EAGLE CREEK GOLF CLUB - PINES COURSE ( 317-297-3366)
Indiana Golf Course Review 9/24/06
Eagle Creek Golf Club is a 36-hole facility with designs provided by legendary architects Pete Dye and Tim Liddy. The Pines Course is a 6976 par 72 layout, while the Sycamore measures 6646 yards and plays to a par 71 with a top slope of 137. Located adjacent to one of the largest metropolitan parks in the country and just a short distance from downtown Indianapolis, the topography incorporates a rolling terrain with woods and water hazards that provide a natural habitat for deer, otters, beavers and other native wildlife.
As the official course for the Indianapolis Colts, Eagle Creek provides three sets of tees on each layout, and prides itself on being recognized as a women and youth-friendly golf facility. Rated 3 1/2 stars by Golf Digest Places to Play, both courses present wonderful walking layouts, with tee boxes located short distances from the green complexes. Dye's signature railroad tie sand bunkers are included in both layouts. On property is a relatively new Conference Center and Banquet Room which can seat up to 240 people. The clubhouse features a pro shop plus restaurant/lounge, and practice facilities include over 2 acres of grass tee areas with13 hitting mats open year round, and with seasonal lighting for night practice during peak season. The Golf Academy is run by two-time Indiana Senior Player of the year Steve Jones.
On course 150 yard stakes are located on the fairways on all par fours and fives, and sprinkler heads are measured to the center of the green. Pin placement information is provided for on each scorecard. An appreciated amenity in the form of weather covers is standard on all golf carts.
PINES COURSE
The Pines Course has three sets of tee boxes that play to distances and slopes measuring 6976 yards/132 slope, 6383 yards/122 slope and 5002 yards with a slope of 115 from the forward tees. This is the longer but the easier of the two layouts on property.
The fairways present a nice mix of level and rolling topography. The front side begins from an elevated tee, but the terrain levels out for the middle holes. The final three have approaches that play downhill over grass valleys than back up again to significantly raised green complexes. There are 50 sand bunkers located greenside or along the fairways, and water comes into play on 7 holes - mostly on the perimeters.
The green complexes are more open than the Sycamore design and the bunkers are less penal, presenting ample opportunities for bump and run chips and pitches. There are partial cart paths, and during our late September visit, we found the fairway grass to also be a bit longer than the sister course. It is an interesting layout, and a good value for the area. For more info, visit our page for the course, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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