Indiana Golf: Best in State

[adamjstl]

For everyone who has played all the greats in Indiana, how would you rank them? I'm playing Victoria National and the Dye Course at French Lick next month- which do you like better?

 

Of what I played so far, I'd say...

 

1. Wolf Run

2. Crooked Stick

3. The Fort

4. Trophy Club

5. Purgatory

6. PrairieView

7. Bearslide

8. Heartland Crossing

[Mob]

Agree with Wolf Run. I haven't played The Dye Course in French Lick, but I hear it is amazing, probably the best in the state. Hear also that Victoria National is great. Honestly I am not overwhelmed with Crooked Stick. I have played it a dozen times and it really isn't that special.

[HammerTM24]

1. Peter Dye Course at French Lick
2. Victoria National
3. Wolf Run
4. Crooked Stick
5. Sycamore Hills
6. Brickyard Crossing
7. Sagamore
8. BearSlide
9. Prairie View
10. Birck Boliermaker - Kampen Course

[Tarantula18t]

I would say Victoria National #1, followed by the Dye at FL

The views at the Dye can't be matched by anything in Indiana, but I think VN is about as good as it gets when it comes to golf.

A lot of people would disagree with me, but I think VN is better then Muirfield and the Golf Club in Columbus, which are two of the better ones I have played in my state of Ohio.

[Mob]

interesting thing about The Dye Course if French Lick. I couldn't understand why they charged so much, knowing that they were severely limiting the number of people who can afford to play it. The course is owned by the Cook family of Cook Medical and they like to keep it in pristine condition, with very little play. They are not concerned with losing money on the course. Very unusual business philosophy. I can't wait to try it, and hope to get down there this year.

[golfingron]

[list=1]
[*]Victoria National
[*]Dye at FL (haven't played)
[*]Wolf Run
[*]Crooked Stick
[*]Ross at FL
[*]Brickyard
[*]The Fort (great layout average conditioning)
[*]Woodland
[*]Kampen
[*]too many to count (coyote crossing, bear slide, trophy, purgatory, Rock Hollow, Chariot Run....
[/list]

[adamjstl]

[quote name='Mob' timestamp='1400211293' post='9306185']
Agree with Wolf Run. I haven't played The Dye Course in French Lick, but I hear it is amazing, probably the best in the state. Hear also that Victoria National is great. Honestly I am not overwhelmed with Crooked Stick. I have played it a dozen times and it really isn't that special.
[/quote]

I see what your saying about Crooked Stick. The first 5 holes are pretty pedestrian, but from 6 on it's a great course. I could actually rate the Fort ahead of it to be honest.

[Bob Cat]

Interesting comments. VN must be one incredible place to beat out the Dye Course. Love Bear Slide. Rockhollow takes two rounds to really know what you're dealing with but beautiful. I don't understand the high regard for Purgatory.
Just commenting. I've not played most on the list but perhaps I need to consider it.... hmmmm

[adamjstl]

[quote name='Bob Cat' timestamp='1400270852' post='9310061']
Interesting comments. VN must be one incredible place to beat out the Dye Course. Love Bear Slide. Rockhollow takes two rounds to really know what you're dealing with but beautiful. I don't understand the high regard for Purgatory.
Just commenting. I've not played most on the list but perhaps I need to consider it.... hmmmm
[/quote]

Wolf Run is gorgeous. It's a must play if you get the chance.

[Tarantula18t]

The course that no one ever talks about in Indiana that is one of my favorites is a place in Angola called Glendarin Hills.

I have played most of the "best" public courses in Indiana I think......Pete Dye and Ross at FL, Brickyard, Purgatory, Rock Hollow, Bear Slide, Trophy Club, Fort, etc......and I think Glendarin Hills is better then all of them, with the exception of the Dye. It's spread out on a lot of land....has a great mix of wooded/open holes, and the conditioning when we played it was fantastic.

I met a few college buddies about halfway from Chicago and Cincinnati in Kendallville for a few days of golf. We played Noblehawk, Cobblestone, and 36 at Glendarin. Nothing to do in the town otherwise, but those 3 courses make for a good short weekend trip. I have said it before....if Glendarin was around Indianapolis...it would be a top 5 public course in Indiana I think.

