Challenging Courses in Indianapolis

[McCann1]

I just found out I'm moving to Indianapolis...I know absolutely nothing about golf in Indy so, what are some challenging courses there? The more challenging and better condition the better. I play for a living and need a good base club to work on my game. Thank you

[cane700]

Brickyard Crossing is a Pete Dye course. Always a challenge. French Lick is south of Indy an hour or so. Crooked Stick is nearby if you want a private club.

[McCann1]

Yes private and within a reasonable drive of Indy. I go to the course every morning and leave usually before dinner. Crooked stick is a little out of my price range. I just need a good challenging course to test me and a good practice facility of course

[knickerbocker]

Probably in the top 5 courses in terms of difficulty I have every played and the best course in Indy is a private course by the name of Wolf Run. A wonderful Steve Smyers design.

[McCann1]

Probably in the top 5 courses in terms of difficulty I have every played and the best course in Indy is a private course by the name of Wolf Run. A wonderful Steve Smyers design.

Wolf Run looks great thank you for that suggestion

[dgrelecki]

So, difficulty around Indy and Indiana. Depending on where you came from, you'll love Indianapolis public golf. There are pete dye, smyers, RTJ, and Fazio courses all around. In terms of difficulty within Indiana.

 

1. Wolf Run - Yard for yard, the hardest course I've played anywhere. at 6800 yards par 70, it's a beast.

2. Victoria National - In newburgh - the web.com didn't even play the tips...great Fazio course on a quarry

3. Probably Crooked Stick - Because of the length, overall it's not super difficult though

 

Other great public tracks that are difficult:

Pete Dye and Donald Ross Course at Frenchlick - The senior PGA was at the Dye course two years ago, and everyone but monty hated it. HUGE course (like the plantation in Hawaii)

Otter Creek in Columbus Indiana (RTJ) - Cool Course w 27 holes

Kampen Complex at Purdue - Kampen (dye) and Ackerman Hills (just opened back up after Dye redesign)

Sycamore Hills in Fort Wayne - Web.com plays there too...Nicklaus Course

Belterra Casino Course - Fazio...very cool layout

 

PS - As far as wolf goes, get here fast...it likely won't be here next year.

[knickerbocker]

 

PS - As far as wolf goes, get here fast...it likely won't be here next year.

 

They are closing Wolf Run?

[that0neguy]

So, difficulty around Indy and Indiana. Depending on where you came from, you'll love Indianapolis public golf. There are pete dye, smyers, RTJ, and Fazio courses all around. In terms of difficulty within Indiana.

 

1. Wolf Run - Yard for yard, the hardest course I've played anywhere. at 6800 yards par 70, it's a beast.

2. Victoria National - In newburgh - the web.com didn't even play the tips...great Fazio course on a quarry

3. Probably Crooked Stick - Because of the length, overall it's not super difficult though

 

 

 

Agree with Dgrelecki. I think Victoria National is more challenging than Wolf Run, but it is likely due to me only having played VN once.

[McCann1]

I'm from the DC area. They've got some good tough courses. I live within walking distance of where Tiger's event was last year and was allowed to practice/play there occasionally. Wolf run is the front runner so far. Still have to actually go play a few and check out the facilities

[Mob]

Wolf Run is a fantastic golf course, and incredibly challenging, but their range is average at best. They may get sold to a developer next year, and it is unclear what that would do to the course. You can join for next to nothing at this point, I would bet; just don't sign anything long term, since their future is uncertain. If you can pay for the season, that would be a good deal.

[McCann1]

I had a convo with P. Rodgers on Twitter about Country Club of Indy and he said it's great. He could be biased because he used to be a member but what do y'all think about it?

[Indy Golfer]

Sagamore (Noblesville) is worth a look, good layout, great conditions and a lot of really good players there if you are looking for some people to play with. The biggest downside would be there practice facility, doesn't really measure up to the course.

 

Purgatory is worth a look as well, its public, but it usually isn't too busy.

[Ballgofarboy]

Anyone play at the course where the Army base use to be, now known as Fort Harrison State Park? That was a fun layout and a lot of blind driving holes.

 

I second the Kampen course at Purdue University. That was one of the toughest tracks I have ever been on.

[mikpga]

Some great courses in the area...

 

Wolf Run and Purgatory are two tough tracks...

 

Not too far away from Indy, and you'll find Otter Creek...

[McCann1]

Anyone play at the course where the Army base use to be, now known as Fort Harrison State Park? That was a fun layout and a lot of blind driving holes.

 

I second the Kampen course at Purdue University. That was one of the toughest tracks I have ever been on.

I've played events at Purdue many many times. Great course but unfortunately I can't justify the 70 mile drive there and back every day

[ruascott]

Broadmoor is a great club if you are looking for within the city. Very good group of younger sticks. Very affordable. Donald Ross layout with some of the best designed greens in the state. Let me know if you want to check it out. Only tips at about 6700, so maybe not what you want. But plenty hard for that length.

 

If you are looking north side, check out Woodland CC (Dye) or Sagamore (Nicklaus). Sagamore is a VERY demanding course.

