Golf

Few states take their basketball more seriously than Indiana. But Hoosiers also have an affinity for another ball—the small round one that golfers like to slug around a course. Not surprisingly, Indiana boasts some of the most scenic, highest-quality, easily accessible, and reasonably priced golf courses in the Midwest. After all, look at who calls Indy his home. Considered to be one of the most influential course architects in the world, Pete Dye and his wife, former amateur champion Alice Dye, live in Indianapolis.

Now in his 80s, Pete is still designing courses and playing them. One of his most famous local works is the private course in nearby Carmel. Built in 1964, the course transformed a flat cornfield into a Scottish-style links. Legend says that the new course got its name when Pete and one of the club directors were walking the uncompleted back nine. Pete picked up a gnarled stick and swung at some stones. The name stuck. Crooked Stick has played host to many championships, including the 2009 U.S. Men’s Senior Open.

The crown in the Indy golf scene is likely the Pete Dye course that millions of viewers have seen during the Indy 500 race. Often called the nation’s most unique links, Brickyard Crossing has golfers playing inside and outside the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway racing oval. Pete integrated concrete pieces from the speedway’s outer retaining wall into the design of the golf course. Holes 7, 8, 9, and 10 of the course are located within the race track’s infield. The remaining holes border the east side of the track. While the “inside holes” are certainly the most well known and photographed—especially on race days—the “outside holes” have a prevailing southwest wind, making for challenging play.

For some of the most heavenly golf, drive about 100 miles south of Indianapolis to the old resort town of French Lick. There you can find three great golf courses with designer names—Pete Dye, Tom Bendelow, and Donald Ross—all within 5 miles of each other. The icing on the cake is the new Pete Dye Course at French Lick. Opened in 2009, the course is already receiving raves and will host the PGA of America 2010 Professional National Championship. Visually stunning, the dramatic hilltop course is etched into one of the highest elevations in Indiana. On a clear day, from the 900-foot elevation, you can see 30 to 40 miles.

This chapter includes a selection of area courses that are open to the general public. Please note that prices were in effect at publication time and are subject to change. If you’re a golfer who prefers the old-fashioned way of golfing—walking rather than riding a cart—Indy offers some wonderful courses where you can stretch your legs. Most courses also give a nice discount for senior citizens and feature specials that can save you money. So line up a tee time (very handy to do online), lace up your shoes (many courses no longer allow steel spikes because they tear up the greens, so check ahead of time), slather on some sunscreen, and plop on a shady hat. Fore!