[adamjstl]

[quote name='Tarantula18t' timestamp='1400327952' post='9313219']
The course that no one ever talks about in Indiana that is one of my favorites is a place in Angola called Glendarin Hills.

I have played most of the "best" public courses in Indiana I think......Pete Dye and Ross at FL, Brickyard, Purgatory, Rock Hollow, Bear Slide, Trophy Club, Fort, etc......and I think Glendarin Hills is better then all of them, with the exception of the Dye. It's spread out on a lot of land....has a great mix of wooded/open holes, and the conditioning when we played it was fantastic.

I met a few college buddies about halfway from Chicago and Cincinnati in Kendallville for a few days of golf. We played Noblehawk, Cobblestone, and 36 at Glendarin. Nothing to do in the town otherwise, but those 3 courses make for a good short weekend trip. I have said it before....if Glendarin was around Indianapolis...it would be a top 5 public course in Indiana I think.
[/quote]

I looked at the course website- it looks awesome. It's just so far away from Indianapolis (which is already a 4 hour trip for me).

[mckennwa]

I have been lucky enough to play Victoria National several times. It truly is that great of a course. Probably the best in the state if you ask me. The sub-air systems make those greens fly.

The only knock on it would be its difficulty. The tee shot on #2 wakes you up to what you're in for and with all the old strip mine washes, there is trouble everywhere. If you're not on your game, it can be a long day. I would imagine you'd need to be a 5 HDCP or better to enjoy playing it daily. I think that is why they struggle a bit.

Ones that I think deserves more praise is Kampen and Rock Hollow.

Also, a real sleeper that many haven't heard of or played is Chariot Run just west of Louisville in southern Indiana. It is associated with the casino down there. It's in the middle of no-where, but its the best conditioned public course in the Louisville area and a real gem.

[Bob Cat]

[quote name='Tarantula18t' timestamp='1400327952' post='9313219']
The course that no one ever talks about in Indiana that is one of my favorites is a place in Angola called Glendarin Hills.

I have played most of the "best" public courses in Indiana I think......Pete Dye and Ross at FL, Brickyard, Purgatory, Rock Hollow, Bear Slide, Trophy Club, Fort, etc......and I think Glendarin Hills is better then all of them, with the exception of the Dye. It's spread out on a lot of land....has a great mix of wooded/open holes, and the conditioning when we played it was fantastic.

I met a few college buddies about halfway from Chicago and Cincinnati in Kendallville for a few days of golf. We played Noblehawk, Cobblestone, and 36 at Glendarin. Nothing to do in the town otherwise, but those 3 courses make for a good short weekend trip. I have said it before....if Glendarin was around Indianapolis...it would be a top 5 public course in Indiana I think.
[/quote]

I can't disagree. The clubhouse is really nice especially with a cold beer on the deck. I organize a small scramble every other year there and they treat us very well. Beautiful, maturely wooded grounds.

[Bubb]

[quote name='Tarantula18t' timestamp='1400327952' post='9313219']
The course that no one ever talks about in Indiana that is one of my favorites is a place in Angola called Glendarin Hills.

I have played most of the "best" public courses in Indiana I think......Pete Dye and Ross at FL, Brickyard, Purgatory, Rock Hollow, Bear Slide, Trophy Club, Fort, etc......and I think Glendarin Hills is better then all of them, with the exception of the Dye. It's spread out on a lot of land....has a great mix of wooded/open holes, and the conditioning when we played it was fantastic.

I met a few college buddies about halfway from Chicago and Cincinnati in Kendallville for a few days of golf. We played Noblehawk, Cobblestone, and 36 at Glendarin. Nothing to do in the town otherwise, but those 3 courses make for a good short weekend trip. I have said it before....if Glendarin was around Indianapolis...it would be a top 5 public course in Indiana I think.
[/quote]
I agree. I've played it several times and it continues to impress. Special place.

[rekalj]

Any love for Otter Creek? I haven't played all of the courses mentioned, but have played Chariot Run, Brickyard, Kampen, Coyote Crossing, The Fort, Ross, Bear Slide and I would put the original 18 at Otter Creek right up there with those.

