Great Indiana Golf in The Fort Wayne Area
When you’re thinking about where to go on your next golf vacation, Fort Wayne isn’t likely to be top of your list. But if you live in the upper Midwest, maybe it should be. There are no less than 25 courses in the area that are open to public play and several of the top tier courses have been packaged together by Great Indiana Golf, which operates out of Cobblestone Golf Club in Kendallville, IN. Here are three “must-play” courses when you’re in the area.
Cobblestone is one of those elite courses I was talking about. The course has been around for a while and has always been a favorite of locals. One of the accolades it has received over the years was to be selected as one of “America’s Best New Courses” in 1999. The golf course is situated on about 250 acres of rolling terrain with several natural and manmade hazards along the way. Cobblestone offers a great practice facility that allows you to work on every facet of your game. The driving range, chipping green, and putting green are all conveniently located right behind the 
clubhouse. Cobblestone offers 5 sets of tees and can be played anywhere from 7,005 yards from the tips to 4,734 yards from the forward tees. The finishing holes on each nine are as different as can be. Number nine is a 375-yard par-four dogleg right that is the #1 handicap. It’s a tight hole with considerable elevation changes. The 18th hole is a 495-yard par 5 that is handicapped as the easiest hole on the layout. It’s not often that a par 5 is handicap #18Sand can come into play on the left side if you pull your tee shot. Play your layup shot down the left side to give yourself a clear shot downhill into a green that is well protected by bunkers.
When the weather turns cold outside, golfers can move inside and play a round on Cobblestone’s indoor golf simulator which is loaded with over 20 of the world’s best courses. Their pro shop is also well-stocked with logoed apparel from several top brands
Noble Hawk is another “must-play” in the area and it too has received its share of recognition. Golf Digest Places to Play awarded them 4 out of 5 stars. Course owner Tim Dykstra thinks Noble Hawk is one of the most unique courses in the area and after playing a round on it, I think he may be right.
The course is a combination of several golf course styles. Several holes will remind you of a southern course with lots of sand and water. Believe me, having lived and played golf in Florida for 25 years, there is only so much you can do with sand, water, and palm trees, so having a couple of other styles to fall back on is a good thing. A few holes feature tree-lined fairways, something 
you find on mountain-type courses. Several holes feature manmade hazards such as ponds, bunkers, and built-up rough like a parkland course. But to me. the overall feel of Noble Hawk is more like a Scottish heathland-style with gently rolling fairways carpeted in Bentgrass fairways, large undulating greens, and a variety of ornamental grasses that add to the challenge and overall linksy look of the layout. In addition to outstanding golf facilities, the level of service provided by the friendly staff is second to none.
Each side has its own risk/reward hole. The 7th is listed on the scorecards at 295 yards but plays downhill. Sand and water divide the fairway and while it is drivable and gives up the occasional eagle, playing for birdie is a more prudent idea. Number 14 is a very narrow but short par 4 that plays 299 yards. An iron or fairway wood off the tee is the smart play. The slope of the fairway will funnel the ball back to the middle and leave a short iron into one of the course’s smallest green. Brains over brawn will yield a better score.
The 13th hole stands out in my memory from my trip to Noble Hawk. I love courses that name their holes and this is one of the best: The Jugular! For most golfers, this 542-yard par 5 is a 3-shot hole. It’s a tight driving hole with trees on either side and is best played with a drive down the right. Choose your layup club carefully and leave yourself a manageable distance into the green. You’ll have to carry a small valley on your approach shot and it’s important to be on the right level of this multi-tiered green. Par is a great score here.
The third course in the triumvirate of must-plays is Glendarin Hills. Glendarin offers more of a resort-style course, that takes you through meadows and woodlands. The course features a lot of rolling terrain and wide-open landscapes. Glendarin Hills measures over 7,000 yards from the back tees, 7,055 to be 
exact, with a course rating of 74.6 and a slope of 140. At 6,283 yards (70.7/131) the White Tees will give the average golfer all he can handle and still allow him to leave with a certain amount of dignity! In all, there are 5 sets of tees that create a manageable distance for every level of golfer. Before your round, warm up on Glendarin Hill’s full-length driving range and stroke a few putts on the practice green.
