Victoria National Golf Club is a top-60 course in the U.S. and the No. 1-ranked course in Indiana, known for its dramatic Fazio design, exclusive Dormie Network access, and championship pedigree.
If you're looking to play, you'll need to be a member or the guest of one—there’s no public access.
Keep reading for a full breakdown of how the course plays, what it costs, how to visit, and what to expect on and off the fairways.
Why Victoria National Is Worth Your Radar
Victoria National isn’t just another private golf club—it’s a nationally ranked course with a pedigree built on architectural vision, professional-level difficulty, and years of hosting televised tournaments.
If you’re serious about golf and value exclusive playing experiences, this club should absolutely be on your short list.
A Track Record of Top Rankings
Golf Digest’s 2025–26 rankings place Victoria National at No. 60 among the “100 Greatest Golf Courses in America” and No. 1 in the state of Indiana.
But it’s not just a one-time accolade—the course has maintained a place on this prestigious list continuously since 2001.
That kind of consistency signals more than just momentary popularity; it reflects sustained excellence in course design, playability, and overall experience.
A Landscape Transformed by Fazio
Course architect Tom Fazio transformed 418 acres of what used to be strip-mined land into a visually striking and technically demanding layout.
The site’s natural remnants—finger lakes, spoil mounds, and abrupt elevation changes—weren’t hidden or covered up.
Instead, Fazio used them as the foundation for routing 18 holes that are as dramatic as they are challenging.
The result is a course that plays like a modern links carved through a surreal, amphitheater-like landscape, where nearly every hole has a bold visual identity.
Unlike many traditional parkland courses, Victoria National feels raw and exposed.
Wind is a factor.
So are carries over water, blind angles, and subtle undulations that punish even small misjudgments.
It’s the kind of environment where shot-making and mental composure are constantly tested—traits that have made it an ideal championship venue.
A Proven Championship Stage
Victoria National’s reputation extends beyond member play. It’s been a staple on the professional golf circuit for over a decade, having hosted:
- The United Leasing Championship from 2012 to 2018
- The Korn Ferry Tour Championship from 2019 to 2023
These events, broadcast annually on Golf Channel, turned the spotlight on the club’s most punishing and picturesque holes.
Professionals have called it one of the toughest tests on tour, especially during “The Gauntlet” stretch of finishing holes that often decide entire careers for players chasing PGA Tour cards.
The tournament legacy also reinforces the club’s commitment to championship-level conditioning.
Fairways are kept tight, greens run fast, and rough is managed to reward precision and punish mistakes—just as tour-level golf demands.
Not Just Hype—A Course That Delivers
What makes Victoria National worth your attention isn’t just the rankings or the history—it’s how those elements combine to offer an experience that’s rare in U.S. golf.
The architecture is demanding but fair.
The setting is dramatic but not artificial.
And the challenge is elevated by its exclusivity, which ensures course conditions remain consistently high and pace of play is never an issue.
If you’re thinking about joining or visiting through a member, knowing all this context helps you understand what sets Victoria apart.
It’s not just a golf course—it’s a serious test of skill wrapped in a unique natural environment, with a national spotlight to match.
What to Expect on the Course
Victoria National doesn’t ease you into the round—it demands your attention from the first tee and keeps pressing until the final putt.
Between its championship-grade setup, unique turf conditions, and emphasis on walking, this is a course built for players who appreciate both challenge and detail.
A Layout That Pushes Your Game
From the back tees, Victoria National stretches to 7,242 yards, plays to a par of 72, and carries a course rating of 77.7 with a slope of 152.
These numbers aren’t just for show—they reflect the real difficulty players will face, especially when the wind picks up or the greens firm up.
You’ll need to strike the ball well and manage your game smartly if you want to score.
There are forced carries, narrow landing zones, and elevation changes that demand full control of your yardages.
The visual intimidation starts early and never really lets up.
Even players used to championship courses will feel the pressure here—especially on approaches and tee shots that flirt with water.
Bentgrass That Plays Fast and Clean
The entire course—greens and fairways—is planted with L-93 bentgrass, a choice that reinforces the course’s commitment to high-end playability.
When dry, it runs fast and true, especially on approaches and putts.
That’s good news if you’re confident in your reads and ball striking.
