- Lives
- Indiana
- Handicap
- 0-4
- Age
- 65+
- Gender
- Male
- Skill
- Advanced
- Plays
- A few times a week
About
I'm an avid player that loves to experience new golf courses. I have been so impressed with the Robert Trent Jones Trail courses in Alabama. The courses are beautiful, well-maintained, and the staff makes you feel so welcome. A trip to any of those courses will be a wonderful experience. I've also been thrilled with the Michigan courses that my buddies and I have played the past few years. The Gull Lake experience is outstanding. Acadia Bluffs is the poor man's Whistling Straits. The Garland courses are affordable and worth the trip. The Boyne Mountain courses might be the best under one ownership!
Review Statistics
Reviews Map
Reviews
Reviewer Photos
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Photo submitted by u00000760482 on 08/11/2023
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Photo submitted by u00000760482 on 08/11/2023
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The par 3 - 12th Photo submitted by u00000760482 on 08/11/2023
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Photo submitted by u00000760482 on 06/14/2023
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The beautiful 18th hole Photo submitted by u00000760482 on 06/14/2023
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Photo submitted by u00000760482 on 09/22/2022
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Photo submitted by u00000760482 on 08/05/2022
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Photo submitted by u00000760482 on 08/05/2022
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Photo submitted by u00000760482 on 08/05/2022
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Photo submitted by u00000760482 on 06/14/2019
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Photo submitted by u00000760482 on 06/14/2019
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Photo submitted by u00000760482 on 06/14/2019
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Photo submitted by u00000760482 on 06/20/2018
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Photo submitted by u00000760482 on 06/18/2018
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Photo submitted by u00000760482 on 09/26/2017
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Photo submitted by u00000760482 on 07/06/2017
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1st fairway and green Photo submitted by u00000760482 on 06/19/2016
Capitol Hill Golf Club - Senator Course
Played On 06/08/2023As challenging a layout as you'll want to play, but so much fun!
I have played the Judge a number of times over the years on RTJ Trail buddy trips and find it to be one of the most challenging, yet fun, courses to play. The multiple tee boxes allow you to "pick your own poison" regarding difficulty. The greens are large and undulating with fairly wide, accepting fairways. There's plenty of bunkers for wayward shots. The holes are varied with water sprinkled in from time to time. The only negative, and it's a small one, is that the 18th hole is a weak finish for a great course. It's almost like the architects ran out of room and had to jam it in the remaining space.
Like all RTJ Trail stops, the staff is great! They are welcoming and act as if they really want you there. In addition, the restaurant facilities are terrific for lunch after the round. The pro shop is well-stocked with a variety of items.
Buffalo Trace Golf Course
Played On 06/06/2023A surprising find in Jasper
Our buddies' group was pleasantly surprised with Buffalo Trace golf course. This muni is in fine condition with a challenging layout (especially the back 9), friendly staff members, and all at a reasonable price. The course is very busy so expect a lengthy round, but enjoy the rolling hills and scenic terrain as you wait.
Sultan's Run Golf Course
Played On 06/06/2023A great experience
I have played Sultan's Run a number of times over the years but never took the time to review it. I just got back from a buddies' golf trip on which we played Sultan's Run twice last week. I just want to say that it was a wonderful experience from the moment we drove into the facility to the last putt dropping on Indiana's most beautiful finishing hole.
The staff was terrific and most welcoming! The condition of the course was excellent as expected for a track that was getting ready to host a Senior LPGA event in a couple of weeks.
The holes are varied, scenic, and wonderfully laid out. In general, the greens are expansive and undulating, but fair. There is a fine range facility for your pre-round warm-up.
The Dye Course at nearby French Lick gets a lot of the publicity in this part of Indiana, but for my money, you can't beat a round at Sultan's Run!
West Chase Golf Club
Played On 10/06/2022What happened to this place?
When I first played West Chase some 25 years ago or so, it was a beautifully maintained course with a terrific set of interesting and unique holes. I've probably played it 8 or 9 times since in those 25 years. Well, the unique layout is still there, but it is not in very good shape. Many fairways were stressed out with either some type of disease or lack of water. A number of the greens were in sketchy shape too, not to mention SLOW. Bunkers were filled with rocks of all types of sizes - one of which certainly left its mark on my sand wedge. Many tee boxes were chewed up. On the positive side, the course staff was friendly and attentive and the greens' fees were at an acceptable rate (but just barely because the course was so rough).
I'll probably give West Chase another chance in the future and hope that what I played on the other day was an aberration but right now, I can't recommend it.
