the variety of rolling terrain and wide-open landscapes, providing a refreshing change of pace with each hole.
Location: 3333 Glendarin Way, Angola, IN 46703
Allen at Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex
Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex, which is situated on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, stands out with its dominant Dye design. This renowned golf complex features two exceptional Dye-designed courses: Ackerman-Allen and Kampen-Cosler.
The signature Dye holes, such as the horseshoe par five 6th and the double fairway 7th, offer an engaging challenge for golfers. With its water hazards, sloping greens, volcano bunkers, and tall grass, the course offers plenty of risk and reward opportunities. Furthermore, the vast sand bunkers and native grasslands add to the complexity and beauty of the course. While the large bent-grass greens present a tough test, the course is generally playable for most golfers, with limited forced carries. The Allen is a true gem for golf enthusiasts seeking an engaging and professional golfing experience.
Location: 1300 Cherry Ln, West Lafayette, IN 47907
Coyote Crossing Golf Club
Coyote Crossing Golf Club is an 18-hole course located in West Lafayette, Indiana. As a public facility, it offers golf enthusiasts of all skill levels the opportunity to enjoy its unique topography and stunning views. Nestled amidst native prairies, wetlands, and forests, the course provides a captivating experience with its diverse wildlife and serene surroundings.
Featuring a large bent grass driving range, Coyote Crossing Golf Club is the perfect destination for practicing your swing. The course boasts multiple creek crossings and strategically placed sand traps, offering both a challenging and enjoyable game. With five sets of tees, players can customize their experience to match their abilities. Additionally, visitors will appreciate the reasonable pricing and well-maintained course conditions, ensuring a memorable day on the parkland-style fairways.
Location: 5801 Augusta Blvd, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Sultan’s Run Golf Club
Sultan’s Run Golf Club, nestled in the heart of beautiful Southern Indiana, is a hidden gem that offers an unparalleled golfing experience. Spread across 300 rolling acres of pristine woods, water, and wildlife, this meticulously maintained course is a true testament to the natural beauty of the region. From the meticulously kept zoysia tees and fairways to the velvety Bermuda grass, every element of Sultan’s Run Golf Club exudes excellence.
The green surfaces, crafted with meticulous care, boast the finest bent grass, ensuring a smooth and consistent putting experience. As you approach the 18th hole, you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking view of the clubhouse perched elegantly over a picturesque waterfall. This signature feature is just one of the many reasons why Sultan’s Run Golf Club has garnered acclaim as the 2015 #1 Course to Play in Indiana by Golfweek Magazine. With reasonable prices that belie the caliber of the course, Sultan’s Run Golf Club invites both avid golfers and enthusiasts alike to experience the thrill of conquering its hilly terrain and discovering the beauty that lies within.
Location: 1490 N Meridian Rd, Jasper, IN 47546
Rock Hollow Golf Club
Rock Hollow Golf Club is a stunning 18-hole course, boasting a par of 72 and a challenging slope of 132. Situated on over 300 acres of breathtaking scenery, this premier public track offers an unforgettable golfing experience. As you navigate the course, you’ll encounter an array of natural beauty, including old-growth forests, wetlands, and boulders scattered from the nearby quarry. The course spans an impressive 6,944 yards from the tips, providing ample space for engaging gameplay and strategic shot placement.
Conveniently located and easily accessible from all directions, Rock Hollow Golf Club is a captivating destination for both passionate golfers and casual players alike. With its fair challenges and mixture of topographical elements, this course offers a dynamic and engaging experience. Prepare to be captivated by the combination of pristine fairways, strategic changes in elevation, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife as you make your way through this remarkable course.
Location: 669 S 250 W, Peru, IN 46970
Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame
Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame is situated on sprawling 250 wooded acres, offering a serene and picturesque setting for golf enthusiasts. The 18-hole layout is thoughtfully named in honor of Bill’s parents, adding a personal touch to the course’s rich history. The course has been a distinguished host venue for several prestigious events, including the 2010 US Women’s Amateur Public Links championship and numerous college competitions.