[ruascott]

[quote name='rekalj' timestamp='1400504310' post='9322905']
Any love for Otter Creek? I haven't played all of the courses mentioned, but have played Chariot Run, Brickyard, Kampen, Coyote Crossing, The Fort, Ross, Bear Slide and I would put the original 18 at Otter Creek right up there with those.
[/quote]

Twenty years ago otter creek was considered the best public course in the state, and was on most national lists as well. But there have been a ton of courses built since then, and otter has fallen out of favor somewhat.

I think the original 18 is a great layout however. I haven't played in years, so can't speak to conditioning.

[rekalj]

[quote name='ruascott' timestamp='1400529930' post='9325587']
[quote name='rekalj' timestamp='1400504310' post='9322905']
Any love for Otter Creek? I haven't played all of the courses mentioned, but have played Chariot Run, Brickyard, Kampen, Coyote Crossing, The Fort, Ross, Bear Slide and I would put the original 18 at Otter Creek right up there with those.
[/quote]

Twenty years ago otter creek was considered the best public course in the state, and was on most national lists as well. But there have been a ton of courses built since then, and otter has fallen out of favor somewhat.

I think the original 18 is a great layout however. I haven't played in years, so can't speak to conditioning.
[/quote]

I agree, I think it has fallen down the list versus the newer courses built but it should still be a good classic layout. They still play some State Am events there from time to time and while that doesn't indicate anything on it's own (I mean, sheesh, they play events at the Legends still and that place is pretty tame) I would think that would mean something. I didn't care for the newer 9 years ago when I played it, but we're playing 36 down there Friday so I will have an update.

[ruascott]

The legends was really nice when it opened,and was so successful they built an extra 9 holes, plus the par 3 course. Fast forward fifteen years and they are bankrupt and the conditioning is lousy. That expansion was a bad idea.

[rekalj]

[quote name='ruascott' timestamp='1400592755' post='9330799']
The legends was really nice when it opened,and was so successful they built an extra 9 holes, plus the par 3 course. Fast forward fifteen years and they are bankrupt and the conditioning is lousy. That expansion was a bad idea.
[/quote]

I play down there almost weekly and the conditions are pretty good. I even like the layout of the creek 9 as well. The par 3 is a nice addition, especially for the Junior Academy. The reasoning for my comments were the fact that it isn't a tough golf course; especially when I think of testing high school golfers for the State tournament. The reason they host it there has to be two-fold: 1. Indiana Golf Association headquarters and 2. they have the space to accomodate everyone.

[ruascott]

It's been 2 years since I've played there, so maybe better now. It wasn't bad, but compared to what it used to be not as good. They still have bluegrass fairways, while almost every other course of that caliber has gone to bent. The bunkers were not good either when I was there, but maybe better now.

[rekalj]

[quote name='ruascott' timestamp='1400620172' post='9334247']
It's been 2 years since I've played there, so maybe better now. It wasn't bad, but compared to what it used to be not as good. They still have bluegrass fairways, while almost every other course of that caliber has gone to bent. The bunkers were not good either when I was there, but maybe better now.
[/quote]

Yeah, still bluegrass and while it's perfectly playable, you don't get the feel of playing a top course without it. The bunkers are awful. They always have been. There are some around the green where there is so little sand, you can't even dig in.

[jschwarb]

Dye Course at French Lick is fantastic. Wish it was cheaper, of course, but after playing it with a friend in near-solitude it wouldn't seem right to play it with 100 golfers and carts all over. It's meant to mostly be an enclave for high-rollers at the casino with only a few tee times per day.

Speaking of, all the casino courses on the Ohio are good. Haven't played Chariot Run but Belterra is a very good track. Rising Star, near Cincinnati, is playable with some river views.

I live on the east side of Indy and Pete Dye's first 18-holer, Maple Creek, is nearby and a good inexpensive course. And just for kicks we even have courses named Coffin and Shank, plus the aforementioned Purgatory

[Cwing]

[quote name='mckennwa' timestamp='1400423871' post='9318063']
I have been lucky enough to play Victoria National several times. It truly is that great of a course. Probably the best in the state if you ask me. The sub-air systems make those greens fly.