The Best Western Kendallville Inn is the preferred hotel partner of Great Golf Indiana. The hotel is locally owned and was recently renovated. The Best Western Kendallville Inn has all of your typical big-city hotel amenities and a heaping helping of warm, small-town hospitality. They offer a variety of rooms and suites that are perfect for golf groups and couples. Rooms include a microwave and refrigerator, 32-inch LCD TV, high-speed Internet access, and a full breakfast buffet. Be sure to ask about the “special perks” available for their golf visitors. Nearby Fort Wayne offers big-city entertainment, dining, and shopping.
The Fort Wayne area is poised to be the host of a multi-venue golf tournament like they do in Myrtle Beach and Mesquite, Nevada. They have the courses and accommodations to pull it off and with a little participation from local restaurants I’m confident it would be a success. Great Indiana Golf has put together some great golf packages that include some of the best golf courses Indiana & SW Michigan has to offer together with overnight accommodations at the Best Western Kendallville Inn. For more information or to book your next Indiana golf vacation, Visit them online at www.greatindianagolf.com.
Tellico Village has become one of the premier senior planned retirement communities in the southeast. In addition to golf and boating, Tellico Village offers residents a wide array of recreation facilities and activities. The Wellness Center is a 27,000 square foot facility with all of the resources you’ll need plus the bonus of a spectacular view of the Smoky Mountains. There’s a six-lane, 75-foot indoor swimming pool and a smaller, warm-water therapeutic pool. The large exercise room has an indoor walking track as well as cardio and weight equipment. In the spacious fitness class studio, you’ll find a wide variety of dance and movement classes, yoga, and Tai Chi. If you like racquet sports, you’ll enjoy four Har-Tru tennis courts and eight pickleball courts.
Qualifier, Women’s and Men’s Senior Amateur Championships, Four-Ball, and Senior Four-Ball Championships as well as the PGA Tour Nationwide Knoxville Open Qualifier. All Tellico Village, when you become a property owner you automatically become a full golf club member with rights and privileges on all three courses. Each clubhouse has a restaurant with a unique menu and taste. These are not your average clubhouse restaurants.
set of tees to match your game. Memories of the 14th hole will last a while. It’s fairly short as par 4s go and long ball hitters will find it drivable. You play your tee shot over a small finger of Tellico Lake with the lake also making up the left side of the fairway. The green is well-protected with bunkers so unless you’re going for the green, hit something that will leave you short of them. Hit a good pitch shot and make birdie that way. It’s a fun hole.
Before your round, warm up on Toqua’s full-length driving range; there’s also a short-game area and practice putting green. Afterward, visit the Toqua Sports Bar and Grill. In addition to your favorite libations, they feature such tantalizing dishes as Fajitas, Mahi Tacos, and Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon. There’s also a full slate of desserts.
Two of the holes that bring the lake into play are Numbers 9 and 10 which happen to be the #1 and #2 handicaps. Number 9 is a 369-yard par 4 dogleg left that requires both accuracy and distance control off the tee. Not putting your tee shot in the right place can leave an awkward lie. It’s a three-tiered, downward-sloping fairway so pray for a flat lie! A good drive will leave around a 140-yard approach shot over the lake into a green that is a lot wider than it is deep. A left-side pin placement is especially difficult as it is guarded with a small bunker. It’s one of the most challenging holes on the course.
Tellico Village’s 3rd course – the Links at Kahite – opened for play in 2002 and in 2003, the course was nominated to Golf Digest’s list of “Best New Private Courses.” Kahite is a links-style course with some very unusual design characteristics including tall fescue grasses that line some of the fairways. It features Bermuda fairways and Bentgrass greens and can be played anywhere from 7,170 yards to 4,435 yards. The course meanders through a serene, natural setting with several holes offering beautiful panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. There are a couple of things that differentiate Kahite from Tellico’s other two tracks. The first is the number of bunkers, all well placed. There are 93 bunkers in all, with 12 of those being on the 18th hole. Perhaps the most notable characteristic of Kahite is the 808-yard (back tees) par 6 9th hole. Although it’s a long – OK really long – hole, it’s fairly straightforward. If you can keep it in play for four straight shots and hit it straight, you can score well.
With three golf courses to keep in pristine condition, you have to imagine things can get rough for those in charge. Chris Sykes, who has served as the Head Golf Course Superintendent at Toqua Golf Club and was recently promoted to Director of Golf has said that their biggest challenge in maintaining all three courses is managing the putting surfaces through the summer season in the transition zone. Chris had the good fortune of working for David Stone at The Honors Course at the beginning of his career, where he formed the foundation for Tellico Village’s ongoing agronomic programs. David Stone is in the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame and won every award imaginable including the USGA Green Section Award.
