HICKORY STICK GOLF CLUB (317-422-8300)
Indiana Golf Course Review 7/08/05
Hickory Stick Golf Club, located in the Center Grove area of Greenwood, is a Tom Liddy designed Irish links style of layout that is a rewarding test for all levels of golfers. Four sets of tee areas are interspersed evenly, allowing players the opportunity to choose from yardages and slopes that measure 6834 yards/135 slope, 6404 yards/131 slope, 6007 yards/126 slope and 4944 yards with a slope of 108 for men and 114 for women. As these ratings indicate, this course can be a challenge from the two back tees, but sets up nicely for an enjoyable round from the two forward tee stations.
The terrain is open and undulating, with mounds usually bordering the fairways on both sides. The sloping green complexes provide large, true rolling putting surfaces, with grassy swales and collection areas awaiting offline approaches. Tall native grasses surround the fairways and tee areas adding color and aesthetic beauty to this layout. There are nearly 100 sand traps located along the fairways and greenside - a nice mix of conventional and pot style bunkering, with some penal in nature. Land in one similar to that featured in the photo below, and escape rather than recovery will be the required frame of mind! Large waste bunkers are also present on a few holes.
Nine lakes or ponds are scattered about the property, affecting the tee shots or approaches on three holes on the front and six holes on the back side. These hazards are situated on the perimeters however, with no forced carries necessary. Although the fairways are generally ample, golfers will be challenged with uneven lies created by the mounding and swales. The greens are also very quick and difficult to hold. Landing short and running one on is a good method on approaches.
All the golfers we talked to on our visit thoroughly enjoyed this golf course, which on our July visit was in wonderful condition. Amenities include complete practice facilities and a temporary clubhouse with snack area serving beverages and hot & cold sandwiches. A permanent clubhouse should be ready in the fall of 2005. On course yardages are provided by sprinkler heads that are measured to the center of the green, plus yardage blocks on the fairways that are posted at 100, 150 and 200 yards. Front, middle and back pin placements are indicated on the scorecards - ask the starter for the number of the day's hole location. With prime rates including cart topping out at $45 in 2005, this is a great value for the area. For more info, visit our page for Hickory Stick, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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