 

 

Sadly, likely this is last year for Wolf, if it's sold it won't be a golf course.

[McCann1]

Broadmoor is a great club if you are looking for within the city. Very good group of younger sticks. Very affordable. Donald Ross layout with some of the best designed greens in the state. Let me know if you want to check it out. Only tips at about 6700, so maybe not what you want. But plenty hard for that length.

 

If you are looking north side, check out Woodland CC (Dye) or Sagamore (Nicklaus). Sagamore is a VERY demanding course.

 

 

Sadly, likely this is last year for Wolf, if it's sold it won't be a golf course.

I was a member at Brunswick CC in Georgia and it was also a short Ross design but the greens were so tough that the yardage really didn't matter. Ross also did a good job of making the course seem longer by taking driver out of your hands on many holes.

 

So far it looks like I'll be checking out CC of Indianapolis, Broadmoor, Woodland, and Sagamore. If anybody has more info about any of those clubs it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everybody

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

So much great golf in Indy, so much that we drive from Cincy on a reukar basis to play there!

[golfingron]

Sagamore would fit the bill from what you are describing. It also depends on which side of town you will be living as it is not shortest drive from the city with traffic. The club and amenities are great, the practice facility is solid and has many options. The course will certainly be as challenging as any in the city from the tips.

 

I would also recommend Broadmoor as I may be a little bias, but we do have in my opinion the best greens in the state. Course plays long at 6700 and the bunkers, trees and roller coaster greens keep you honest. There is a good practice facility and no shortages of games for the under 40 crowd. CCI and Woodland are also good choices, wolf might be my first recommendation depending on the future of the club.

[that0neguy]

Sagamore would fit the bill from what you are describing. It also depends on which side of town you will be living as it is not shortest drive from the city with traffic. The club and amenities are great, the practice facility is solid and has many options. The course will certainly be as challenging as any in the city from the tips.

 

I would also recommend Broadmoor as I may be a little bias, but we do have in my opinion the best greens in the state. Course plays long at 6700 and the bunkers, trees and roller coaster greens keep you honest. There is a good practice facility and no shortages of games for the under 40 crowd. CCI and Woodland are also good choices, wolf might be my first recommendation depending on the future of the club.

be

Sagamore would fit the bill from what you are describing. It also depends on which side of town you will be living as it is not shortest drive from the city with traffic. The club and amenities are great, the practice facility is solid and has many options. The course will certainly be as challenging as any in the city from the tips.

 

I would also recommend Broadmoor as I may be a little bias, but we do have in my opinion the best greens in the state. Course plays long at 6700 and the bunkers, trees and roller coaster greens keep you honest. There is a good practice facility and no shortages of games for the under 40 crowd. CCI and Woodland are also good choices, wolf might be my first recommendation depending on the future of the club.

 

If you want a difficult track and only golf, Wolf Run would be your best bet at only $2700 annually if you're under 30. Do it for a year, you won't find a course that demands better ballstriking near Indy. If you want more of a country club setting, Sagamore would be my next choice, followed by CCI. Sagamore is a tough track too, I really enjoy their greens, I think CCI is the easiest of the 3. Never played Broadmoor.

[Mob]

CCI is an old school tree lined course. It is a lot of fun to play from time to time, but not the most interesting course architecture. The difficulty is mainly from spraying it off the tee, behind a tree. I don't recall any significant practice facility.

 

Broadmoor is as stated above in a few different posts.

[McCann1]

Hey all, I'm in Indy for a little while so I'm going to test out some of these courses mentioned. Just curious, does anybody know if Crooked stick has a membership deal for professionals? Kind of like down in Sea Island they give us a break on the 25k initiation and just charge 10k a year and Atlanta Athletic club is even better at something like 5k a year

[McCann1]

I just experienced Sagamore and all I can say is wow. It's going to be tough to top that club. It had everything I need. The only downside is it is far from my house. Checking out Broadmoor tomorrow and hopefully CC of Indy on Thursday

[McCann1]

I'm having a terribly difficult time getting in contact with the CC of Indy. I've left an email, called and left a voicemail but no reply. Are there any members that can help me to get a round in and a possible tour of club?

[mckennwa]

Send me a PM. I'm not a member but know the pro there quite well.

[McCann1]

Well I was supposed to meet with the director of golf for CC of Indy at 3 and after 20 minutes he never showed up. Crossing that club off the list.

[mckennwa]

I'm sorry to hear that McCann. He texted me back this morning and said he was meeting with you today.

[McCann1]

I'm sorry to hear that McCann. He texted me back this morning and said he was meeting with you today.

He texted me an hour later after I left but I came back and was able to see the course. They've had some club events so I understand it's been busy. I appreciate you helping out!

[ruascott]

I'm sorry to hear that McCann. He texted me back this morning and said he was meeting with you today.

He texted me an hour later after I left but I came back and was able to see the course. They've had some club events so I understand it's been busy. I appreciate you helping out!

 

Did you end up joining anywhere?

[McCann1]

In the Spring when I move back I will become a member at Sagamore