If you’re familiar with Donald Ross courses you know that it’s not the length that will get you, it’s the approach shots and green complexes. Four sets of tees create manageable distances for every level of golfer. This Donald Ross masterpiece plays 6,559 yards from the Black Tees with a course rating of 71.2 and a slope of 130. Move up to the Blue (6,210/66.7/124) or White 5,530/65.8/122) Tees and the course becomes a little friendlier. Ladies typically play from the Red Tees (5,157/69.6/125) while seniors will have a good time from the Gold (5,335/65.8/122) Tees. Yardage and statistics are provided for the Ladies from the White, Gold, and Red tees.
Before or after your round, the Bistro at Denison Golf Club is a great place to relax and relive your round with a frosty cold beer The Bistro offers a variety of craft beer selections as well as several hot sandwiches, appetizers, and breakfast sandwiches!
Memorable Holes: Number 1, Par 4, 312 yards. This short par 4 has a wide fairway and offers a great way to get your round started on a good note. That will leave a short pitch shot into a small, elevated green that is fronted by four bunkers. A couple of them are about 30 yards short of the green so make sure you take enough club to get on the green. The green slopes back to front.
Number 16: Par 4, 305 yards. The 16th hole is far from the longest par 4 on the golf course but it’s one of the prettiest. Majestic pine trees on either side frame a fairway that meanders uphill to a green with a small bunker front right.
Before your round, warm up on Denison’s full-length driving range where you can hit every club in your bag. There’s also a practice putting green where you can get an idea of what you can expect on the course.
Many of the holes at Harbor Club feature undulating fairways with generous landing areas flanked by strategically fairway bunkers that absorb errant tee shots. Just about every hole is tree-lined, however, the trees are not densely packed, so you’ll most likely find your ball but may not have a shot. More often than not, you’ll find yourself having to punch out which makes par a lot tougher. Beautiful Lake Oconee provides stunning views and comes into play on four holes.
Number 7, “On Golden Pond,” is the first of two risk/reward par 4 holes and brings Lake Oconee into the mix. The scorecard measures this hole at 323 yards however it seems to play considerably shorter and if you’re willing to take on the water, you can have a go at the green. Pay attention to which way the wind is blowing and let it rip! Should you decide to play it as a two-shot par 4, beware of the out of bounds and fairway bunkers.
The 18th hole, aptly named “Double Cross,” is a 415-yard par 4 with a creek that needs to be dealt with twice. From the Blue or Green tees, just right of the middle bunker is a good line and gives you plenty of fairway to work with. It’s a line that clearing the water shouldn’t be a factor. A good drive will leave a mid-iron approach shot over water into a green with a bunker right and water left. Par is a great way to finish your round.
Dinner is a special event; start with an appetizer like Jumbo Blue Lump Crab Cakes or that southern specialty Fried Green Tomatoes and then move on to a variety of tasty entrees such as Filet Medallions, Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf (everything’s better with bacon) or Crab Stuffed Grouper. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the Chocolate Spoon Cake, layers of chocolate cake and chocolate pudding. Whatever you choose, it’s all good.
Harbor Club at Lake Oconee is a lot more than just a golf course, although for many that is the main attraction. Harbor Club occupies 1,000 acres along 9 miles of Lake Oconee coastline. In addition to the golf course, you’ll find a junior Olympic-sized swimming pool, outdoor lit tennis courts, a playground for the kids and grandkids, and a walking trail. If boating’s more your style, Harbor Club’s marina offers dry-stack boat storage, a convenience store, two boat ramps, and dining at the Boathouse Restaurant.
Number 18 is one of the most challenging holes on the course; if I were to name it, I’d call it “Twice Across the Creek.” You’ll need to hit across it with your tee shot, which shouldn’t be a problem unless you hit it over 260 yards or push it right. The creek crosses the fairway a second time just inside the 150 marker and the green is slightly elevated and well protected. At 395 yards from Tee 2, it takes two well-struck shots. Par is a good score here.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park offers several lodging opportunities. You can stay in the 72-room Village Inn Lodge or one of 61 cottages. For larger groups, there’s the 14-room Village Green Inn, located next to the golf course. This 3-diamond resort also offers camping, boating, dining, and 1700 acres of breathtaking recreational opportunities.
driver. Park Manager, Chris Cary, agrees: “Long off the tee can get you in a lot of trouble; you need to leave it in the bag on many of the holes.” Elevation changes and beautiful vistas are as commonplace as the deer you will see during your round. Stand on the green and look back up the fairway you just played; odds are you’ll see a deer or two! Views of Lake Barkley dot the landscape as you make your way around the front side, giving way to beautifully forested holes on the back.
