Indianapolis boasts a diverse array of public golf courses, each offering unique challenges and scenic views. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, these courses provide opportunities to enjoy the game amidst the city’s natural landscapes. Here’s a comprehensive guide of the top Indianapolis golf courses, their key features, statistics, interesting facts and tee time deals.
You can also read our other metroparks guides here: Cleveland Metroparks Golf Courses, Huron-Clinton Metroparks Golf Courses in Detroit.
Table of Contents
- Smock Golf Course
- Coffin Golf Course
- Eagle Creek Golf Course
- Frederick Douglass Golf Course
- Pleasant Run Golf Course
- Sahm Golf Course
- South Grove Golf Course
- Thatcher Golf Course
- Winding River Golf Course
- Whispering Hills Golf Course
Smock Golf Course, Indianapolis, IN
Overview: Smock Golf Course is one of Indianapolis’s premier public golf courses with an 18-hole, par-72 course that’s well-suited to both serious golfers and those who just want to play recreationally on the weekends. The course measures around 7,000 yards, with spacious greens, tree-lined fairways, and tricky bunkers that truly put you through your paces. There is a driving range and great practice facilities, so Smock is a great place to warm up your swing before you hit the course. The fairways are well-manicured and the rates are affordable, which is why the locals love it, and the challenging layout means every game continues to be fun and thrilling. Whether you’re in the mood for a chill weekend round or want to really test your skills, Smock’s got you covered.
Yardage: 7,055 yards
Rating: 74.1
Slope: 132
Amenities: Pro shop, practice greens, driving range, club rentals
Unique Feature: Smock Golf Course has some of the longest fairways in the city, making it a great place for golfers looking to improve their distance game.
Fun Fact: The course regularly hosts local and regional tournaments, making it a hotspot for competitive golf in the area.
Summary of Reviews: Golfers praise Smock’s well-maintained greens, challenging bunkers, and the quality of its fairways. The driving range is also highly rated for practice sessions.
Tee Time Deals: we have great tee time deals for Smock golf course starting with a promo round for 1 player, 18 holes including cart for $22, valid anytime Monday – Friday. You can view these deals here.
Coffin Golf Course, Indianapolis, IN
Overview: Coffin Golf Course is a favorite among public courses in Indianapolis and is celebrated for its beautiful tree-lined fairways and challenging layout along the banks of the White River. Established in 1890, the course has seen many modifications through the years while maintaining its storied golf history. The rolling fairways, strategically located bunkers, and water hazards all make each round scenic and rewarding. It’s a fantastic course for golfers looking to improve their shot-making in a peaceful setting just minutes from downtown Indy. From beginners learning the ins and outs of your swing to veteran golfers looking for a competitive match, Coffin is an enjoyable experience at an Indiana golf course for all skill levels.
Yardage: 6,789 yards
Rating: 73.7
Slope: 129
Amenities: Pro shop, practice facilities, club rentals
Hole Highlights:
- Hole 4: Par-3 over water, requiring accurate iron play.
- Hole 10: Dogleg left with a creek bisecting the fairway, necessitating strategic shot placement.
Fun Fact: Coffin Golf Course has the second-highest elevation in Indianapolis, offering distinctive elevation changes.
Summary of Reviews: Golfers appreciate the historic charm and challenging layout. The mature trees and water hazards make it a visually appealing and demanding course.
Eagle Creek Golf Course, Indianapolis, IN
Overview: Hey, if you’re into challenges and wanna hit up one of the prettiest courses in Indianapolis, you gotta check out Eagle Creek Golf Course. It’s got this huge 417-acre natural park vibe, and you’ll find two 18-hole layouts—Pines and Sycamore—that are perfect for testing your accuracy, shot strategy, and patience. The integration of tree-lined fairways, undulating greens, and wetland areas presents a new challenge on every hole, and the natural beauty of nature preserves and wildlife is a calming backdrop. The legendary course designer Pete Dye designed Eagle Creek, which was ranked one of Indiana’s top public courses and is a favorite among recreational and competitive golfers. If you’re seeking a course that’s as beautiful as it is rewarding, this is your pick.
Yardage: Pines Course: 6,976 yards; Sycamore Course: 6,568 yards
Rating: Pines Course: 73.2; Sycamore Course: 74.4
Slope: Pines Course: 134; Sycamore Course: 138
Amenities: Pro shop, practice facilities, club rentals, driving range
Unique Feature: The natural parkland setting incorporates numerous nature preserves, wetlands, wildlife areas, tree-lined fairways, rolling greens, and undulating land.
