Need course suggestion for Ft. Wayne / South Bend / S. Michigan area

[djwang2000]

Will be taking a road trip through PA/Ohio and up into Wisconsin.  Will be spending the night ~30 minutes east of South Bend.  Was looking to play Warren in the AM on the way to Milwaukee - but it looks like there aren't any tee times available - perhaps just as well - looking for a course with some forgiveness, as this is the beginning of the trip and work has severely limited the round up until this point.  Would love to find a nice course in that general area.  Where I stay and where I play is somewhat flexible - it's just me, the car, and my clubs!

Thanks,

David

 

[mjguzik]

Consider Blackthorn if you cannot get on Warren.  It is an interesting Pete Dye course and open to the public.  Played it about two weeks ago and it was in great shape.

[mrjrs]

If you're staying 30 minutes east of South Bend then you could also look at Meadow Valley in Middlebury.  That's a fun course.

[djwang2000]

2 hours ago, mrjrs said:

If you're staying 30 minutes east of South Bend then you could also look at Meadow Valley in Middlebury.  That's a fun course.

Geographically would work quite well.  How are conditions there?

[mrjrs]

11 hours ago, djwang2000 said:

Geographically would work quite well.  How are conditions there?

I've always thought it was in good condition for the price but I haven't been there this year, yet.  It's mostly a links style.  The holes that go up the hill into the trees are kind of crammed in but also pretty unique (and I think fun- especially the few downhill tee shots).  Blackthorn in South Bend is probably "better" but I haven't played there.

[MountainKing]

On 7/25/2022 at 6:08 AM, mjguzik said:

Consider Blackthorn if you cannot get on Warren.  It is an interesting Pete Dye course and open to the public.  Played it about two weeks ago and it was in great shape.

 

It is not a Pete Dye course, but it is great. 

[jbrunk]

You must be staying near Goshen, my home town.  Check out Black Squirrel, it’s straightforward, well-maintained course & quite inexpensive.  McCormick Creek down in Nappanee is another good value, perhaps more challenging.  Been years since I played there, but was in fantastic shape when I did.

 

Come to think of it, Black Squirrel and McCormick Creek are an easy 20 minutes away from each other.  You could play both in the same day for under $50.

[mjguzik]

7 hours ago, MountainKing said:

 

It is not a Pete Dye course, but it is great. 

 

I stand corrected.  Instead it is a Dr. Michael Hurdzan design after some digging.  Found myself repeating something I heard from others.  Blackthorn easily holds over the other courses mentioned.

[MountainKing]

10 hours ago, mjguzik said:

 

I stand corrected.  Instead it is a Dr. Michael Hurdzan design after some digging.  Found myself repeating something I heard from others.  Blackthorn easily holds over the other courses mentioned.

 

With all the courses he did design in Indiana, it's a good assumption.

[djwang2000]

Thanks for all the suggestions - ended up booking Blackthorn - turns out it's a little further than I expected - so an early morning - looking forward to it!