The key to Dale Hollow is to hit the ball so that you can see it when it lands. Missing the fairway or trying to cut corners can result in lost balls or at least a long look in the woods. There isn’t a lot of water on the course – it only comes into play on two holes and once you get out on the course. You’re not going to see a lot of other players except maybe the group in front of you occasionally. A couple of bunkers – on #1 and #12 – are under construction as new Billy Bunkering is installed. When I found them, the Zoysia fairways were like hitting off of carpet and the greens held well and a lot of undulation to them.
El Dorado is also home to one of the nicest golf courses in the state and not surprisingly, it is owned by Murphy USA. Mystic Creek Golf Club opened in May of 2013 and was carved into the rolling timberlands that surround the town. The course was designed by Ken Dye who, oddly enough, is no relation to Pete. Ground was broken in 2001 and, after a series of misadventures, was finally completed in 2012. As you make your way around the course you’ll find tall cathedral pines as you’d find at several courses around Augusta, high flashing bunkers styles similar to those on an A.W Tillinghast layout, and domed greens with runoffs similar to Pinehurst #2. Tee boxes, fairways, and greens grassed in Champion Bermuda are as beautiful to look at as they are fun to play on.
Mystic Creek is not without its fair share of accolades: GolfWeek Magazine has put it at the top of its “Best You Can Play List,” and was recognized as one of the ‘Best New Courses’ by Golf Digest shortly after opening. They’ve also played host annually to the Symetra Tour’s “El Dorado Shootout” and several NCAA Golf Championships. Mystic Creek is managed by Honours Golf, a division of Troon, so you know it’s always going to be in prime condition. Mystic Creek is a stunning piece of property and features wide-open fairways, spectacular bunkering around the greens, and greens PGA TOUR players would be proud to play on.
Assistant Pro Casey Wroot’s Favorite Hole: Number 4: Par 3, 172 yards. For a guy that can hit the ball a long way, it’s interesting that Casey’s favorite is a par 3. Although it’s the second-longest par 3 on the layout, it plays downhill and slightly shorter. Water surrounds the left and backside of the green and there are bunkers left side, front and back right. The ridge that divides the green is similar to the 16th hole at Augusta without the slope.
Most Challenging Hole: Number 3, Par 4, 402 yards. According to the scorecard, this is the toughest hole on the course and one of the longest par 4s. Water flows all the way down the left side to the green and the double bend in the fairway puts a premium on accuracy. The conservative tee shot is down the right side but that will leave a long iron or hybrid into the green. A successful tee shot that challenges the water will leave a much shorter iron on approach. The green is one of Mystic Creek’s largest and the deep bunker on the right side sees its fair share of play. Par is a good score here.
Mystic Creek offers a variety of memberships for singles, families, and juniors. If you prefer walking, you can purchase a membership without a cart and save some money. Memberships include all greens fees, cart fees (if applicable), and use of all practice facilities. As a member, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of being a member of a Troon facility, with access to Troon facilities worldwide. For more information, visit them online.
Number 9 is a par four with a slight dogleg left and plays 402 yards from Tee #2. Longball hitters that can play their tee shot down the left side will leave a downhill approach shot with a short iron into the green. It’s another challenging finishing hole.
Number 13 is my favorite hole on the course. It’s a risk/reward par 5 that plays 517 yards from the Blue tees. The hole doglegs sharply to the right with water down the right side and a long bunker at the turn. If you can carry the bunker on to the elevated fairway or hit your tee shot just right of it over the water and you can have a go at the green. More water guards each side of the elevated green and three bunkers protect the front. Par is a good score here.
