Spending a few hours playing golf is a great way to work on your focus and competitiveness while also hanging out with friends in gorgeous natural surroundings. Players living in northwest Indiana are lucky to have many amazing courses for all skill levels within their area.

Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex – Kampen Course

This championship golf course is located near West Lafayette, only 123 miles south of Chicago. It’s part of Purdue University’s campus and was named the best college golf course in the country last year by Golf Advisor. Its structure is the work of the late great designer Pete Dye, known as the “Picasso of golf course design,” and rightly so.

Although it’s considered to be one of the most difficult courses in the state of Indiana, beginners and intermediate players are more than welcome to challenge themselves and play here. The design features many bunkers, ponds, grasslands, and even a part of the Celery Bog nature area that adds to its uniqueness. Its high ratings and high difficulty level made this course the host for many golfing tournaments over the past two decades or so, from the Big Ten championships back in 1999 and 2000 to the 2017 Indiana Open.

South Bend Country Club

Having been a hotspot for local golfers since 1916, this course is one of the oldest in Indiana. The country club prides itself on offering guests more than just the opportunity to enjoy a round of golf by providing a whole experience, complete with excellent service, delicious cuisine, and state-of-the-art facilities. Also, being close to Chain O’Lakes State Park means its natural surroundings will offer golfers magnificent views and an ideal setting to relax.

Designed by architect George O’Neill, a native of nearby Chicago, it’s a bit on the short side at 6,600 yards, but its intricate fairways and greens will more than make up for it. Seven holes are located near lakes, adding to the challenge. The country club’s dedicated and professional staff will make sure that all members and guests have a great time, with the clubhouse’s elegant design and natural surroundings making it the ideal venue for special events, such as weddings, conferences, and more.

Beechwood Golf Course


Image via Flickr by www.davidmolloyphotography.com 

This 18-hole course was built in the 1930s and designed by architect William Diddle. Constant upgrades over the years have kept it on par with modern courses, while also keeping its classic layout and design. Aside from the golf course, the club also features a recently renovated clubhouse with lunch and breakfast menus, plus a variety of snacks and beverages.

The course’s 18 holes manage to keep experienced players challenged, while also being approachable enough for those looking to learn and improve their game. The biggest challenge for golfers is the high number of ponds, with 12 holes being close to one. The holes range from a 120-yard par-3 to a 552-yard par-5, providing lots of variation. The overall design emphasizes the need for versatility and accuracy, meaning that a regular player will manage to constantly find new challenges throughout the many obstacles and elevations that need to be overcome.

Purgatory Golf Club

With six sets of tees that range from less than 4,600 yards to over 7,700 yards, this course is designed to be fully enjoyed by players of all experience and skill levels. Its superb and challenging design made the owners describe it as “your gateway to golfing heaven,” hence the name. Spread over 218 acres, the links-style course is very well-managed, with tee times being far apart from each other and allowing every golfer to take their time without feeling crowded.

The course is fitting for many golfing styles, but the 130 bunkers around the holes pose a great challenge to even advanced players. The par-3 17th hole has no fewer than eight bunkers around the putting area, setting the stage for exciting finishes and late comebacks. The club also features a driving range, plus chipping and putting facilities, allowing golfers to work on their game and improve their shots.

Royal Hylands Golf Club

This course features 18 well-designed and challenging holes and has a par of 71. Having been around since 1971, it has constantly received high praise from both players and specialists. In 2015, it was named the top course in Indiana by Golf Advisor and has featured in the Top 5 every year since. It also hosted many competitions over the years, with the IGA Public Links Championships taking place here seven times since 1993. It’s also very highly rated when it comes to the friendliness of its staff.

It takes about four hours to go through a full round of golf, with 18 difficult but rewarding holes. Although it’s more appropriate for advanced golfers than for beginners, Royal Hylands also provides golf lessons to help those who want to improve their game, as well as a driving range for practice.

Bear Slide Golf Club

Located in Cicero, this course is one of the highest-rated in Indiana and one of the top 50 courses in America. Its top-notch conditioning and great service are also highly rated by specialists, making Bear Slide Golf Course the complete package for passionate golfers looking to have a relaxing time out on the grass.

The course is filled with challenges at every hole, from bunkers to water hazards to elevations, making it a favorite for players who want to push themselves and improve their game. The property also features a clubhouse with a snack bar and a back deck, as well as a pro shop and practice facilities.

Indiana has a long and rich golfing history and the best evidence for that are the many wonderful golf courses all around the state. Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to find a new challenge or a novice who is looking to practice and learn, you should visit these highly-rated courses sand enjoy all of what they have to offer. And if you’re looking to move to the area, check out Steiner Homes for spacious, high-quality accommodations for every family size. You can reach us online or by phone at (219) 255-4418.