FORT GOLF RESORT (317-543-9597)
Indiana Golf Course Review 7/07/09
The Fort Golf Course in Indianapolis is a 4 1/2 star (Golf Digest Places to Play) championship layout that was redesigned by Pete dye in 1995. At the time, Mr. Dye intimated on how he appreciated the piece of property that made up the 238 acres which is encompassed by Ft. Harrison State Park. After our review round in July 2005 - we can see why. This course traverses a varied terrain that features deep ravines at one turn, and wide fairways bordered by mature forest at others. There is also a great mix of green complexes - some protected by deep bunkers and grassy swales, while others afford opportunities for bump and run chips to open fronts.
Throughout the conditioning from tee to green was outstanding on our visit, with manicured bent grass fairways, greens and tees, which are often bordered by high native grasses. Four sets of tee boxes play to yardages and slopes measuring 7148 yards/139 slope, 6758 yards/133 slope, 6114 yards/127 slope and 5045 yards with a slope of 123 from the forward sets. Sprinkler heads are measured to the center of the green, and the cart paths have permanent markers at 100, 150 and 200 yards. Hole diagram booklets, with tips on how to best play each hole, are standard on all golf carts. Over 50 sand bunkers are located along the rolling fairways, or are strategically positioned greenside. A beautiful, clear running creek crosses the fairways on a few holes, but water is not a main hazard on this layout.
Elevation changes create the need for proper club selection, with many tees elevated and several green complexes significantly raised. On several holes it is important to recognize the slope of the terrain to find the level landing zones. Offline shots may find side-hill or downhill lies. Place tee shots in the proper area and low scores can be had, especially considering the fact that the large mildly undulating putting surfaces roll quick and true. There are some absolutely gorgeous golf holes, including a nice selection of par threes and fives. For those playing from the white tee boxes, we recommend hitting from the blues on a few of the elevated tee boxes - especially numbers 11 and 18. The holes are much more interesting from the raised tee areas on these two holes - and though the whites are shorter, the tee shot is uphill, negating some of the advantage.
All levels of players will appreciate the variety in design, and the serenity of this unspoiled golf environment. I spotted deer and raccoons during my late afternoon round, and with few parallel fairways, rarely saw other golfers. There are no residential properties along the course - and there never will be, as the Fort Golf Resort is now owned and operated by the Indiana State Park system. On property is a large targeted driving range, short game area with 2 practice bunkers and huge putting green. The clubhouse features a spacious pro shop, locker rooms for men and women, plus restaurant/lounge that is open for lunch Monday-Saturday and dinner Friday and Saturday nights, plus Sunday Brunch. Superior accommodations and banquet/meeting facilities are also available. For information on lodging and resort amenities, visit our page for the Fort Golf Resort and Garrison Restaurant & Conference Center by clicking here.
We highly recommend a round at The Fort. This course has annually been recognized as one of Indiana's top open-for-public play golf courses. Accommodations and the resort facilities are outstanding. For more info on the course, visit our page for The Fort, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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