1. The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort

Perched atop one of the highest points in Indiana, The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort offers breathtaking panoramic views extending over 40 miles. Opened in 2009, this masterpiece from legendary course designer Pete Dye features dramatic elevation changes, narrow fairways, and challenging bunkers that test even the most skilled golfers.

The course has hosted multiple professional tournaments, including the 2015 Senior PGA Championship. Its impeccable conditioning and stunning vistas make it a bucket-list destination for golf enthusiasts nationwide.

2. The Pfau Course at Indiana University

Completely redesigned in 2020 by renowned architect Steve Smyers, The Pfau Course at Indiana University has quickly established itself as one of the premier public golf facilities in the Midwest. The course features wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and challenging green complexes that reward thoughtful play.

As the home course for IU's golf teams, The Pfau Course maintains championship-level conditions year-round. The layout incorporates natural elements of the rolling Indiana landscape while providing multiple tee options to accommodate players of varying abilities.

3. The Fort Golf Course

Located on the former Fort Benjamin Harrison military base, The Fort Golf Course is a Pete Dye design that takes full advantage of the property's natural terrain. The course winds through heavily wooded areas with significant elevation changes, creating a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.

Owned and operated by the State of Indiana, The Fort offers exceptional value with championship-quality conditions. The layout features Dye's signature risk-reward options, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens that demand precision.

4. The Donald Ross Course at French Lick Resort

A classic design by legendary architect Donald Ross, this historic course opened in 1917 and has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the 1924 PGA Championship. The course underwent a meticulous $5 million restoration in 2006 to return it to Ross's original vision, featuring his trademark crowned greens and strategic bunkering.

The Donald Ross Course offers a more traditional golfing experience compared to its modern counterpart at French Lick Resort. Walking is encouraged to fully appreciate the subtle nuances of the design, though carts are available. The course provides a fair test for all skill levels while maintaining its historic character.

5. Victoria National Golf Club

Built on a former coal mining site, Victoria National Golf Club is a Tom Fazio masterpiece that consistently ranks among America's top 100 courses. The dramatic layout incorporates massive quarry lakes, deep bunkers, and native areas to create one of the most visually stunning and challenging courses in the Midwest.

Victoria National has hosted numerous professional tournaments, including Korn Ferry Tour events. While primarily a private club, limited public access may be available through select stay-and-play packages or special events.

6. Crooked Stick Golf Club

Crooked Stick Golf Club is one of Pete Dye's earliest masterpieces, opened in 1964 when he was transitioning from amateur golfer to course designer. This prestigious private club gained national recognition when John Daly won the 1991 PGA Championship as a ninth alternate. It has since hosted numerous major events, including the 2012 BMW Championship.

The course features Dye's trademark challenging design elements, including strategic water hazards, railroad tie bunkers, and undulating greens. Recent renovations have maintained the integrity of the original design while updating the infrastructure to modern standards.

7. Prairie View Golf Club

As the only Robert Trent Jones Jr. design in Indiana, Prairie View Golf Club offers a distinctive golfing experience just north of Indianapolis. The course takes advantage of the natural terrain along the White River, incorporating native prairie grasses, strategic bunkering, and water features that challenge players while providing scenic beauty.

Prairie View has hosted numerous state championships and qualifiers since opening in 1997. The course is known for its excellent conditioning and varied layout that requires thoughtful shot selection rather than just power.

8. Purgatory Golf Club

True to its name, Purgatory Golf Club can be heaven or hell depending on your shot selection and the tees you choose. This links-style course designed by Ron Kern features over 130 bunkers, including massive waste areas, and tall native grasses that frame the generous fairways. At 7,754 yards from the back tees, it's one of the longest courses in Indiana.

Despite its intimidating appearance, Purgatory offers six sets of tees to accommodate players of all abilities. The course is known for its excellent conditioning and distinctive design that stands out in the Midwest golf landscape.

9. Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame

Designed by the acclaimed team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame offers a traditional golfing experience inspired by classic courses of the early 20th century. The layout features strategic bunkering, natural contours, and well-protected greens that reward thoughtful play rather than power.

The Warren Course made history in 2019 when it hosted the U.S. Senior Open, becoming the first university course to host this prestigious USGA championship. The course is open to the public while serving as home to Notre Dame's golf teams.

10. Sandy Pines Golf Club

Sandy Pines Golf Club has emerged as one of Indiana's hidden gems, consistently earning high praise from golfers. The course winds through natural wetlands and pine forests, creating a serene setting for golf. Water comes into play on 14 holes, demanding accuracy while providing scenic beauty.

Recent additions of on-site cottages have transformed Sandy Pines into a golf destination, offering stay-and-play packages that allow visitors to fully experience this exceptional course. The friendly staff and excellent conditioning contribute to the overall positive experience.

11. Brickyard Crossing

Brickyard Crossing offers one of the most unique golfing experiences in America, with four holes playing inside the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the remaining 14 adjacent to the track. Redesigned by Pete Dye in 1993, the course combines challenging golf with motorsports history.

The course has hosted professional tournaments on both the PGA and LPGA tours. Playing the four holes inside the track (holes 7-10) provides an unforgettable experience, especially when you can see the famous Pagoda and Yard of Bricks that marks the finish line of the Indianapolis 500.

Planning Your Indiana Golf Experience

Indiana offers an impressive variety of golf courses that can satisfy players of all skill levels and preferences. From the dramatic elevation changes at French Lick's Pete Dye Course to the historic Donald Ross layout, from the unique experience of playing inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at Brickyard Crossing to the championship-caliber designs at university courses, the Hoosier state provides memorable golfing experiences throughout the season.

When planning your Indiana golf trip, consider the time of year (peak season runs May through October), your budget (green fees range from affordable municipal courses to premium resort experiences), and whether you prefer modern challenges or classic designs. Many courses offer stay-and-play packages that provide excellent value, especially at destinations like French Lick Resort where multiple top-rated courses are available.

Whether you're a serious golfer looking to check championship venues off your bucket list or a casual player seeking enjoyable rounds in beautiful settings, Indiana's best golf courses deliver experiences that will keep you coming back year after year.