The only knock on it would be its difficulty. The tee shot on #2 wakes you up to what you're in for and with all the old strip mine washes, there is trouble everywhere. If you're not on your game, it can be a long day. I would imagine you'd need to be a 5 HDCP or better to enjoy playing it daily. I think that is why they struggle a bit.

Ones that I think deserves more praise is Kampen and Rock Hollow.

Also, a real sleeper that many haven't heard of or played is Chariot Run just west of Louisville in southern Indiana. It is associated with the casino down there. It's in the middle of no-where, but its the best conditioned public course in the Louisville area and a real gem.
[/quote]

Played Victoria National a few days ago. Fantastic course, fantastic views. Yes, it was tough but I loved every minute of it.

[Chrismydawg]

Top 5 I've played in Indiana:

1. Warren @ ND
I'm stunned that this course isnt getting more love.
2. Glendarin Hills
3. Blackthorn
4. Stonehenge CC
5. Knollwood CC, Elbel or Plymouth CC

I will be playing Trophy Club tomorrow so this list may change.

[adamjstl]

I played The Dye Course at French Lick, and it was astonishing. What a course! Without question, my new #1 in Indiana. We'll be at Victoria National next month- hard to believe it could be any better.

[Cwing]

[quote name='adamjstl' timestamp='1402719950' post='9493241']
I played The Dye Course at French Lick, and it was astonishing. What a course! Without question, my new #1 in Indiana. We'll be at Victoria National next month- hard to believe it could be any better.
[/quote]

I have never been to the French Lick course but I would say that it is hard to believe it could be any better than Victoria National. She is both gorgeous and difficult.

[jdailey03]

I always take a trip over to the Hoosier state to play Purgatory once a year. I just really enjoy playing there and taking new people to experience that beast. Always have a blast playing there. I've been wanting to play Victoria National the The Dye at French Lick though. I've had friends play there and speak very, very highly of them. Looking forward to playing them one day.

[Bob Cat]

[quote name='jdailey03' timestamp='1402950970' post='9508717']
I always take a trip over to the Hoosier state to play Purgatory once a year. I just really enjoy playing there and taking new people to experience that beast. Always have a blast playing there. I've been wanting to play Victoria National the The Dye at French Lick though. I've had friends play there and speak very, very highly of them. Looking forward to playing them one day.
[/quote]

And the Purgatory clubhouse is gorgeous. I think you would like Bear Slide as well and it's not far from Purgatory.

[ruascott]

[quote name='Bob Cat' timestamp='1402951301' post='9508755']
[quote name='jdailey03' timestamp='1402950970' post='9508717']
I always take a trip over to the Hoosier state to play Purgatory once a year. I just really enjoy playing there and taking new people to experience that beast. Always have a blast playing there. I've been wanting to play Victoria National the The Dye at French Lick though. I've had friends play there and speak very, very highly of them. Looking forward to playing them one day.
[/quote]

And the Purgatory clubhouse is gorgeous. I think you would like Bear Slide as well and it's not far from Purgatory.
[/quote]

I'd second Bear Slide. I actually like they layout more than Purgatory, that's just me though. More variety.

[jdailey03]

[quote name='ruascott' timestamp='1403030449' post='9516645']
[quote name='Bob Cat' timestamp='1402951301' post='9508755']
[quote name='jdailey03' timestamp='1402950970' post='9508717']
I always take a trip over to the Hoosier state to play Purgatory once a year. I just really enjoy playing there and taking new people to experience that beast. Always have a blast playing there. I've been wanting to play Victoria National the The Dye at French Lick though. I've had friends play there and speak very, very highly of them. Looking forward to playing them one day.
[/quote]

And the Purgatory clubhouse is gorgeous. I think you would like Bear Slide as well and it's not far from Purgatory.
[/quote]

I'd second Bear Slide. I actually like they layout more than Purgatory, that's just me though. More variety.
[/quote]

Maybe I'll change things up this year and try Bear Slide. We took a team trip to Purgatory when I was playing in college so it's just kind of turned into a personal tradition. Thanks for the info, I love playing new courses and will give Bear a try when I get a free weekend.