Indianapolis isn’t just for race fans—it’s also home to some of the best public golf courses in the state, offering a wide range of playing styles and settings.
If you’re looking for the top five, they are Brickyard Crossing, The Fort Golf Resort, Prairie View, Purgatory, and Eagle Creek.
Keep reading for a closer look at what makes each course worth your time (and tee time).
Brickyard Crossing Golf Course: Golf Inside a Speedway
There aren’t many courses in the world where you can tee off just yards away from a racetrack—and Brickyard Crossing in Indianapolis is one of the rare exceptions.
With part of the course set inside the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this one delivers more than a round of golf—it offers an experience unlike anything else in the Midwest.
A Course Built Into Racing History
What truly sets Brickyard Crossing apart is its setting.
Four of its 18 holes are built directly inside the oval of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
While you're lining up a shot, you might glance up and see the grandstands that normally hold over 250,000 race fans. It’s surreal in the best way possible.
The rest of the course weaves just outside the track, still giving you clear views of the speedway and an ongoing sense that you're somewhere special.
This blend of motorsport history and golf tradition makes every round feel memorable, especially for players who appreciate atmosphere as much as design.
Designed by Pete Dye: Strategic, Bold, and Demanding
Brickyard Crossing was reimagined by Pete Dye, a name you’ll see more than once when exploring Indiana’s top courses.
Known for his daring and visually striking layouts, Dye didn’t hold back here.
The course features his hallmark elements: strong angles, deep bunkering, and precise shot demands.
That means even though the setting is one-of-a-kind, the golf doesn’t take a back seat.
Whether you're a low handicapper or a weekend player, the course asks you to think on every hole—especially with water hazards, tiered greens, and some sneaky wind patterns made unpredictable by the open space inside the track.
PGA Tour History Adds to the Prestige
Between 1994 and 2000, Brickyard Crossing was home to the PGA Champions Tour’s Comfort Classic.
That period added a layer of credibility and competition history to the course.
It’s not just scenic or quirky—it has been tested at a professional level, which speaks to the quality of its layout and conditions.
Playing here puts you on the same turf where some of golf’s legends have competed. That historical weight adds something extra to every swing.
What It Costs—and Why It’s Worth It
Yes, the green fee is higher than most public courses in the region—around $200 per round.
But you’re not just paying for grass and tee boxes.
You’re paying for access to one of the most unusual and well-maintained public golf venues in the country.
Everything from the fairways to the service reflects that premium positioning.
If you're looking to treat yourself or impress a client with a golf outing they’ll actually remember, this price tag starts to make a lot more sense.
Why You Should Play It
Brickyard Crossing is best suited for golfers who care as much about where they play as how they play.
The location is iconic, the layout is demanding but fair, and the overall experience is hard to match anywhere else.
This isn’t the kind of course you play every weekend—it’s the one you tell stories about later.
If you're planning one unforgettable round near Indianapolis, this is where you start.
The Fort Golf Resort: Nature Meets Strategy in Fort Harrison State Park
Tucked inside Fort Harrison State Park, The Fort Golf Resort offers a striking contrast to the urban surroundings of Indianapolis.
It’s quiet, scenic, and full of natural beauty—but don’t mistake that for an easy round.
A Scenic Escape Without Leaving the City
One of the standout features of The Fort is how completely it immerses you in nature.
The course winds through dense woods, rolling hills, and long stretches of untouched parkland.
Mature trees border nearly every hole, creating a sense of separation and focus that makes it easy to forget you're still within city limits.
Add in the regular sightings of deer, foxes, and other wildlife, and it feels more like a nature hike with a set of clubs than a typical golf outing.
If you're the kind of player who enjoys peace and quiet as much as solid course design, this setting delivers.
Pete Dye’s Subtle Challenge
While The Fort doesn’t scream “Pete Dye” in the way that something like TPC Sawgrass does, his influence is still present.
The layout is strategic, with thoughtful angles and plenty of risk-reward choices.
You won’t find dramatic island greens or overly penal bunkers here, but the course still demands attention and control from tee to green.
Tee shots often require precision to find the right side of a sloped fairway, and the greens—though not overly fast—can be tricky to read due to subtle undulations and elevation shifts.
It’s the kind of course where smart play is rewarded far more than aggressive swings.