Known for its challenging and undulated greens, as well as interesting bunkering, Warren Golf Course presents an engaging experience for golfers of all skill levels. The ravine, spanning across the course, introduces a unique element of strategy, with seven doglegs that demand a heroic carry off the tee. Beyond its captivating aesthetics, the course is also designed to be easily traversed on foot, providing a hassle-free and enjoyable round for players. Whether it’s the captivating scenery or the meticulously crafted layout, Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame promises an exceptional golfing experience that is both professional and engaging.
Location: Warren Golf Course Clubhouse, 110, Notre Dame, IN 46556
Sycamore Hills Golf Club
Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sycamore Hills Golf Club is proud to offer a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design championship course that impresses golf enthusiasts from around the world. As one of the top 200 courses in the United States, according to Golf Digest, Sycamore Hills provides an unparalleled experience for players of all skill levels. The course features exquisite design elements, including a long freeform bunker on the left of the fairway on the par-4 third hole and an array of 14 bunkers strategically placed throughout. Every golfer will encounter plenty of trademark Nicklaus traps, providing a challenging yet rewarding round of golf.
The picturesque landscape at Sycamore Hills is enhanced by the presence of majestic sycamore, oak, and fir trees that beautifully frame many of the holes. One of the standout features is a gentle undulation of the site, which is complemented by the narrow Aboite River that gracefully crosses the fairway four times from the tee to the green at the par-5 15th hole. With 18 meticulously designed holes, covering a substantial distance of 7288 yards and a par of 72, Sycamore Hills Golf Club epitomizes the perfect harmony between pristine golfing conditions and natural beauty.
Location: 11836 Covington Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46814
Purgatory Golf Club
Purgatory Golf Club offers a captivating golfing experience that combines strategic thinking with exquisite surroundings. As the longest par-72 course east of the Mississippi River, players are greeted with 218 acres of meticulously designed links-style terrain. The course is meticulously maintained, featuring narrow fairways that pose a thrilling challenge to golfers of all skill levels.
One of the defining features of Purgatory Golf Club is its remarkable amount of bunkers, with eight massive bunkers and a staggering 17th hole that showcases their strategic placement. These bunkers, accompanied by thick, tall grass, add an element of difficulty to the game, requiring players to navigate their shots skillfully. To assist golfers during their rounds, each golf cart is equipped with GPS technology to accurately measure distances and aid in club selection. With six sets of tees on each hole, players have the flexibility to customize their golfing experience at Purgatory Golf Club and create unforgettable memories on this exceptional course.
Location: 12160 E 216th St, Noblesville, IN 46060
Sandy Pines Golf Club
Sandy Pines Golf Club is a true gem that offers an exceptional golfing experience. With its breathtaking natural surroundings and well-maintained course, it is a perfect destination for golf enthusiasts. The course features 18 holes with a par of 72, providing challenging yet enjoyable gameplay. The fairways are lush, thanks to the impeccable service provided by the staff, ensuring that players have the best conditions for their game.
What sets Sandy Pines Golf Club apart is its fun layout that caters to golfers of all skill levels. The rough is playable, making it easier to navigate the course, and the balls are easily found throughout the native Pine Barrens-type topography. The club’s dedication to excellence is evident in the addition of ponds, bunkers, and bent grass fairways and tees, enhancing both the aesthetics and difficulty of the course. With a friendly and helpful staff ready to assist, Sandy Pines Golf Club promises an engaging and rewarding golfing experience for all.
Location: 10527 Bunker Dr, De Motte, IN 46310
Conclusion
Golf enthusiasts in Indiana can find a satisfying experience that caters to their skill level at any of these top-rated courses. From breathtaking views to well-maintained grounds, each course offers something unique and memorable for beginners and experts alike. Whether you’re looking for an expertly designed Jack Nicklaus Signature layout, a serene setting, or a challenging game, these 15 courses are sure to provide you with an unforgettable golfing experience. So grab your clubs and hit the greens in search of hidden gems at some of the best golf courses in Indiana.
