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 INDIANAPOLIS - Any legitimate conversation about elite public-access golf courses in the state of Indiana has to include mention of The Fort Golf Course, a Pete Dye track wrapped in a thick cocoon of woodlands where war, not golf, used to be the primary sport.
In the most recent batch of rankings, the nation’s most esteemed golf publications almost unanimously agreed that The Fort deserved to occupy a lofty perch among its peers.
Last fall Golf.com released its first-ever ranking of the best golf courses you can play by state, and top billing in Indiana went to, you guessed it, The Fort. In its latest installment of state-by-state public-access rankings, Golfweek positioned The Fort No. 4, just behind the two layouts at the French Lick Resort.
When the Indiana Golf Association surveyed their tournament participants to ascertain the top public courses in the state, The Fort emerged as the third-ranked course on the list. And GolfLink.com, whose rankings are determined by regular golfers rather than a handful of editors, listed The Fort among the top 10 golf courses in Indiana, public and private.
One top ranking could be viewed as an anomaly, a statistical outlier among the golf community. But The Fort’s consistent presence among the Hoosier State’s premier layouts has cemented its status as a “must play” in Indiana.
“Astounding course,” commented a golfer who recently teed it up at The Fort. “There’s only one glimpse on the 16th green that there’s a city that surrounds this course; wonderful slopes, great fairways, stellar (and incredibly fast) greens. Maintenance crews are out all day keeping the course in top shape.”
Exceptional performance typically leads to a price increase, but The Fort is committed to keeping greens fees in line with the current economic climate to allow even more golfers to experience this exceptional Dye-designed golf course. A new rate structure at The Fort recognizes that playing on a Monday isn’t the same as playing on a Sunday. Overall, prices at The Fort have been rolled back, and are currently on par with what golfers paid four or five years ago.
“We’re not different than any other course,” said Jon Chapple, head professional at The Fort. “We’re rolling with the economy.”
The Fort’s new Senior Special is valid Tuesdays and Wednesday prior to 10 a.m., and costs just $39. Ages 60 and over are welcome to take advantage of this tremendous value. Golfers can tee it up at twilight, which varies throughout the year, for just $49.
Tee times can be booked up to thirty days in advance online at www.thefortgolfcourse.com. Online booking is available seven days a week. Golfers can also make tee times by calling (317) 543-9597.
A Different Kind of Dye
Pete Dye has designed iconic courses in the Carolina Lowcounty where golfers and gators have learned to co-exist. In Florida, his signature island green par 3 has become one of the most recognizable golf holes in the world. His creations have served as major championship venues and arenas for spirited afternoon money matches between co-workers. From Arizona to Virginia, his courses challenge college kids and country club types.
Here in Indiana, one of his designs is literally part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. And this summer, his newest marquee course, which was widely recognized as the best new design of 2009, will bring a national golf championship to Indiana for the first time in decades.
But there’s never been a Dye design quite like The Fort.
Seamlessly blended into a nearly 2,000-acre historic nature preserve known as Fort Harrison State Park, The Fort occupies a plot of land just outside of downtown Indianapolis with deep roots in the American story. Before it was decommissioned in 1991, Ft. Ben, named for our 23rd President, served multiple roles during major military conflicts from World War I to Desert Storm.
Shrouded from the outside world by towering trees, the 7,148-yard par-72 golf course has a way of reminding golfers just how isolated they can feel playing this grand old game. Whether you visit in the summer when the course is colored a brilliant green or the fall when the chorus of autumn colors sing in unison, the spectacular surroundings at The Fort will inspire and awe.
Dye routed this layout so that it naturally blends with the rolling terrain, and installed some of his trademark elements such as welldefined bunkers and undulating greens along the way. Lined by a variety of trees from tee to green, the landing areas at The Fort are generous when compared to Dye layouts like Harbour Town in Hilton Head.
Similar to many of Dye’s courses around the world, The Fort entices golfers with risk-reward opportunities during a round. Short par 4s like No. 2 and No. 10, each measuring less than 325 yards from the championship tees, tempt golfers to pull driver and go for the green. Another unique feature found on the scorecard at The Fort is back-to-back par 5s; the 511-yard 6th hole and the 542-yard seventh.
Reminiscent of courses found in Tennessee or Northern Michigan, The Fort is aesthetically pleasing, very memorable and well-maintained, and definitely a “must play” for every discerning golfer in the Indianapolis area. Even if you’re a few hours from Indy by car, a nice relaxing round at The Fort is certainly worth the drive.
Stay and Play
The unique lodging options available at The Fort make it an excellent candidate for a weekend “Stay and Play” getaway if you’re coming from Cincinnati, Chicago, Michigan or more distant lands. Walk in the footsteps of great military men and distinguished dignitaries by staying in the historic Harrison House.
During Fort Benjamin Harrison’s days as an active military installment, the Harrison House served as VIP sleeping quarters. The Harrison House has since been converted into seven spacious suites complete with cable television in each room, long distance and local phone service and work space. Common areas include a living room, kitchen and dining area. The Harrison House is situated just 100 yards from the first tee.
The main lodge at The Fort is another “Stay and Play” option and is located a mere 300 yards from the first tee box. Golf packages at The Fort include 18 holes of golf with cart, overnight lodging, unlimited range balls, complimentary bag storage and cleaning, course bag tag and a souvenir ball. Prices start at $133 for single occupancy. Reservations can be made online or by calling 1.877.LODGES 1.
For information on everything The Fort has to offer, visit www.thefortgolfcourse.com.
2010 Golf Rates
Monday ................................$49
Tues-Thurs ...........................$59
Fri-Sun .................................$69
Senior Special .......................$39
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