But it also means that misjudging spin, trajectory, or slope can cost you quickly.
This turf type also handles tight lies well, so chipping and pitching require clean contact.
Any flinch around the greens is going to show.
What you’ll notice after a few holes is how pure everything feels—there’s a consistent texture from tee to green that rewards crisp execution.
Built for Walking—And Why That Matters
Unlike many modern private clubs that cater heavily to cart traffic, Victoria National is built around a walking-first philosophy.
That’s partly practical—the terrain includes quarry features and long stretches between some holes—but also philosophical.
Walking keeps the pace deliberate and encourages a deeper connection to the land.
Caddies and fore-caddies are strongly encouraged, and most players who take them come away thankful they did.
The course plays better with local insight—especially when reading greens, understanding visual deception off the tee, and managing wind exposure.
Booking a caddie is simple: just call the golf shop at least a week in advance.
You’ll be able to specify whether you want a walking caddie (carrying your bag) or a fore-caddie (assisting your group while you ride or walk).
If you’re walking, be ready: the terrain can be demanding, especially around the quarry edges and through “The Gauntlet” finish.
Proper footwear, hydration, and pacing yourself matter more here than at most private clubs.
Expect a Championship Experience, Not a Casual Round
Every detail at Victoria National reinforces that this is a course built to test serious players.
From the turf conditions to the architectural demands to the club’s emphasis on walking with caddies, the course is designed for people who respect the game and want to play it the right way.
If you're coming here for the first time, it's not about just checking a box—it's about embracing a full, immersive golf experience that challenges every part of your game.
Course Strategy and Shot-Saving Tips
Victoria National rewards precision, patience, and smart course management.
Knowing where to be aggressive—and where to back off—can make the difference between surviving the round or watching your scorecard unravel.
The layout tests you throughout, but certain holes are notorious for shifting momentum.
Know What You’re Walking Into with “The Gauntlet”
The final stretch—holes 14 through 18—is known as The Gauntlet, and it earns the name.
These holes wrap around narrow quarry lakes with sheer spoil banks that give no margin for error.
Each shot looks more intimidating than the last, and the wind tends to swirl unpredictably.
It’s a closing stretch where matches swing and rounds collapse.
If you're holding a lead or playing for score, the safest strategy here is conservative.
Club for the center of greens. Don’t chase pins unless you have absolute confidence.
Fairways are visually deceptive, and any miss tends to kick toward water or thick fescue.
The best mindset? Play for par and take birdies if they come.
Par-3s That Demand Your Full Attention
Hole #5 and Hole #16 are the most visually dramatic par-3s on the course, each requiring full commitment to your number.
- #5 plays over Marsh Creek with little bailout short or right. Even though it’s not overly long, wind exposure makes club selection tricky. The miss here is long left, where there's at least some chance at recovery.
- #16, on the other hand, plays over a boxed-in lagoon that amplifies pressure late in the round. It’s fully exposed to prevailing southwest winds, so taking an extra club—even if it feels wrong—is often the right call. Trust your caddie’s read.
Both holes reward a smooth, controlled swing more than aggressive pin hunting. Landing on the putting surface is a small victory—don’t get greedy.
When to Lay Up and When to Let Loose
There are two standout par-5s—#3 and #15—that tempt you to go big.
But most members will tell you: unless you know the course well, laying up is usually the smarter play.
- #3 bends around water that hugs the left side all the way to the green. A well-placed second shot to your favorite wedge distance sets up a much better scoring chance than trying to reach in two.
- #15 is similar. It feels gettable, especially with a favorable wind, but the green complex is tight, and anything left is wet. Lay up to your number, hit the green in regulation, and take your birdie look.
Both holes give you options, but they also punish indecision. If you're going for it, commit. If you’re laying up, pick your number carefully and don’t overthink it.
Prepare for Lost Balls—and How to Minimize Them
Course stats from club caddies indicate that most first-time players lose four or more balls during their round.
That’s not an exaggeration.
Water is in play on nearly every hole, and some carries look shorter than they are.
Bring extra balls—three to four minimum—and choose conservative lines until you’ve seen the course at least once.
If you’re not carrying your driver consistently past 260 yards, seriously consider playing one set of tees forward.
