Golf in Indianapolis

The narrow fairways of Thatcher Golf Course wind through dense forest that looms threateningly and forces players to exhibit control. Its nine holes are spread over a short and relatively flat layout. Water and sand hazards lie ready to swallow wayward golf balls on four holes, and mature oak trees guard three others, thwarting approaches with outstretched boughs. Should golfers want to threaten the course par of 35, they must rely on their accuracy, as opposed to distance or guardian golfmothers.

Course at a Glance:

• Nine-hole, par 35 course
• Total length of 2,684 yards from the back tees
• Course rating of 32.9 from the back tees
• Course slope of 105 from the back tees

MAN Golf Management’s facilities give players myriad ways to curb their golf cravings. Coffin Golf Club and Riverside Golf Course invite guests to play through more than 6,200 yards of golf apiece, with three to four tees per hole and prevailing winds that can send shots sailing into sand bunkers or water hazards. Meanwhile, the Riverside Golf Academy lets players practice on 16 covered hitting stalls, 18 outdoor hitting mats, two grass chipping practice greens, and one indoor putting green. There, instructors also host private lessons to help golfers sharpen their swings without replacing their drivers with lumberjack axes.

Course architect Timothy Liddy designed The Trophy Club's 247-acre course, which Golf Digest recently ranked as Indiana’s Best Public Course in 2008. Prairie Creek stream meanders throughout the links-style course, which is characterized by open fairways framed by native grasses, mounded terrain, and deep bunkers. The course kicks off with a par 4 and before reaching the most difficult stretch at hole 6, whose treacherous bunker lures dimpled orbs away from their destination with ample sunlight and free tanning lotion. Blue and fescue grasses create slick putting surfaces on each green, sparing players the need to unroll their own green carpets for putting through their final strokes. After a day of chipping and driving, golfers can refuel in the clubhouse with sandwiches, hot dogs, and frosty brews at the Hogan Bar and Grill.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 72 course
• Length of 7,208 yards from the farthest set of tees
• Course rating of 74.0 from the farthest set of tees
• Slope rating of 131 from the farthest set of tees
• See photos and stats for each hole.

Cardinal Hills Golf Course caters to players of all ages and skill levels with three sets of tee boxes and a traditional layout strewn with manageable challenges. On the front nine, two ponds loom menacingly on holes 5 and 6, forcing wise club selection to avoid its murky depths or wise snorkel selection to search for ancient cartwrecks. Elsewhere on the course, eight bunkers impose their powers of intimidation and dense forests line the fairways, extending their boughs into many a flight path.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 71 course
• Total length of 6,338 yards from the back tees
• Course rating of 70.2 from the back tees
• Course slope of 125 from the back tees
• Three sets of tees per hole.