With 27 holes of golf at Peninsula and another 36 holes at Craft Farms, either one is the perfect venue for your next outing or tournament. The staff at either course will help with everything from pre-planning and setup, to food and beverage and the awarding of prizes. The tournament staff will see to it you and your guests are well taken care of while the culinary team will create a menu that tempts your palettes.
lifestyle benefits throughout the world. As a Full Golf Member of Southern Trace, you’ll enjoy access to Troon Privé courses around the country as well as access to their amenities. You’ll also be able to experience over 150 Troon Golf resort and daily fee locations at preferred rates, as well as Cliff Drysdale Tennis. Troon Privé club members receive discounts with companies such as Avis Rental Cars, Ship Sticks, and more.
the course spans 7,048 yards with a course rating of 73.9 and a slope of 135. The course can be played as short as 5,026 yards. I found it both enjoyable and challenging from the Blue Tees (6,315/70.2/126). The club has garnered many accolades including hosting the WEB.com Tour’s Southern Open from 1990-2002 as well as multiple State Amateur Championships and the AJGA David Toms Junior Invitational.
Southern Trace has several holes that you won’t soon forget. Number 1 is a 465-yard par 5 dogleg right with bunkers on either side at the corner. Longball hitters may be able to fly the bunker on the right, thus cutting the dogleg. Even if you make the corner of the dogleg and you still have a long way home; for most players, it’s going to be a 3-shot hole. Bunkers front both sides of the green so you may have to fly it on.
Number 8 is a very pretty par 5, with the creek meandering down the left side. It actually runs all the way back to the tees, but really comes into view – and play – once you get past the trees. The creek empties into the lake which fronts the green and makes up the right side. You’ll need to cross the water at some point during your trek to the green. A good tee shot followed by a good layup will leave a short iron or wedge into the green. It may not be the longest of the par 5 holes, but it sure is fun to play!
Number 16 is the best test of golf on the course. This dogleg left par 4 starts from an elevated tee box over a valley to an elevated fairway that slopes right to left. From there, play your approach shot to an elevated green that is large enough to be a 3 club difference from front to back and is guarded by a large bunker on the right side.
perfect for catching the biggest games of the year. There are usually six beers on tap, two of which rotate seasonally, and a fully stocked liquor selection. Dine-in or take it outside on one of two patios and experience the beautiful Shreveport weather. Southern Trace’s Executive Chef is always cooking up new and exciting things with a gourmet menu that will satisfy even the most discriminating of tastes.
When building the course, Floyd took advantage of the existing mature woodlands that are spread throughout the lush, rolling hills, and offer tremendous views of the Tennessee countryside and the surrounding area. Although the length of the course won’t overwhelm most players the narrowness may so be prepared to encounter hazards in many forms. Remember I said this as you are reaching into your bag for another ball. Nevertheless, The Legacy is a fair and challenging golf course. Superintendent and General Manager Chet Frazier’s biggest challenge is battling the weather. He says the members are great and do their best to replace divots and repair ball marks. “That really helps the greens roll as good as they do,” Frazier said.
Number 4 is an interesting hole. The hole plays 364 yards from the Orange Tees with bunkers on either side of the fairway in the landing area. Find the fairway of the tee and you’ll still need to fly your approach shot onto a small green that slopes left and is protected by a deep bunker across the front.
From there you move to the most difficult hole on the back nine. The 416-yard par 4 10th hole requires an accurate drive off the tee with a decent forced carry. Again, an extra club is advised on your approach shot as it plays longer than you think. Anything short of the green will leave a challenging up and down. Par is a good score here.
At 171 yards, the par-3 12th hole plays into a well-undulated green that sits at an angle from the tee. With a back left pin placement, the bunker and false fronted green force you to carry your tee shot onto the green. I would name this hole “Longer Than It Looks,” because I hit the appropriate iron well and came up woefully short!
After your round, whet your whistle at The Legacy Grill where you can grab either a quick bite or a full meal. The Grill is a comfortable place to relax and relive your round with friends while enjoying spectacular views of the golf course. Satisfy your palette with a variety of hot & cold entrees, quick-to-go sandwiches, snacks, breakfast, and plenty of cold beverages.
The Legacy’s pro shop offers a wide variety of competitively priced golf equipment and logoed apparel. Their professional staff can also help you out with club repair or take advantage of a certified custom fitting when you purchase a set of clubs. You can test your new clubs at The Legacy’s practice area, which features a full length driving range with grass tees and target areas and separate chipping and putting area to practice your short game. In case you need help getting the most out of your new gear, The Legacy’s professional staff is available for both private and group lessons.
