Bloomington Golf at Indiana University

Located near Indianapolis

Besides being a beautiful and challenging test for players of all levels, the Indiana University Golf Course offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the IU campus, which is located next to the 54-year-old facility on the east edge of the Indiana 46 bypass near 17th Street in Bloomington. Built in 1957, the multi-faceted facility not only is the home course of the IU men's and women's teams but is a Bloomington golf facility open for public play 364 days a year.

Still, the true charm of the 18-hole championship Bloomington golf course, and its nine-hole adjoining par-three course, rests in the land. The 250-acre property, which includes a 36-stall driving range, could well be a nature preserve and, indeed, has walking trails that skirt the edges of the property.

Unlike many modern courses, there are no housing nor commercial properties disturbing an atmosphere that is purely golf. Most of the 18 holes are framed by mature trees that defend the integrity of the course and make par a usually unattainable challenge. There are no water hazards or fairway bunkers, mostly because the trees offer sufficient problems for the golfer who expects to be challenged.

This natural setting provides the charm of a state park that blossoms into nature's handiwork all year long, but especially in the spring and fall. Autumn's abundance of color peaks at the IU course, and few sights are more entrancing than a look down the ninth and 13th holes in mid-October. In the spring the wooded areas burst forth with the aroma of redbud and dogwood trees.

Unless the IU marching band is practicing the school's fight song nearby, most of the sounds around the course are produced by wildlife. Most popular among these are the white-tailed deer that emerge from the woods and wonder across the fairways, mostly impervious to the golfers and the nearby click of club against ball. The deer often appear in groups of up to a dozen and sometimes are reluctant to return to the nearby wooded areas.

However, if a golfer chooses to leave his ball and follows them into the trees he is met by a dense rolling area similar to what the first settlers in the state must have encountered.

When the Indiana University golf course opened, a summary of the facility was given to president Herman B Wells by Paul “Pooch” Harrell, the coordinator of the university's athletic facilities. “This is a golf course designed for all kinds of golfers -- professionals, top-flight amateurs, average amateurs, duffers and hackers -- providing they can hit the ball straight,” Harrell said.

The championship and par- three courses are open every day except Christmas, if weather permits, and tee times may be reserved by calling the Pro Shop at 812-855-7543. The lighted driving range is one of the most popular practice areas in Indiana and is operational from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. when weather permits between March and October. Buckets of balls, and a selection of clubs, are available at the driving range building. During other months r nge balls may be obtained from the Pro Shop when the weather allows practice.

The range has 36 teeing stations with mats and as many as 20 grass hitting areas that are open when conditions permit. Target areas are marked downrange and the exact yardage from these flags to each teeing area is listed. Also available are a practice green and chipping area near the first tee of the championship Indianapolis golf course and a putting green near the range where chipping is forbidden. Superintendent Brent Emerick describes the latter as the “best green in town.”