Golf Indianapolis on 3 Budgets

July 8, 2013

In the heart of the Midwest, among the farm fields and near the home of the Indy 500 sit some of the more underrated and fantastic golf courses in the U.S.

Indiana – and Indianapolis in particular – is not only a playground for some of America’s most-devout basketball fans, but also an exciting locale for enthusiastic golfers.

Enjoy golf in the Hoosier State no matter what your price range with these three great Indianapolis-based GolfNow courses.

Conservative – The Trophy Club (Lebanon, IN) ~ $30-40

The Trophy Club, located in Lebanon (approximately 30 miles Northwest of Indianapolis), is a links-style course that separates itself from old-British style links golf by incorporating more water hazards in its cheeky design.

This Timothy Liddy design – which is the No. 3 public course in the state according to Golf.com – features Prairie Creek, which winds its way throughout the course, coming into play on at least eight holes. Three other lakes featured on four holes make this track a test of nerves. The bent grass fairways are impeccably maintained and are surrounded by bluegrass and fescue grasses that punish wayward shots.

When you add in the bunkers that are found on most holes throughout the golf course, golfers are in for a creative and challenging round. But, when you finish your round it’s the peaceful surrounding natural habitat that will keep bringing you back to this wonderful course in Lebanon.

“The Trophy Club is a very nice links style course with tough rough but overall open fairways,” said one Golfnow golfer. “Overall a great value and very fun.”

Moderate – The Fort Golf Course (Indianapolis, IN) ~ $50-65

This course is not only is affordable, but provides some magnificent holes and is a challenge for all golfers. The Pete Dye re-design is only minutes from downtown Indianapolis and is built on the site of the former U.S. military instillation, Fort Benjamin Harrison.

The par-72 layout is beautiful and tricky with lush fairways, majestic tree-lined holes and undulating greens. It allows all to enjoy a fair test by providing five different tee boxes for all skill sets. The bent grass greens hold well and provides a quality putting surface for its players.

The Fort was originally home to the Indianapolis Arsenal. During the Civil War, the Indianapolis Arsenal supplied munitions to federal troops, and it was later renamed Fort Benjamin Harrison, after our 23rd President, a nearby resident. The post served multiple roles as troop reception center, classroom, and soldier support facility during all major military conflicts from WWI to Desert Storm before closing in 1991.

Upscale – Prairie View Golf Course (Carmel, IN) ~ $70-90

Experience country club-caliber golf with this magnificent public course located just a jump from Indianapolis (15 miles). Prairie View is the only Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed golf course in the state of Indiana, and the par-72 layout uses the natural rolling terrain on the banks of the White River and the towering oak and sycamore trees to their fullest capabilities for some of the most serene, picturesque views in the Hoosier state.

The combination of a gently flowing stream (circumnavigates four holes), natural wetlands and five strategically placed lakes throughout the track create a significant challenge for all golfers in this masterpiece course. Four sets of tees with large landing areas provide a great playing experience for all levels.

Prairie View also has an outstanding training facility and certified instructors to cater to improving your game, and many have marveled at the course’s beauty, making it a popular Indiana wedding site. The combination of a spectacular Clubhouse and pavilion room overlooking the acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Jr. course and the surrounding picturesque rolling prairie create a gorgeous setting.

Combine golf at Prairie View with a stay at the Conrad Indianapolis (4.5 star hotel – Hotels.com) to enjoy an indulgent weekend.