The Salt Pond Golf Club
Played On 09/19/2022Rough conditions for the price
Salt Pond is a short course consisting of mostly par 3's with a few par 4's scattered in. For the poor condition of the course, I thought the price was pretty steep. The greens were slow, inconsistent, and either disease or drought-spotted in places. The tee boxes were a joke with very little grass! The course seems to get a lot of play.
I will say that the course staff was very friendly and appreciative of our visit.
Harrison Hills Golf & Country Club
Played On 08/08/2022Indiana's hidden gem
Attica's Harrison Hills Golf & Country Club is truly one of Indiana's best courses, and not just for the money. The course doesn't get a lot of pub, but it's worth your drive and time no matter how away you are.
The rates are very reasonable, especially the $30 senior rate. The course is a mixture of old and new nines. The original nine was built in the 1920s and the back nine along with 2 modified old holes was completed in 1995. The greens are excellent, firm, and undulating. The layout is challenging with a number of doglegs, bunkers, and trees. The pro shop and restaurant are a little lacking, but if you're like me, you'll quickly get over it because of the excellence of the course.
FarmLinks at Pursell Farms
Played On 06/13/2022One of the best in Alabama
Farmlinks is a totally wonderful experience from the time that you take your clubs out of your trunk to putting them back in. Let's start with the terrific lunch and wonderful service both in the dining room and then in the pro shop. It's clear that these folks really appreciate you visiting their facility.
And that course...what a great layout! Without a doubt, Farmlinks might be the most immaculately maintained public golf course that I have ever played! The greens, tee boxes, bunkers, and fairways were all pristine.
The course itself has a number of memorable holes, but 2 of the par 3's, in particular, will stick with you throughout your golfing days. The par 3 5th hole is one of the most challenging, and beautiful holes I've ever played. There are a number of elevated tee boxes to choose from as you peer down on a green that's some 175 feet below you. It's just spectacular! The par 3 17th hole holds its own to with a long carry over a lake to a smallish green.
If you get a chance to venture to Sylacauga, AL, be sure to stop and play Farmlinks!
The Lake at Grand National Golf Course
Played On 06/07/2022One of the best on the RTJ Trail
The Lake is an excellent golf course with quite a variety of holes and a lot of water. It was in superb condition and a totally fun experience for our foursome to play. As with all the RTJ courses, the staff is terrific and really wants to make your experience memorable. Lunch in between rounds was also outstanding.
Mindbreaker/Heartbreaker at Silver Lakes
Played On 06/06/2022Wonderful experience
We played the Mindbreaker/Heartbreaker as part of our RTJ Trail trip and loved everything about the experience. The staff is so friendly and welcoming and these courses (along with the Backbreaker) are all terrific layouts in very good shape. The greens are large and challenging, but fair, and the terrain firm and well-maintained. In addition, we had a great lunch at the eatery between playing these two and then the Backbreaker.
Towhee Club
Played On 06/05/2022Overpriced and overrated
We stopped here to play on our way south to a golf trip in Alabama primarily because it was an Arnold Palmer design and got good reviews. I'm sorry, but I don't understand the good reviews. We paid $90 green fees that we felt were about $30 too high for the quality of the course. The greens were good enough, but there were plenty of places around the rest of the course that were pretty rough. Sorry, but I can't recommend this course at the price we paid.
Jones Masterpiece at Treetops Resort
Played On 06/08/2021It really is a masterpiece
As part of a stay and play package at Treetops Resort, our group got to play the Jones Masterpiece course a couple of times. What a treat! The course was in great condition and was very challenging, but fair. The only complaint we had was the lack of water or beverage carts due to a combination of Covid and lack of players, so if you play in the summer or 2021, bring your own fluids.
Back to the course though, there are plenty of imaginative holes and greens that will test your skill. The pro shop staff was very friendly and we found a couple of apparel deals during our visit.
We're looking to return in the future.
We're looking forward to a return visit
Tippecanoe Country Club
Played On 09/03/2020A tough layout along Lake Shafer
I have played Tippecanoe CC many times and always enjoy coming back here. It is an extremely challenging layout with a variety of hole shapes and lengths. The par 3's in particular, are difficult with 3 of the 4 measuring at 175 yards or more from the member's tees. You'll use every club in your bag and you maneuver around this track. We paid a senior rate of $30 which I thought was very fair. The course and greens were in great shape and it was a fun day for my group.
If you want a challenge on a nice course in mid-north Indiana, then Tippecanoe CC is for you.
Harrison Hills Golf & Country Club
Played On 10/17/2019One of the 10 best in Indiana
I have played many of what are considered to be Indiana's best courses. Harrison Hills ranks right there with the bulk of them. At the senior rate of $29, HH is especially appealing. Course conditions, especially now that the superintendent has decided to cut back on the native fescue, are great. The greens and tees are pristine and the course is very challenging with a variety of tee locations. The only downsides are a limited pro shop and the occasional problem with members cutting in on rounds and starting on #10.