The course is long and penal, and shorter hitters will find themselves facing long irons into firm, fast greens—an unforgiving combo.
Also, don’t overlook the value of a local caddie.
They’ll keep you away from sucker pins, help you manage wind, and offer valuable reads on the greens.
Even just one or two tips per hole can add up to a major swing in your final score.
Play the Long Game
The key to scoring well at Victoria National isn’t just physical execution—it’s mental discipline.
Focus on playing to your strengths, staying away from big numbers, and adjusting to the visual intimidation baked into the design.
One smart decision at a time will keep you in it longer than any one great shot.
Membership, Guest Access, and What It Costs
Victoria National is not a course you can just book online and show up to play.
It operates under a strict private model as part of the Dormie Network, meaning access is reserved exclusively for members and their guests.
If you're looking to experience the course, you’ll need to either join the network or know someone who already has.
How Access Works
There are no public tee times. None.
The only two ways onto the course are as a Dormie Network member or as a guest of one.
Even corporate groups or special events require a member host.
This exclusivity helps preserve the pace of play, pristine conditions, and private-club atmosphere that define the Victoria experience.
Dormie Network Membership Pathways
Victoria National is one of seven private clubs under the Dormie Network, a national membership model offering access to all properties in the portfolio.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all fee structure published online, there are two common paths into membership:
- Standard Invitation – Prospective members typically apply through direct inquiry. From there, expect:
- A brief phone interview
- A visit to one of the network clubs
- A reference check process before any invitation is extended
- Charity Auction Certificates – Dormie Network occasionally releases one-year national memberships through fundraising events. These certificates give you temporary access and are a good indicator of market pricing, which often falls between $12,000 and $32,000 depending on demand and event visibility.
Ongoing Costs Beyond Initiation
Once you’re in, membership comes with ongoing monthly dues that insiders and past reports peg at roughly $1,000/month.
But Dormie Network’s model is also stay-and-play based—so when you visit a club like Victoria National, you’ll pay an additional all-inclusive nightly fee.
That typically runs about $1,300 per night per person, which covers:
- Lodging in an on-site cottage
- All food and beverage
- Unlimited golf (often with preferred tee slots for guests staying on-site)
This setup makes each visit feel like a curated retreat rather than a typical club experience.
What to Expect When Inquiring
If you’re serious about joining, the process is straightforward but personal.
Start by emailing or calling Victoria National’s membership director.
Unlike many traditional clubs that require multiple sponsor letters or committee reviews, Dormie’s approach focuses more on alignment and fit.
Be ready to answer a few questions about your golfing lifestyle, travel habits, and interest in network-level access.
You'll likely be encouraged to schedule a visit to one of the Dormie properties, and if things align, references will be checked before any formal offer is made.
Stay-and-Play Details You Should Know
Staying on-site at Victoria National isn’t just a convenience—it’s a core part of the experience.
The club’s all-inclusive stay-and-play model is designed to feel more like a private retreat than a typical overnight golf trip, with every detail focused on comfort, convenience, and keeping you close to the game.
Cottage Accommodations That Fit Your Group
There are 13 cottages on property, offering a total of 68 beds split between two tiers: Dormie Cottages and Premier Cottages.
The main difference lies in size, layout, and interior finishes, though all options come with the same essentials—golf-attire-friendly design, screened patios, fire pits, and in-room wet bars.
Whether you’re on a solo visit or traveling with a full foursome, you’ll find layouts that work.
The cottages are designed to keep the post-round experience just as comfortable as the round itself.
You’re a short walk or cart ride from both the clubhouse and practice areas, and you can relax in golf clothes without worrying about dress codes in shared spaces.
Sample Package and Pricing Expectations
If you’re visiting as a guest of a member, the most common itinerary is a one-night, two-round stay for four players.
The all-in cost typically ranges between $1,000 and $1,300 per person, depending on the cottage tier and time of year. That figure includes:
- Lodging
- All meals and non-alcoholic beverages
- Unlimited golf during your stay
- Access to the practice facility and clubhouse amenities
Compared to à la carte pricing at other top-tier private clubs, the bundled pricing model makes planning simpler and more predictable, especially for groups.