Fun Fact: Eagle Creek Golf Club offers 36 holes of championship golf for golfers of all skill levels.
Summary of Reviews: Golfers enjoy the demanding layout and natural beauty of the course. The mix of hole designs and pristine conditions are frequently highlighted.
Frederick Douglass Golf Course, Indianapolis, IN
Overview: Frederick Douglass Golf Course has been an Indy favorite since 1926, offering a friendly, stress-free round of golf in a family-friendly environment. The course is short and easy, so it’s a great choice for beginners, junior golfers, or anyone who just needs a quick, easy round. The fairways are lined with mature trees, and the greens are well-maintained so that each visit is enjoyable. There are not many sand traps and water hazards, making it friendly for beginners without sacrificing enough challenge to remain interesting to seasoned golfers. If you’re looking for a cheap, casual round of golf with a welcoming atmosphere, Frederick Douglass is a solid choice to tee off.
Yardage: 2,613 yards
Rating: 33.9
Slope: 102
Amenities: Pro shop, practice facilities, club rentals
Unique Feature: The course’s mature trees and strategic bunkering provide a rewarding experience for players of all skill levels.
Fun Fact: Frederick Douglass Golf Course has been a local favorite since 1926, offering affordable golfing opportunities for nearly 100 years.
Summary of Reviews: Golfers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and affordability. The straightforward layout is perfect for beginners, and the mature trees provide a pleasant setting.
Pleasant Run Golf Course, Indianapolis, IN
Overview: Pleasant Run Golf Course is a total classic in the Indianapolis golf scene and has been around for almost a hundred years! Founded back in 1922, this course goes through the historic Irvington neighborhood and gives you a nice blend of rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, and a winding creek that comes into play on several holes. It’s a traditional-style course with small greens, so you’ll need to nail those approach shots and have your drives well-placed. The layout is meant to be a blast for everyone—it’s tough enough to keep the seasoned golfers engaged but chill enough for newbies to have a good time. If you like a course that’s got some personality and a story, Pleasant Run is where you’ll find a classic golfing vibe.
Yardage: 5,910 yards
Rating: 69.3
Slope: 120
Amenities: Pro shop, concessions, leagues, putting green
Unique Feature: The course’s classic design has stood the test of time, offering a traditional golfing experience.
Fun Fact: Pleasant Run Golf Course is located in the Irvington neighborhood, a historic area with picturesque architecture and tree-lined streets.
Summary of Reviews: Golfers commend the course for its classic design and well-manicured conditions. The variety of hole designs and the winding creek throughout the course add to its attractiveness.
Sahm Golf Course, Indianapolis, IN
Overview: Sahm Golf Course is like a hidden treasure for golfers who dig a blend of spacious fairways and tricky water hazards. Located in the Castleton area, this 18-hole, par-70 course features rolling hills, bunkers strategically located, and greens that reward accuracy. Originally constructed in 1963, Sahm is highly regarded as affordable and accessible, so it is a local favorite. The course is fair but challenging, with a creek that winds through numerous holes, requiring players to think about shot position. If you’re in the mood for a casual round on some fairly nice greens with holes of changing configurations, Sahm Golf Course is a great option.
Yardage: 6,347 yards
Rating: 69.8
Slope: 122
Amenities: Driving range, pro shop, practice greens, club rentals
Unique Feature: Sahm Golf Course features multiple water hazards, requiring precise shot placement.
Fun Fact: The course is named after William S. Sahm, who was a leader in the Catholic Youth Organization in Indianapolis.
Summary of Reviews: Golfers appreciate the well-maintained greens and challenging course layout. The mix of open fairways and tree-lined holes provides a well-rounded test for all skill levels.
South Grove Golf Course
Overview: Just a stone’s throw west of downtown, South Grove Golf Course is one of the oldest public courses in Indy, going all the way back to 1902. It’s got that classic parkland vibe with tight fairways, big old trees, and small greens that are pretty well-guarded. The course isn’t extremely lengthy, but it certainly compensates for that with some deceptive shot-making and doglegs that seriously require planning ahead. The greens are well-maintained and roll relatively quickly, further enhancing the difficulty level. For those desiring a round of accuracy rather than merely pounding the ball, South Grove is a sound option. And it’s situated in a great location, so Indianapolis residents can easily stop by and get in a quick but satisfying round of golf.