Crooked Tree Golf Club
Played On 06/11/2019Another Arthur Hills gem!
As I referenced in an earlier review, I have become a big fan of Arthur Hills' courses over the years. Crooked Tree adds to this. It's a great course that is part of the Boyne family of courses.
There are a variety of tee boxes available for different playing levels. The course conditions were more than acceptable for this early in the year for Northern Michigan. The course itself offered a number of challenges including fast, undulating greens (some of the undulations have to be seen to be believed), difficult approaches to greens protected by deep bunkers, blind tee shots, and beautiful vistas of Little Traverse Bay. (Some of these rival Crooked Tree's better known "brother" course Bay Harbor, which is just down the road.
All in all, playing Crooked Tree was a great experience that I look to repeat the next time I'm in the Petoskey area.
Highly recommended!
Bear Slide Golf Club
Played On 07/26/2018A nice little surprise in Hamilton County
Bear Slide golf course is a great experience with a definite variety of holes and shots. The two nines are pretty much different from one another with the front 9 being more "linksy" and the back 9 more parkland. The course gets a LOT of play, but is in good shape for the most part. The greens were a little worn, but definitely playable. The staff is friendly and welcoming. Lunch or a snack is affordable. This little gem might be a little off the beaten path, but is WELL worth your effort to play it!
The Quarry/Preserve at Bay Harbor Golf Club
Played On 06/12/2018A true gem!
By far, this is one of the best golf courses I have had the good fortune to play. We included a trip to the Links & Quarry as part of our Boyne Highlands package. What a great decision that was. The Links 9 is beautiful and challenging! A number of holes run either parallel to Little Traverse Bay or are in view of it.
The Quarry course, with fewer views of the bay, is just as spectacular! Routed out of an old quarry, this nine has wonderful elevation changes and copious amounts of water. Both 9's were wonderfully maintained with quick, yet fair greens. The starter, pro shop personnel, and cart girl all acted like they were happy that we were there and went out of their ways to make this a memorable experience. I can't wait to return to play this great track!
Arthur Hills at The Highlands (Boyne)
Played On 06/11/2018I'm quickly becoming a big Arthur Hills fan
I've had the good fortune to play a number of Arthur Hills-designed golf courses, such as this one. I have become a fan based on the variety of his designs.
The Hills course at Boyne Highlands is a terrific track.
There are a fair number of tracks with fairly large greens, some of which have false fronts or run offs. These quick, large greens require a lot of concentration and good strokes to avoid three putts. Large waste areas are present on many holes (some blind) which reinforces the necessity of accurate drives. Water and marsh areas also make frequent appearances on this solid test of golf.
This course has got it all and will challenge all levels of golfers. There are plenty of tee stations, so pick one that makes the game the most fun for you and have at it.
Lost Marsh Golf Course
Played On 07/18/2017A hidden gem
Playing Lost Marsh is a great experience. The senior rate for the course is very fair and appreciated. The staff was friendly and appreciated having us there. The clubhouse is a wonderful and beautiful building that also houses a great restaurant.
The course is tough with challenging holes - especially the first five which are all bordered or affected by water.
The greens were in great shape and both held, and rolled, well. Be sure to use your course map to help avoid hidden dangers like tight fairways and water hazards.
I look forward to my next visit to this superb course!
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course
Played On 06/13/2017A poor man's Whistling Straits
Prepare yourself for a great day playing one of Michigan's best golf courses when you tee it up at Arcadia Bluffs. I've had the good fortune to play this northwest Michigan gem two times and would play it everyday, if I could. The layout is terrific with a variety of shots and club selections. The scenery is spectacular! Lake Michigan is in view for many of the holes on the back nine. The greens are pristine and the staff is welcoming and friendly. I got to play on the Sr. rate day (Tuesday) for $90 and what a value! This course will challenge all levels of golfers and will make you want to come back again and again!
Fazio Premier at Treetops Resort
Played On 06/13/2017Classic course in great condition
My golfing experience at the Fazio Premier course was outstanding. The condition of the course was excellent with a variety of different elevations and challenges to enjoy during the 18 holes. The course is fair, not tricky, and pays dividends for good shots. Like many Fazio courses, all of your attention is on the hole that you're playing with no distractions from other holes. The layout is beautiful with some really outstanding par 3's, in particular. I can't wait to play it again!
Thank you so much for the great review. We are glad you had an incredible time, and we hope to see you again soon! Thanks for choosing Sultan's Run Golf Course.