Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame University, Notre Dame, IN / Public / Played, 10 Sep 13
Overview: “Tee it up where the Irish play” is great advertising and further incentive to play Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame. Even better is the fact that the course is public and easily accessible. Visitors will be able to view much of the campus on the drive to the course enjoying views of the Golden Dome of Notre Dame and the famous Touchdown Jesus at Notre Dame Stadium. Much beyond this personal review, Warren Golf Course was chosen as one of 2013’s top 15 college courses in the nation as rated by Golfweek Magazine. Warren Golf Course was in amazing condition on the day played. It is advertised as a classic links design but other than the fescue grasses framing many of the holes, carry shots onto the greens are required and very few holes allow for straight run-up shots as you may see in very classic links golf courses. The course calls for strategic tee shots away from bunkering and makes hitting certain sides of the fairway important for hitting into the greens. The GPS carts add a nice touch and are great for distances exactly to the pin, how far you hit your drive, and let you know where you can get a good steak after the round. The greens are medium to large in size with slopes and undulation and medium-fast speed on the day played. Pins/Flagsticks are not marked using a flag color or pin flags. Each flagstick is generally easy to see on the greens, however, even with the exact GPS distances, be sure to think about your club selection going into the larger greens. An outstanding course and if you are ever in the South Bend area, or are planning a future visit to Notre Dame, you should visit Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame University and “Tee it up where the Irish play.”
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Date Played: September 10, 2013 | Cost: $45.00
Juday Creek Golf Club, Granger, IN / Public / Played, 13 Aug 13
Overview: At nearly 7,000 yards from the back tees, Juday Creek is a great test of driving and solid ball striking. The middle tees at just over 6,400 yards offer the same driving challenge of both fades and draws off the tee. The golfer will find a number of carries and forced carries to confront and strategize for during the round, which will add to the experience. The course is an attractive course with tree lined fairways and mature willow trees providing a shot making challenge throughout. The greens are medium to large in size with some slope but mainly flat and medium to fast on the day played. Pins/Flagsticks are marked using the numbering system (1/2/3/4/5/6) with six possible pin placements on each hole. The pin position for the day is displayed in the pro shop and can be viewed on the scorecards as well. Of note was the creative use of the electric carts to place a course book on the steering wheel post (see picture) to describe the golf course and holes but to also advertise local businesses and products. I have seen this type of advertising before with the modern GPS carts but this was a very creative, dependable (weather safe), and simple way to bring the same information to the golfer during their round. Nice course and a solid challenge for golfers at all levels.
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Date Played: August 13, 2013 | Cost: $42.00
Meadow Valley Golf Club, Middlebury, IN / Public / Played: 30 July 13
Overview: The course website labels this course as a “hidden gem”. They could not be more correct. This is a must play in the heart of Amish Country with the drive to the course giving the visitor the opportunity to see horse and buggie transportation driving through the middle of town alongside you. Course is under new management and has changed names from Spring Meadow Farm Golf Course to Meadow Valley Golf Club. Incredibly nice conditions throughout – a bit wet in some of the lower fairway areas but overall great conditions. Open layout with beautiful views of the surrounding valley. Front 9 is wide and meandering and right out in front of you. Back 9 is tighter with more targeted shots required. Greens are fast-very fast and the greens themselves are large to very large with slopes and elevation, which will provide a putting challenge to any level of golfer. Stay below the pins to give yourself realistic birdie opportunities. Greens are smooth and true to the roll but … FAST! Pins/Flagstick placement uses the numbered system (1/2/3) – ask the Pro Shop for the pin number for the day before you tee off and check the scorecard for each pin position on the green/s. An awesome course 100% worth the value. A must play!
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Date Played: July 30, 2013 | Cost: $31.00
This course is excellent for its price. The conditions are average now, and will only get better as the bermuda fairways come in for the summer. The club pro is really helpful, and they have a fairly inexpensive pro shop. The golf course superintendent does a nice job with the greens. This is a course tha golfers of varying skill levels can truyl enjoy even within the same group.
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Date Played: April 16, 2012 | Cost: $27
The course was great! The mild Indiana winter and warm weather recently has kept the course in great shape. They are also running some good on-line specials for green fees
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Date Played: March 12, 2012 | Cost: $25
I haven't played this course for years and I was blown away by the conditions. New ownership has really improved this course and now it is one of the best in Indiana.
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Date Played: March 25, 2011
