We tried every Golf course in Fishers, here is what we thought
A local golfer’s guide to the top public courses in Fishers and within an hour of downtown Indy.
Fishers, Indiana has some of the best public golf courses in the state. We played them all so you don’t have to guess which one to try first.
But let’s back up. The pandemic sent people flooding to the links, and they haven’t left. In 2021, more rounds were played than any year in history. And get this: for four years straight, the National Golf Foundation reports over 3 million people picked up a club for the first time.
So maybe you count yourself among those neophytes, or you are a seasoned linksman, or you’re just somebody who has perfected that work-from-home gig. In any case, the weather has been kind to golf courses this year, and if you’re in central Indiana, you’re in luck.
Why? This area’s got more high-quality public courses than you can shake a 9-iron at. There are plenty of wonderful private Country Clubs, but for this article we will focus on the best choices for a round at a public facility.
A quick note on green fees: They’ve gone up.
Most courses now use dynamic pricing, so book online for the best deals. Sites like GolfNow and Groupon can save you some cash. Expect to pay ~$40-60 on weekdays and over ~$70 on weekends.
Now, let’s tee off with the best public courses in and around Fishers:
River Glen
River Glen bills itself as “Nature’s Golf Course” and it’s easy to see why. Mature trees everywhere you look, numerous ponds and bunkers, and the White River running through it. Although accessed via the River Glen housing subdivision, you can strain to see homes on only 4 holes.
The course started with only 9 holes (then called Sunblest Golf) and in 1990 the finishing 9 were added to create River Glen Country Club. This is a peaceful and therapeutic romp run by a friendly, helpful staff. Give it a try!
Gray Eagle
After years of uncertainty, it looks like the future of this R.N. Thompson course is bright.
The current clubhouse is set for demolition in October to make way for a major upgrade to their facilities. If all goes well, by the end of next year Fishers can boast a singular world class practice facility featuring a covered double-decker driving range complete with Trackman 360 technology, lighting, turf greens, simulators, bunkers and a full-service restaurant.
The golf course itself will undergo a 6-year plan for refurbishment that will include adding fountains, improved drainage, greens work and overall turf enhancements.
Never fear, the course (but not the range) will remain open during construction. Their signature hole is like a 520 yard lane at your favorite bowling alley. Long and straight, with gutters replaced by dense woods on either side and the pins elevated about 40 feet above the fairway on a two tiered green. Ok, nothing like a bowling lane, but a long, challenging and fun par 5. A bogie is a win. So is finishing with the ball you hit off the tee.
Frequent golfer Bill B. says he likes Gray Eagle because the rates are reasonable (especially for Seniors), the course is generally in good shape, and the staff is friendly and accommodating to his weekly group of 12 golfers.
Ironwood
Once a 9 hole course called Mud Creek Golf, this course now sports three 9 hole tracks named the Lakes, Valley and Ridge. This can be a challenging golf course and as the Pro, Scott, says “There are plenty of opportunities to make a big number”.
The abundance of mature trees and lots of water encourages targeted shotmaking. In fact, the signature hole is a long, narrow Par 5 that wraps around Lake Stonebridge, demanding 2 to 3 shots that skirt the water. Boats are often anchored to watch the fun, so be prepared for cheers or jeers.
It is perhaps worth noting that Ironwood claims one of the largest Men’s Leagues in the country with over 550 members! One of those members, Ron H., told me that he enjoys the challenge and variety that 27 holes offers at reasonable rates. Ironwood is another R.N. Thompson (a Fishers resident) course.
Surrounding Area
That wraps up the roundup for all of the public golf courses in Fishers.
So let’s move on to courses in the surrounding area you should check out.
Plum Creek (Carmel)
This pastoral track was once the home of Lynnbrook Farm, a horse farm specializing in the breeding of champion Percherons, a popular draft horse. Some of the original buildings, including the iconic red barn, still populate the property.
The verdant course was designed by Pete Dye to be playable for those of varying skill from all of the tee choices and, while large trees are usually not the villains, there is plenty of trouble for those who do not hit it true. Exceptional course.
The Fort (Indianapolis)
What started as an Arsenal for federal troops during the Civil War, eventually morphed into Fort Benjamin Harrison on the northeast side of Indianapolis. The post served multiple roles during all major military conflicts from WWI to Desert Storm, until its closure in 1991. A few years later, the U.S Dept. of the Interior approved the State of Indiana’s request to convert the bulk of the land into a state park and nature preserve.
This led to the Fort Golf Course which was redesigned by Pete Dye in the late 90s. The course is breathtaking and unusually hilly for central Indiana. It is typically in great shape and remains a ‘must play’ in this area.
What’s next
The courses Frank has reviewed so far are NOT all of the quality courses in the area. It’s not even close! So we’re leaving you with a list of our unreviewed courses which will be coming soon. Our hope is to be able to review these as well so we can make a big list of courses with their strengths, weaknesses, and play styles — so you can find a course that’s right for you.
- Prairie View (Carmel)
- Sahm Golf Course
- Old Oakland
- Brookshire (Carmel)
- Stoney Creek (Noblesville)
- Golf Club of Indiana (whitestown)
- Trophy Club (Lebanon)
- Purgatory (Noblesville)
- Fox Prairie (Noblesville)
- Forest Park (Noblesville)
- Pebble Brook (Noblesville)
- The Brickyard (Indianapolis)
Bonus Image Gallery