Ranked High—and Priced Right
The Fort consistently draws praise from local and regional golfers, and it currently holds the #3 spot in Indiana according to IndianaGolf.com.
That’s high praise in a state with no shortage of strong public options.
Even better, the price to play is refreshingly reasonable.
At around $77 per round, The Fort offers one of the best value-to-quality ratios in the state.
You’re getting a top-tier design, in excellent condition, with an unforgettable setting—without the premium pricing of a destination course.
Who Will Enjoy It Most?
This course hits the sweet spot for players who want a meaningful round without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality.
It’s scenic, but not a walk in the park.
It’s strategic, but not punishing.
And it’s versatile enough to be both a weekend regular and a special-occasion play.
Whether you're a local golfer looking for a reliable favorite or visiting the area and want something memorable but affordable, The Fort should be high on your list.
Prairie View Golf Club: Championship-Caliber with a Links Twist
Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel, just north of Indianapolis, offers a polished, tournament-ready experience with a layout that blends traditional parkland elements and subtle links-style features.
It’s the kind of course where every hole feels intentional—and every shot has options.
A Balanced Layout with Room to Think
What sets Prairie View apart is its ability to challenge players without overwhelming them.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course features wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and gentle elevation changes.
His signature approach—giving players multiple angles into greens and rewarding smart decision-making—is on full display here.
The layout mixes open, wind-exposed holes with more protected, tree-lined sections, giving the round a rhythmic pace.
You’re not facing the same type of hole over and over, which keeps things interesting from the first tee to the final putt.
The links influence shows up in the rolling mounds and fairway contours, but it's all blended seamlessly with more classic Midwest parkland design.
Built for Competition—and Ready for All Skill Levels
Prairie View isn’t just popular with public players—it’s a regular site for state-level tournaments and championships.
That alone speaks to its quality and level of preparation.
The course conditions are consistently solid, with smooth greens and tightly mowed fairways that provide true bounces and solid lies.
That said, it’s not a punishing course.
Multiple tee boxes make it accessible for all skill levels, from scratch players to high handicappers.
It’s challenging when you want it to be, and manageable if you’re just out for a casual round.
Well-Rated and Fairly Priced
At approximately $130 per round, Prairie View sits comfortably in the mid-range bracket.
While not the cheapest, you’re getting a championship-caliber layout in return.
The pricing feels right for what you get—especially considering how well the course is maintained.
It also has the ratings to back it up.
GolfPass users give Prairie View an impressive 4.67 out of 5, a sign that real golfers consistently leave satisfied with both the play and the experience.
That kind of score, especially for a public course, is rare.
Who It’s Best For
Prairie View is ideal for golfers who enjoy thinking through their round.
If you appreciate subtle design over dramatic flair, or prefer consistency in fairways and greens over gimmicks, this course delivers.
It’s especially well-suited for players looking to prep for tournament play or simply enjoy a more refined layout without needing a private club membership.
If you want a clean, well-routed course with just enough links character to keep things fresh, Prairie View should absolutely be on your radar.
Purgatory Golf Club: A True Test with 130+ Bunkers
If the name doesn’t tip you off, the course will.
Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville is designed to push your limits, both mentally and physically, and it does so with a bold layout that’s as striking as it is demanding.
A Course That Looks—and Plays—Intimidating
Ron Kern’s design at Purgatory is not subtle.
With more than 130 bunkers spread across the course, there’s visual drama on nearly every hole.
But this isn’t just about aesthetics.
These bunkers are thoughtfully placed to force decisions off the tee, shape your approach shots, and make recovery play a central part of your round.
It’s not unusual to stand on a tee box and feel overwhelmed by what you see ahead.
That’s part of the design.
Kern wanted to challenge players—not unfairly, but persistently—and the result is a course that forces you to plan your way around, not just swing away.
Despite the name and its intimidating features, the course remains playable for a wide range of skill levels.
Wide fairways offer room off the tee, and multiple tee boxes help players manage the level of difficulty.
But make no mistake: if you’re not thinking through your round, Purgatory will remind you.
One of Indiana’s Most Unique Public Courses
There’s really nothing else like it in Indiana.
The design is rugged, almost links-like in places, and the openness of the property amplifies the wind on certain holes.
That can turn a straightforward par into a real problem quickly.
But the variation is what keeps it engaging—short par 4s, long par 5s, risk-reward plays, and enough elevation change to keep club selection interesting.