Yardage: 6,151 yards
Rating: 70.3
Slope: 124
Amenities: Pro shop, concessions, putting green
Unique Feature: The course offers beautiful views of downtown Indianapolis, giving golfers a scenic backdrop as they play.
Fun Fact: South Grove is one of the few golf courses in Indiana that has remained in continuous operation for over a century.
Summary of Reviews: Players love the well-maintained greens and old-school design. The course layout remains a favorite for those who appreciate a classic golfing experience.
Tee Time Deals: amazing deals for South Grove golf course starting with a promo round for 1 player, 18 holes including cart for $21, valid anytime Monday – Friday.
Thatcher Golf Course
Overview: Thatcher Golf Course is a wonderful place for anyone wanting to enjoy a relaxing and speedy round of golf. This par-35, 9-hole course has super wide fairways, tiny greens, and virtually no hazards, making it ideal for beginners or golfers who simply want to practice their skills. While it’s a short course, Thatcher does keep it interesting enough to make it fun. The tree-lined fairways and the few water hazards that you’ll encounter provide a bit of challenge, but honestly, it’s a relaxed place to play. If you’re looking for an inexpensive and casual round, Thatcher Golf Course is the way to go.
Yardage: 2,684 yards
Rating: Not available
Slope: Not available
Amenities: Pro shop, practice facilities, club rentals
Unique Feature: The course is known for its tree-lined fairways and gentle layout, making it a perfect course for beginners.
Fun Fact: Thatcher Golf Course is home to a nesting pair of bald eagles, making it a unique location for nature lovers.
Summary of Reviews: Golfers enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and affordability. It’s a great place for a quick round of golf without the pressure of a full 18-hole course.
Winding River Golf Course
Overview: Winding River Golf Course, located at Southwestway Park, is one of the prettiest and most tranquil public golf courses in Indianapolis. The 18-hole championship layout features a mix of rolling hills, open fairways, and natural river landscape that offers a peaceful round of golf. The fairways are somewhat open, but the hazards are placed such that accuracy is truly paramount. They also have a driving range and practice greens, so it’s a good spot to get warmed up before tackling the course. If you’re just wanting a casual round in a lovely setting, Winding River’s your spot.
Yardage: 6,805 yards
Rating: 71.2
Slope: 126
Amenities: Pro shop, driving range, practice greens
Unique Feature: Rolling terrain and natural river views make this course a picturesque round of golf.
Fun Fact: The course is known for its challenging layout and excellent course conditions, making it a hidden gem in Indianapolis.
Summary of Reviews: Players love the scenic fairways and well-kept greens. The course is often praised for being one of the best-maintained public courses in the city.
Tee Time Deals: Wind River golf course has 4 deals on TeeTime Golf Pass starting with a promo round for 1 player, 18 holes including cart for $23, valid Monday – Friday 1-3pm.
Whispering Hills Golf Course
Overview: Whispering Hills Golf Course is a gem of a course on the west side of Indianapolis. This 18-hole course is perfect for individuals who prefer a serene round away from the crowds. With its nicely manicured fairways, big greens, and beautiful water features, it provides a mix of challenge and playability that accommodates players of all kinds. The elevation changes naturally give variety to the layout, and the fairways lined with trees on the course give a secluded, peaceful atmosphere. Whispering Hills is a great choice if you prefer to golf on a nicely manicured course with laid-back atmosphere.
Yardage: Not available
Rating: Not available
Slope: Not available
Amenities: Pro shop, practice greens
Unique Feature: Whispering Hills incorporates natural lakes into the course design, making for a peaceful yet challenging experience.
Fun Fact: The course’s peaceful atmosphere makes it a favorite for golfers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Summary of Reviews: Golfers enjoy the well-maintained greens and quiet setting. Many consider it a hidden gem in Indianapolis.
FAQs
What are the best public golf courses in Indianapolis?
Top Indianapolis golf courses include Eagle Creek, Smock, and Coffin Golf Courses for their challenging layouts and scenic views.
Are there beginner-friendly public golf courses in Indianapolis?
Yes! Thatcher, Frederick Douglass, and Whispering Hills Golf Courses are great for beginners.
Do Indianapolis golf courses offer rental equipment?
Most courses offer club and cart rentals—check with the specific course for availability.
Which Indianapolis golf course is the hardest?
Eagle Creek (Sycamore Course) and Smock Golf Course are known for their challenging layouts.
How can I get a tee time deal at Indianapolis golf courses?
Check out the Lower Midwest TeeTime Golf Pass which offers a ton of tee time deals in Indiana.
