Indiana Golf Scene

As the only Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-designed golf course in the state of Indiana, Carmel’s Prairie View Golf Club is by default in elite company when compared to other golf facilities.

But Prairie View’s commitment to constructing players sound in all aspects of the game, in addition to its 18-hole championship golf course set upon 206 acres of rolling prairies, and serene wetlands, undisturbed by residential development, solidifies the facility’s standing as one of the most complete and dynamic in all of Indiana.

Considered one of the state’s premier daily-fee layouts, Prairie View Golf Course is a 7,073-yard classic design characterized by abundant natural beauty. Golfers will be treated to views of towering sycamores and oaks, sounds of clear running streams and billowing native grasses that transform an afternoon on the course into an almost surreal experience.

Golfers can become rather irascible when confronting the creations of legendary golf course architect Pete Dye, cursing their luck upon finding a ball buried in one of his pot bunkers or flipping a club after watching a shot splash land in the moat surrounding No. 17 at TPC Sawgrass.

But for all the fury and frustration Dye draws out of both hackers and professionals, we can’t help but love the man who’s provided us with so many wonderful places to play golf.

And there is no other spot on the planet where that love affair is more evident than the city of Indianapolis. Indy is to home remnants of Dye’s first design, the nine-hole El Dorado located just south of the city.

Located on State Highway 39 (between 1-70 West and U.S. 40) in Clayton, Indiana, Deer Creek Golf Club is one of the Indianapolis area's finest golf facilities and one of its best kept secrets.

Designed by John Hall, Deer Creek opened in 1991. The course features four sets of tees, ranging from 6,700 to 5,033 yards and plays as a par-71.

Area golfers who act now can play in 2009 for less than they did in 2008. Until March 31, Deer Creek Golf Club is offering season passes at 20 percent off regular rates. For even more savings, try the VIP membership and Men's Club. For details on all of the programs offered at Deer Creek, call the golf shop at 317-539-2013. 

On June 28, 1904, General Order No. 117 called for a land purchase to be set aside for military use nine miles from downtown Indianapolis.

That land would become the Fort Benjamin Harrison military base until 1991, when the complex was decommissioned as the U.S. government began downsizing by closing bases.

Just four years later, renowned architect Pete Dye was brought in to redesign the 18-hole golf course that had been part of the military installment. Dye began work on the project in the fall of 1995 and only charged the state of Indiana, which owns the course as part of the state's park system, $1 for the opportunity to work with the course's 238 acres, all of which are encompassed by what is now Ft. Harrison State Park.

If it’s possible for a true gem of a golf course to be “hidden” in plain sight, The Trophy Club in Lebanon, northwest of Indianapolis, might just qualify. Less than a decade old, The Trophy Club burst on the scene as Golf Digest’s “4th Best New Public Golf Course in America” when it opened in the fall of 1998, and it is only improving with age.

 Just last year, Golf Digest again honored The Trophy Club with a 4.5 star rating and named it among the country’s “100 Greatest Public Golf Courses,” and has consistently rated it among the top five public courses in the Hoosier state. Yet you can still take this Scottish links-style getaway for under $50 most days and times. 

Challenge Yourself at Pete Dye's 1st 18-hole Course and Indianpolis' Best Kept Secret 

Designed and constructed in 1961 by legendary architect Pete Dye, Maple Creek Golf & Country Club is Indianapolis' best kept secret. It was Dye's first 18-hole course, and the genesis of his illustrious career.

The Maple Creek golf course provides an enjoyable and challenging experience for players of all levels. It offers very long and narrow fairways, surrounded by mature trees, natural long grass areas and multiple sand and water hazards. The course provides undulating greens with strategic pin placements changed daily. 

If you’re looking for your next great golf getaway then look no further than the Midwestern state of Indiana.

Situated in the rolling hills of the Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana is French Lick Resort, one of Americas premier golf destinations. This historic resort is located in the small town of French Lick, where for more than two centuries the Pluto Mineral Springs has attracted visitors. French Lick is also known as the hometown of basketball legend Larry Bird.

Soon the town will be recognized as one of the great golf destinations in the country. Since the early 1900’s, golf has been an integral part of this resort area. Tom Bendelow designed the first course here in 1907 and was followed by the great Donald Ross ten years later.

In 2009, French Lick moves to an entirely different level with the opening of the spectacular new Pete Dye course.

Essig Golf Management has been bringing golfers top notch course offerings and quality customer service since the early 90s. EGM is in the process of ushering in a new era of golf in Indianapolis with an outstanding collection of courses that are rapidly setting the standard for great golf in Indiana’s largest city.

The group’s mission statement, “Every Member, Every Guest, Every Time,” gets to the heart of EGM’s goal of creating a quality and enjoyable golf environment at each and every facility it oversees.

Heartland Crossing Golf Links, South Grove Golf Club, Hickory Stick Golf Club and Dye’s Walk Country Club are four of the finest golf clubs in the city, and the state for that matter, and are all convenient to downtown Indianapolis.

While the compilation of courses should be expected to live up to the exceptional customer service, professionalism and conditions associated with the Essig name, each has its own distinct personality and feel. 

It is our goal to assist you in any way possible so you can relax and enjoy your special day. Plum Creek’s on-site event planner, Bev Boroski prides herself on excellent customer service, flexibility and stress-free event coordination.

The Lynnwood Room, approximately 2,000 square feet, seats up to 170 guests, contains a stunning mahogany bar, and beautiful dance floor. The cathedral ceiling in this room evokes a feeling of grandeur. All doors open to our wrap-around deck that provides your guests with a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The Balcony and Dye Room have the capacity for 50-60 additional guests. When coupled with the main room, we can increase the size of your party to approximately 220 people.

It is the Catch-22 of golf. If we only scored a little bit better, we’d be more excited about practicing more, which would lead to even better scoring. Yet most every infomercial you’ve ever watched says the “key” to a better score is a new club or a training aid when what we probably need is obvious; some time with a teaching professional who is passionate about helping us improve our score so that we can conquer that Catch-22.

But we’re afraid to break the cycle. “Golf School” sounds more like a prison sentence than an opportunity for a golf epiphany. We fear we’ll be embarrassed in a group of players who are better than we are.

The United States Golf Academy at the Indiana National Golf Club at Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Indiana wants to smash that stereotype. The Academy has some revolutionary thoughts, and passionate pros, who want to change the way you think of “golf schools” and get you on the road  to enjoying the game more than ever.