A Guide To Golf In The Bend

Golf Digest ranked Blackthorn as the fourth-best new public golf course upon its opening. It remains one of the best South Bend golf courses and a premier public track in Northern Indiana with its rolling, wooded terrain. The course is a par 72 and plays up to 7,136 yards. Lush fairways are complemented by bent grass greens and bordered by natural settings — prairie grasses, wetlands and ponds. The course also includes a practice facility consisting of bentgrass greens, realistic target greens and a short game area for putting, chipping and bunker play.

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If you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Bowler's Country Club is the place for you. The "best kept secret on the west side," Bowler's offers a challenging 9-hole golf course with water hazards and sand traps completely cared for and maintained by members who volunteer their time. Inside the clubhouse you'll find a 14-lane bowling alley that offers events and tournaments particularly during the winter months. You must be a member or accompanied by one to play.

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NOTE: Burke Golf Course is under construction in 2024 and closed indefinitely.

Visitors to the University of Notre Dame are sure to catch a glimpse of this course. Burke Golf Course is at the southwest corner of campus with views of the Golden Dome and Basilica as players stroll the fairways. When it reopens after its renovation, it will feature four par-3 and five par-4 holes. Reduced rates are available for Notre Dame students, faculty and staff.

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Looking for some natural challenges?

Eberhart-Petro Golf Course is the only course in The Bend that requires players to deal with the St. Joseph River (seen below from an aerial view). There are four river crossings at this Mishawaka gem. Perhaps the most scenic of those is from the tee box on the 18th hole, which offers an elevated view of the river below and fairway beyond.

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One of three courses operated by the City of South Bend, Elbel Golf Course blends the natural landscape of our area with golf better than most courses. Bent grass greens and bluegrass fairways on the par 72 course give way to wooded areas and plenty of water, including Mud Lake. The course includes practice putting greens that overlook the scenic 18th hole, as well as a spacious driving range.

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*Preferred Players Card & City Course Specials

Opened in 1925, Erskine Park has the feel of a city course. The par-70 plays to just over 6,000 yards with tree-lined fairways. No. 10 might be the signature hole — a 603-yard par 5 that requires distance and accuracy on the first and second shots for a chance at par or better. The historic course has hosted greats such as Arnold Palmer, John Wooden and more. The course includes a putting green as well as a sand and chipping area.

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*Preferred Players Card & City Course Specials

Located conveniently off the Indiana Toll Road in Granger, Juday Creek Golf Course might not have the St. Joseph River but is far from a boring patch of land. Water is in play on 13 of the 18 holes, a layout that plays to nearly 7,000 yards and a par 72. "The Creek" also features 5-sets for every level of golfer as well as an additional course, the "Little Creek," perfect for family golf or short term game work.

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Knollwood Country Club is surrounded by two pristine 18-hole championship golf courses set among picturesque terrain spanning 400 acres across Indiana and Michigan. Five sets of tees offer golfers of all skill levels the opportunity to enjoy the East and West courses. You must be a member or a guest of a member to enjoy the courses.

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Nestled among a plethora of white oaks and various other tree species is the centerpiece of Morris Park Country Club. 18-holes of championship golf situated over 135 acres of gently rolling terrain await those who venture to the first tee. The course features 46 sand bunkers and three ponds along with a practice area with multiple target greens and a teeing ground. You can also enjoy indoor golf simulators in the new Golf Suite at the club. Must be a member to golf.

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Dress code

Established in 1916 the South Bend Country Club has a long-standing tradition of world class recreation and gracious hospitality. Located on rolling hills adjacent to a chain of lakes, this private club features one of the most aesthetic golf courses in Indiana. At 6,600 yards, South Bend Country Club's natural lakes, lush marshes, and graceful willow trees provide a tranquil backdrop for all Club events. The 18-hole golf course has been the site for an annual U.S. open qualifying event, and consistently provides golf enthusiasts with a unique golfing experience. Four sets of tees are offered for all skill levels and ages. Tee times are not required for members to play. The course includes a one-acre, two-tierd driving range, two separate practice putting/chipping greens, and a practice hole to accommodate shots up to 150 yards.

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Built in 1919, this 9-hole course is the oldest in South Bend. It’s perfect for children, beginners or anyone looking for a casual round playing mostly shorter holes. There are two par 4s. Everything else is a par 3. Bowman Creek runs along the west side of the course. Be sure to check out the "Kids Play Free" program for the younger golfers.

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*Preferred Players Card & City Course Specials

Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame is a Coore and Crenshaw design located on the north side of Notre Dame’s campus. Golf Magazine ranks it No. 70 on its list of top 100 courses you can play in the United States. The course sprawls over about 250 acres and is complemented by the views, which include the Golden Dome off in the distance. Warren provides an all-grass tee driving range, chipping green with a green-side bunker and putting green. There is a dress code required.

Notre Dame’s men’s and women’s golf teams call Warren home, as did the 2019 U.S. Senior Open.

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Whispering Pines Golf Course is a 18-hole public course that offers outings, leagues and open golf that appeals to every type of golfer in the beautiful outskirts of Walkerton, IN in St. Joseph County. This blue-collar course is nestled on 110 acres of slightly rolling land. Weather permitting, Whispering Pines is open year-round and also features a practice putting green.

Call 574-656-3295 for weekday specials and weekend rates.

With an array of beautiful and challenging courses, South Bend Mishawaka is one of the Midwest’s top golf destinations. Our collection of courses is in an ideal location – right in the heart of the Great Lakes region – while offering a mix of affordability and fun.

If you’re looking to plan a golf getaway, you can put together multiple days of challenging and exciting rounds. Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame hosted the 2019 U.S. Senior Open and Blackthorn Golf Club hosted the Four Winds Invitational on the LPGA's Symetra Tour for several years.

Contact our sales team if you’re looking for hotel arrangements to go along with your golf weekend.