Are you looking for the best public golf courses in Indiana? I have reviewed 5 of my favorites. Each of these is unique and challenging. Some are designed for the best players, others can be enjoyed by all. What they all do have in common is that they are stunning and well designed, with intriguing layouts and awesome natural beauty.
Indiana has the landscape to create great golf courses. All of the choices in my list have made the most of rolling hills, ravines, and intimate forestry to offer golfers a perfect blend of the great outdoors and wonderful golf courses.
Any golfer looking to play a round in Indiana, I could not recommend these 5 courses more. When deciding which one(s) is (are) right for you, just take into account your own skill level. I say this from experience. Golf should be a fair battle between yourself and the course and whilst we all love a challenge it can really put you off if the course is far above your own skill level. That is why this list contains a variety of courses designed for beginners to professionals.
Whichever you choose, I am sure you’ll love it.
Otter Creek Golf Course in Columbus, Ind.
This is my top pick for the best public golf course in Indiana. It is a championship course that anyone can play and is rated as one of the top 25 public golf courses in the US. This course blends perfectly into its surroundings and uses nature to provide a complex yet enjoyable challenge for all golfers.
This is a unique golf course because it is tough for professionals whilst being playable for beginners – I honestly don’t know how it does this but the master of this design is Robert and Rees Jones.
The signature hole is the 13th nicknamed Alcatraz. It is short- 185 yards, par 3- with the green on an island and framed by towering Indiana Sycamores.
Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville, Ind.
It is hard to put into words how breathtaking this course is. If you imagine golfing heaven, you probably think of Augusta National. Next on my list at least is Purgatory Golf Club. This links-style course is ideal for all golfers. If you are a beginner you will be able to get round without causing too much damage, if you are a low handicapper this course will allow you to score – providing you are brave enough to take on the challenge and are inventive with shot selection.
This is a great risk and reward golf course. With 130 bunkers, 6 different tees on every hole, and tall grass at every turn you will find this course just a whole lot of fun – and isn’t that why we play?
The signature hole is the par 3 17th. It challenges players with a tough tee shot onto an island green surrounded by two acres of bunkers.
French Lick Resort in French Lick, Ind.
This golf resort is a golfing paradise. It offers well-designed courses in a beautiful setting in southern Indiana. The iconic course is the Peter Dye Course. With three man-made lakes, volcanic bunkers, and radical elevation changes this course will provide a stern test to even the most experienced golfers. If you are a beginner, you may struggle to fully appreciate the layout and beauty of this course, therefore I would recommend that you save the difference and play one of the other courses on this resort. Not only will you enjoy the course more, but it will whet your appetite for when you return (trust me, you will return).
Peter Dye designs his courses to protect par. He won’t let you get away with bad shots and you will soon be in trouble if you find yourself out of position. If you can beat this course and go under, you deserve a well-earned drink as this course is one of the toughest around.
The signature hole is the 600+ yard 18th. The steep downhill fairway slopes steeply off to the left and with a corner which can be cut with a modest drive you can make the green reachable in two. You definitely want to save enough in the tank to give the 18th tee shot everything you’ve got.
The Fort Golf Resort in Indianapolis, Ind.
The Fort Golf Course is often regarded as having the best golf course layout in Indiana. With multiple tee options, this tree-lined course is ideal for golfers of all ages and abilities. Every hole is scenic and challenging with many holes having major elevation changes with carries over picturesque valleys & ravines.
This course is steeped in history. During the civil war, it housed and supplied federal troops, and up until 1996 was a functioning military base. Furthermore, this course is 15 minutes from downtown Indianapolis so you can finish your round and get back into the heart of the city in no time whatsoever.
The signature hole is the par-5 11th. This hole is flanked by trees and with two good shots, you can attack the green with a short iron or wedge. This hole is just stunning and the walk down the fairway is as exhilarating as the golf you get to play.
Timbergate Golf Course in Edinburgh, Ind.
TImbergate is one of the best public golf courses in Indiana. The links-style design is interesting for all golfers and with 5 different tee options, it is open to beginners and scratch golfers alike. The course has eleven ponds and each hole has different hazards to give it a unique identity – no two holes are the same.
Of all the courses on our list, this is definitely the most affordable and is a breathtakingly good value (honestly if they charged double it would still be a steal). If you live in the area and are looking for a regular place to play – this is it. A top course, in great condition at an unbelievably good value.