Golf enthusiasts in the Hoosier State will be thrilled to know that Indiana is home to an impressive array of top-notch golf courses. Whether you are an avid golfer or just beginning to explore the sport, the variety of courses in Indiana offers something for every skill level and preference. In this article, we’ll be diving into some of the best golf courses the state has to offer, ensuring that your next golfing experience in Indiana is nothing short of spectacular.
From prestigious and renowned courses such as Carmel’s Crooked Stick Golf Club, designed by famous golf course architect Pete Dye, to hidden gems like French Lick Resort’s Donald Ross Course, there is no shortage of options for golf aficionados in Indiana. These courses not only boast beautiful scenery and meticulously maintained greens, but also provide challenging layouts that test golfers’ skills and strategy. Discover what makes Indiana’s golf scene so exceptional as we guide you through the must-play courses in the state.
Top Golf Courses in Indiana
Indiana is home to some fantastic golf courses that attract golf enthusiasts from all corners of the world. In this section, we will introduce some of the top golf courses in the Hoosier State, including their unique features and what makes them must-play destinations for avid golfers.
Pete Dye Course at French Lick
The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort is a challenging and picturesque course that offers breathtaking views and an exceptional golf experience. Designed by the legendary architect Pete Dye, this course features rolling hills, strategic bunkers, and immaculate greens, providing a true test for golfers of all skill levels. Thanks go to Dan Perry for this gorgeous picture of French Lick Resort.
Victoria National
Located in Newburgh, Victoria National is a top-rated course that frequently ranks among the best in Indiana. This Tom Fazio-designed masterpiece features dramatic water features, immaculate fairways, and challenging approaches. The course is known for its incredible layout and pristine conditions that provide an unforgettable golf experience for all visitors.
Crooked Stick Golf Club
Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel is another highly-regarded course within the state. Designed by renowned architect Pete Dye, the course is famous for its challenging layout and stunning natural beauty. It has played host to numerous prestigious golf events, including the U.S. Women’s Open and the BMW Championship.
Brickyard Crossing
Brickyard Crossing, located in Indianapolis, is a unique golf course that is partially situated inside the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This Pete Dye-designed course offers a challenging layout along with the thrill of playing alongside the iconic racing track.
The Pfau Course at Indiana University
The Pfau Course at Indiana University in Bloomington is a newly redesigned course that has quickly earned a reputation as a top destination for golfers. Designed by Tim Liddy, this course offers a challenging layout with stunning views of the Indiana countryside.
Sycamore Hills
Sycamore Hills Golf Club in Fort Wayne is known for its superb maintenance, challenging holes, and scenic beauty. The course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, features a combination of parkland-style and traditional layout, appealing to a wide range of golfers.
Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame
Situated on the beautiful campus of the University of Notre Dame, the Warren Golf Course is a must-visit destination for golfers visiting Indiana. This course is admired for its traditional layout, offering golfers a mixture of challenging holes and scenic beauty.
Each of these golf courses provides a unique and thrilling experience for golf enthusiasts, making Indiana a fantastic destination for golfers of all skill levels. With such a diverse range of courses on offer, there’s something for everyone in the Hoosier State.
Notable Course Architects
Pete Dye
Pete Dye is a world-renowned golf course architect, known for his creative and challenging designs. In Indiana, Dye’s masterpieces include Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel and the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort. These courses showcase his signature features, such as wooden bulkheads, railroad ties, and intricate green complexes. Dye’s courses are challenging yet enjoyable, providing a unique golfing experience.
Donald Ross
Donald Ross, a Scottish-American golf course architect, has left his mark on Indiana with the historic Culver Academies Golf Course in Culver. This 9-hole course features Ross’s classic artistry, including strategic bunkering, rolling fairways, and challenging green undulations. Ross’s courses are known for their timeless and traditional designs, requiring skillful play and rewarding well-executed shots.
Tom Fazio
Tom Fazio, another esteemed golf course designer, has created one of Indiana’s top-rated golf courses: Victoria National in Newburgh. This course showcases Fazio’s visual artistry, with natural elements like lakes, wetlands, and mature trees seamlessly incorporated into the design. Golfers can appreciate the strategic layout and immaculate conditioning at this top-tier course.
Tim Liddy
Tim Liddy, an Indiana native, has made a significant impact on the state’s golf landscape. One standout example is the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in East Lafayette. Liddy’s Kampen course shines with its diverse terrain, unique water hazards, and well-placed bunkers. His designs often emphasize strategy and shot value, allowing golfers of all skill levels to enjoy a rewarding experience.
Other Golf Course Options
Broadmoor
Broadmoor is a beautiful golf course located in Indiana, offering players a chance to experience a well-maintained and challenging layout. The course features a variety of different holes, each with its own unique design and obstacles. Golfers can enjoy lush green fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and rolling greens that make for a fun and enjoyable round of golf. The friendly atmosphere combined with the exceptional course conditions makes Broadmoor a great choice for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Culver Academies Golf Course
The Culver Academies Golf Course is a 9-hole gem located in Culver, Indiana. This course not only serves as a training facility for the students of the prestigious Culver Academies but also welcomes the public to experience its well-designed layout. The course is known for its variety of hole types, as it combines both short and long holes, allowing golfers to use a wide range of clubs and strategies.