Add in well-maintained greens and fairways, and the overall condition of the course holds up to its reputation.
It’s not just about the layout; the experience of playing here feels dialed in from tee to green.
Accessible Pricing for a Premium Challenge
At roughly $72 per round, Purgatory offers an affordable way to test yourself on a course that feels high-end in its design and maintenance.
For public golfers who want the feel of a destination course without leaving Central Indiana—or spending double the fee—this is one of the best value picks in the region.
And it’s not just locals who think so.
Purgatory is ranked #12 in the state by IndianaGolf.com, reinforcing its spot among Indiana’s elite public courses.
Who Will Get the Most Out of It
Purgatory is best suited for confident golfers who enjoy managing risk and navigating complex shot demands.
If you're the type of player who wants your game to be tested and your round to be memorable—whether because of one great shot or one brutal bunker—this course delivers that experience.
It's a bold layout that rewards patience, strategy, and creativity.
For anyone who wants a round that feels like a mental workout as much as a physical one, Purgatory is absolutely worth booking.
Eagle Creek Golf Club: Double the Variety, Twice the Scenery
Eagle Creek Golf Club stands out among Indianapolis-area courses for one big reason: it gives you two distinct 18-hole experiences in one place.
With the Sycamore and Pines courses, you’re not just getting variety—you’re getting the freedom to match your round to your mood, skill level, or time of year.
Two Courses, Two Different Personalities
The Sycamore and Pines courses each bring something unique to the table.
Sycamore is the more open of the two, with broader fairways and less tree cover, which makes it slightly more forgiving off the tee.
Pines, on the other hand, is tighter and more wooded, requiring careful positioning and club selection throughout the round.
Both courses were designed by Pete Dye, so there’s consistency in quality and shot-making demands, even as the visuals and strategies shift.
Dye’s signature elements—angled greens, challenging approaches, and subtle elevation changes—are worked in without being overwhelming, giving both courses a balance of playability and interest.
This dual-course setup isn’t just a gimmick. It allows for more replay value, more tee time availability, and a reason to come back even if you’ve already played one side.
For public players who value flexibility without compromising on design integrity, this setup is ideal.
Seasonal Beauty That Adds to the Experience
Eagle Creek is particularly popular in the fall, when the foliage across the course turns brilliant shades of orange, red, and gold.
Both layouts wind through wooded sections and open meadows, which light up during the autumn months and elevate the visual appeal of your round.
Even in spring and summer, the course stays scenic, thanks to its location next to Eagle Creek Park—one of the largest municipal parks in the country.
The setting gives the club a natural, almost secluded feel, even though it's easily accessible from anywhere in Indianapolis.
Pricing That Matches Your Needs
Unlike some single-course facilities with fixed pricing, Eagle Creek’s green fees are flexible.
The cost varies depending on which course you choose, what day you're playing, and whether you're booking a morning or twilight tee time.
This makes it easier to plan a round that fits your schedule and budget without sacrificing the quality of the experience.
It’s worth checking their online booking platform or calling ahead, especially if you’re trying to catch off-peak rates or planning a group outing.
Recognized, Reliable, and Repeatable
Eagle Creek has earned a spot on Golf Digest‘s “Places to Play” list for Indiana—a reflection of its consistent upkeep, thoughtful design, and strong overall experience.
While it may not carry the dramatic setting of a Brickyard Crossing or the rugged challenge of a Purgatory, it offers something equally valuable: reliability and variety.
You can return week after week and get a different feel from each round, depending on which course you play, the season, or even the weather.
Who Will Appreciate It Most
Eagle Creek is a great fit for golfers who value variety and convenience.
Whether you’re an occasional player looking for a solid weekend round, or a more frequent golfer who wants options without bouncing between clubs, this facility gives you everything you need in one spot.
For those who want quality without the commitment of a private club—and who enjoy the subtle strategy of Pete Dye’s design without feeling beat up after 18—Eagle Creek is one of the most practical and rewarding choices around Indianapolis.
Conclusion
Indianapolis offers a surprisingly diverse range of public golf experiences, from speedway-side fairways to wooded state park layouts.
Whether you’re after strategy, scenery, or pure variety, these five courses deliver quality rounds at every price point.
Try one—or all—to find the course that fits your game best.
