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 “The darndest piece, or the best darn piece, of ground I’ve ever seen,”— legendary course designer Pete Dye has been quoted as saying both about The Fort Golf Resort. When he took on its redesign in the fall of 1995, he only charged the State of Indiana $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.
The highly rated, 4 1/2 stars, four out of the past five years, according to Golf Digest–The Fort Golf Resort is a testament to Dye’s inspired work. His quotes and his generosity with his time are evidenced in the woods-laden ridges and valleys that make up the recently redesigned Fort Golf Course. Golfers will instantly fall in love with what is a truly unique course for Central Indiana. “When people come out for the first time, they can’t believe the setting,” according to Scott Larson, Head Pro since The Fort’s redesign. The two opening holes provide a perfect warm-up for a course that can stretch out to be 7,144 yards of design excellence and tranquil scenery. The next 16 holes, however, are where you’ll find the true Dye challenges.
Natural elevation changes are abundant as evidenced by the par-3 fifth hole. An elevated tee looks almost straight down upon a winding creek and waterfall. The elevated, sloping green makes for a beautiful but dangerous par-3. At 170-yards fromthe back tees and an imposing bunker eating up anything short, beware – this beauty can show its teeth.
Another eye-catcher is the par-5 11th. Again, from an elevated tee, golfers hit down to a generous tree-lined fairway. A solid second shot to an elevated green could make for an exciting finish to this par-5.
The finishing stretch of holes are Larson’s favorites, and rightly so. The17th is a daunting 232 yards from the blue tees and, while the hole plays slightly downhill at that distance, it still takes a very good swing to hit one close. Also be very aware of the collection bunker down the left-hand side of the hole. The 18th has the look and feel of a great tournament finishing hole, especially when you look at this 474-yard par-4 from the Gold tees. It takes an accurate tee shot to avoid the perfectly placed fairway bunker. Players will then be left with a long iron to an uphill green. Scores could range from the most miraculous of birdies to the most embarrassing “others.”
Another Dye trademark shows up on every hole at The Fort. The greens are some of the truest rolling in Indiana and, even during warm Indiana summers, hold iron shots well. The grounds staff works diligently keeping bunkers tidily raked and fairways well kept. Woods courses can be a challenge to keep clean during the fall, but The Fort is well worth a look when the trees are changing to their deep yellow and vibrant reds in late October.
If you’re not a single-digit handicapper, don’t worry. The course can be shortened with its three sets of tees, and for ladies, it plays to a reasonable 5,045 yards. There are no forced water carries and splashing balls should be few, as water is limited to a couple of narrow winding streams throughout the grounds.
 The Fort Golf Resort is now owned and operated by the Indiana State Park system. You’ll have the feeling of being
on a pleasant walk in the woods within
the park setting. It lies within the confines
of the largest contiguously wooded
area of any park within U.S. city limits.
One other great perk of being in a state
park, are the sight lines. “There are no
houses, and there never will be,”
said Larson.
The newly renovated lounge and huge practice areas are other great features that make The Fort more than just a one-play course. Repeat trips and outings are common because of the great amenities. The newly apportioned Garrison Restaurant and Conference Center is great for outings.
For an even longer stay, there are also some excellent choices for lodging. The Harrison House, a former military VIP hangout, turned intimate seven-room (five of them suites) guesthouse, is a very well-apportioned choice. Other lodging includes three fully furnished former Officer’s homes that are ready to provide a very enjoyable golfing stay for couples as well as groups.
The Fort Golf Resort and Conference Center offers top-quality practice facilities, private or group golf instruction, a fully stocked Golf Shop, men’s and women’s locker rooms, golf packages with lodging, and corporate or charity golf outing capabilities. Players and guests at The Fort Golf Resort will be pleasantly surprised by the tranquil park surroundings, a very affordable, well-kept course, excellent service and superior accommodations. Golfers will be ready to take another shot at “The Fort” immediately after their round.
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