Arrival, Departure, and House Rules
Check-in begins at 4:00 p.m., and check-out is set for 10:00 a.m.
Most guests time their arrival to play an afternoon round before dinner and then play again the next morning before departure.
It's a tight but efficient window that maximizes your time on property.
Pets are not allowed in any of the lodging, so plan accordingly.
However, cottages are fully equipped for golf groups—there’s ample gear storage space, and you won’t be out of place walking in after your round without changing.
Dining and Evening Amenities
After golf, most guests gravitate to the clubhouse, which features a bourbon bar (The Bridges Room) and a chef-driven menu focused on regional specialties and seasonal ingredients.
The dining room offers a laid-back but refined experience, and while walk-ins are welcome, groups of eight or more should book reservations in advance to ensure availability and a smooth service flow.
If you’re staying in, the cottages’ screened patios and fire pits make for a great setting to unwind without leaving your lodging area.
Late-night putting contests on the green near Cottage 13 are a regular tradition among returning guests.
Staying On-Site = Full Immersion
What makes the stay-and-play setup so effective at Victoria National is how well it balances privacy with proximity.
You’re never far from the first tee, the range, or the clubhouse, but you also don’t feel like you’re in a hotel.
The environment feels curated and private—ideal for small groups or low-key golf getaways where quality matters more than flash.
Whether you’re part of a member-hosted foursome or exploring Dormie Network membership yourself, staying on property gives you the full Victoria National experience: pure golf, no distractions, and a premium level of service that stays consistent from check-in to your final putt.
Visiting Tips, Travel Logistics, and Seasonal Advice
Planning a trip to Victoria National goes beyond booking your tee time or lodging—there are a few key logistics and timing considerations that can elevate your experience or, if missed, make your visit more challenging than it needs to be.
Here’s what you’ll want to know before you pack a bag or book a flight.
Getting There: Flight Options and Drive Times
The nearest airport is Evansville Regional (EVV), located just 15 miles (about a 25-minute drive) from the club.
For most visitors flying private or regionally, this is the most direct option and offers a short, stress-free transfer to the course.
If you're coming from a larger metro area or looking for more commercial flight flexibility, Louisville International Airport (SDF) is about 120 miles away, roughly a two-hour drive.
It’s a straight shot via I-64 and often provides more flight times, competitive fares, and rental car availability.
Choosing the Right Season to Visit
Timing your visit is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
April to May and September to October are the best windows—temperatures typically range from the low 70s to low 80s, and turf conditions are firm, fast, and consistent.
If you're thinking about a summer trip (June through August), be prepared for high humidity and sudden pop-up storms.
Rain delays can happen, and afternoon heat can take a toll—especially if you're walking.
On the other hand, late October offers some of the most picturesque rounds of the year, with fall foliage reflected across quarry lakes.
Just know that breezy conditions become more frequent, especially on elevated or exposed holes.
Dress Code and What to Pack
Victoria National enforces a traditional dress code, so pack accordingly.
Collared shirts are required, and denim is not permitted on the course.
Only soft spikes are allowed—metal is strictly off-limits.
In midsummer, bring insect repellent—the lakes and wetlands make for stunning views but also attract gnats and mosquitoes in the evening.
Also, if you’re attending a tournament or planning to walk the course, wear stable shoes with solid grip; the terrain can be steep in areas, particularly near the quarry banks and around “The Gauntlet.”
If you're staying overnight, there’s no need for formal attire in the cottages or clubhouse.
Golf attire is appropriate throughout your stay, making packing straightforward.
Take Advantage of Practice Facilities
Don’t show up cold—Victoria rewards players who warm up thoroughly.
The practice setup is extensive and well-designed, featuring a double-ended driving range with TrackMan stations, a short-game complex with multiple green surrounds, and a private putting green near Cottage 13 that stays active well into the evening.
Use these resources to get a feel for the green speed and firmness.
Even five or ten minutes spent dialing in wedge spin or gauging green slopes will pay off, especially on a layout this punishing.
Conclusion
Victoria National delivers a high-level golf experience that blends world-class design, private access, and immersive stay-and-play amenities.
It’s challenging, visually striking, and built for those who appreciate serious golf.
If you're planning a visit or exploring membership, knowing what to expect ensures you get the most out of every round.