While playing the Culver Academies Golf Course, players can enjoy picturesque views of the surrounding landscape, including the campus’ gorgeous architecture and stunning natural scenery. The course’s unique features and serene environment make for a memorable golfing experience, perfect for those seeking a more intimate golf getaway.
Golf Course Ratings and Ranks
Indiana is home to some impressive golf courses, with a few even gaining national recognition. Among the top ranked courses in the Hoosier State are Victoria National in Newburgh and Crooked Stick in Carmel.
Victoria National, designed by Tom Fazio in 1998, boasts a layout within an abandoned coal mine, adding to its unique character. Crooked Stick, on the other hand, is a Pete Dye design from 1967. Over the years, it’s played host to multiple major competitions such as the 1991 PGA Championship, the 1993 US Women’s Open, and the 2005 Solheim Cup.
Ratings and Reviews
Golf course ratings and ranks are often determined by a combination of panelists’ evaluations and public reviews. The Golf Digest course ranking panelists, for example, score courses based on seven criteria, which contribute to the overall result. In addition, GolfPass collects user reviews and recognizes top courses as part of their annual “Golfers’ Choice” awards.
The following are a few standout courses in Indiana based on ratings and reviews:
- Sandy Pines Golf Club – DeMotte
- Royal Hylands Golf Club – Knightstown
- Otter Creek Golf Course – Columbus
- Sultan’s Run Golf Course – Jasper
- Swan Lake Resort – Black Course – Plymouth
- French Lick Resort – The Pete Dye Course – French Lick
- Chariot Run Golf Club – Laconia
Subcategory Averages
When evaluating courses, experts typically scrutinize various subcategories such as course layout, condition, playability, and overall experience. Magazines like GOLF focus on specific aspects and provide a more in-depth breakdown of courses, helping golfers make informed decisions.
To sum it up, Indiana offers golf enthusiasts a diverse selection of courses with varying difficulty levels and scenic landscapes. From the top-ranked Victoria National and Crooked Stick to local hidden gems, golfers can look forward to enjoying a memorable experience on the greens.
Golf Accessibility and Public Courses
Indiana offers a wide range of public golf courses, providing golfers with great accessibility and diverse options. The Golfers’ Choice ranking in the Golfers’ Choice 2022 list is based on the input from a community of reviewers.
Some popular public golf courses in Indiana (from the Golfers’ Choice list) include:
- Sandy Pines Golf Club (DeMotte)
- Royal Hylands Golf Club (Knightstown)
- Otter Creek Golf Course (Columbus)
- Sultan’s Run Golf Course (Jasper)
- Swan Lake Resort – Black Course (Plymouth)
Public access to golf courses is an essential factor for golfers when choosing where to play, and Indiana delivers with a range of both affordable and high-end options. Golfers’ Choice 2023 aims to help golfers find the best courses, with public access being a key consideration.
For golfers who prefer resort-style courses, Indiana has some attractive options such as French Lick Resort – The Pete Dye Course (French Lick) and Ackerman-Allen at Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex. These courses not only offer excellent golfing but also top-notch facilities and staycation options.
In summary, the state of Indiana caters to golfers of all skill levels and budgets through its broad selection of public golf courses. The Golfers’ Choice lists provide valuable insights for golfers planning their next round or getaway, making Indiana an attractive destination for golf enthusiasts.
Planning Your Indiana Golf Trip
Indiana, also known as the Hoosier State, is a beautiful destination for golf enthusiasts. With a diverse range of courses and landscapes, the state offers unique opportunities to challenge and improve your golf game. As you plan your golf trip in the United States, make sure the state of Indiana is on your itinerary.
To start your golf adventure in Indiana, consider visiting some of the top-ranked golf courses in the state. A few popular choices include Crooked Stick GC in Carmel, Victoria National in Newburgh, and the Culver Academies Golf Course in Culver. Each of these courses provides a distinct experience, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Indiana’s landscapes.
While planning your trip, don’t forget to research the best time of year to visit Indiana. The state experiences all four seasons, with the peak golf season occurring between April and October. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and pack accordingly.
In addition to golf, the Hoosier State offers a variety of tourist attractions, such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indiana Dunes National Park, and countless museums, parks, and cultural sites. This ensures that your golf trip to Indiana is filled with more than just swing practice.
Here are some tips to make your Indiana golf trip enjoyable and stress-free:
- Research golf courses and book reservations in advance to secure your preferred tee times.
- Choose accommodations near your chosen golf courses for a convenient and pleasant stay.
- Make a list of additional attractions and activities you want to explore during your trip.
- Rent a car or plan your transportation between golf courses, accommodations, and tourist spots.
- Check for golf package deals at resorts or local golf courses to save money and enhance your experience.
By following these tips and dedicating time to planning your Indiana golf trip, you’ll be sure to have a memorable and enjoyable experience in the great Hoosier State.
