Purgatory Golf Club
Noblesville, Indiana
A Ron Kern design in Noblesville north of Indianapolis, Purgatory winds through wetlands, prairie grasses, and mature hardwood forest. The public course offers a challenging and varied 18-hole experience with strong conditioning and one of the most interesting routings in the Indianapolis metro area.
History & Heritage
Purgatory Golf Club opened circa 1999-2000, designed by Ron Kern (a third-generation golf architect) on 218 acres of former wetlands and prairie north of Indianapolis. Kern drew heavily on Alister MacKenzie\'s philosophy, creating links-style features with extensive flash bunkering and high fescue rough.
Named a top-100 public course in America and 2016 Indiana Golf Course of the Year. At 7,072 yards, one of the longest par-72 courses east of the Mississippi. The generous 218-acre footprint allows exceptional spacing between holes.
Signature Holes
An island green par 3 surrounded by two acres of hazard. A dramatic carry shot that demands precision — the water is unforgiving on any miss.
What to Expect
Links-style layout with wide fairways framed by prairie grasses, wetland areas, and MacKenzie-inspired flash bunkers. Wind is significant on the open terrain. Six tee sets per hole accommodate all skill levels.
Public at $55-95. Rated top public course in Indiana.
Playing Tips
GPS carts recommended — yardage markers can be hard to find.
Wind on the exposed terrain requires constant club adjustments. Avoid the high fescue — recovery is difficult.
On the island green 17th, take enough club. The water is absolute.
Highlights
- ✓ Varied routing through wetlands and prairie
- ✓ Strong public course north of Indianapolis
- ✓ Challenging 7,072-yard championship layout
Frequently Asked Questions
Why the MacKenzie influence?
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