If you live near a municipal golf course, you know just how unique the experience can be compared with other courses.
There is often a sense of hospitality you may not find at other public courses. Generally, folks are laid-back, as they’re simply focused on enjoying the game, regardless of how they play.
Yet, despite the typical relaxed vibe, your local municipal course may be just as well-conditioned as a popular public or private course.
That is exactly the case for the following three municipal courses, which are renowned in their areas — and steadily becoming more popular outside their regions, too.
ELBEL PARK GOLF COURSE :: South Bend, Indiana
For more than 30 years, Jim Kubinski has served as a PGA Professional. In that time, he has visited hundreds of golf courses. But despite his experiences and extensive travels, he has yet to visit a course as unique as Elbel Park Golf Course.
Why? First, it has a “country club feel,” that’s distinct among municipal courses. Second, its setting is rare for a municipal course, as it’s relatively rural. Nonetheless, it’s still close enough to city life that guests will find everything they need readily available.
“Its ‘country’ feel is only further enhanced by so many different animals roaming the property each day, from deer to sandhill cranes to bald eagles,” says Kubinski, Elbel Park’s head golf professional. “Every day connects nature to our course.”
Created with every type of golfer in mind, Elbel Park offers a variety that many other municipal courses don’t, ensuring golfers of all skill levels are challenged. Every hole is also distinct from the rest. Often, when playing a particular hole, golfers won’t see another hole.
“It’s almost as if golfers are playing their own golf course at times,” Kubinski says.
In addition, Elbel Park is affordable and highly accessible. For example, golfers will never pay more than $59 for 18 holes with a cart.
“In today’s economy, affordability is virtually everyone’s concern, and yet we all want to enjoy our leisure time,” Kubinski says. “That’s what we’re all about.”
INDIAN CANYON GOLF COURSE :: Spokane, Washington
As assistant golf professional Sam Pauly reflects on his career with Indian Canyon Golf Course, he believes the course’s scenic views — especially while walking up to its pro shop — are “unlike anything” he’s ever “experienced at another course.”
“You get a view of most of Spokane,” Pauly says. “I would say that’s the first thing most people notice when they see the course for the first time.”
Along with these views, Indian Canyon has rolling hills that most other municipal courses don’t have. In fact, every hole has a hill of some sort, and every green has plenty of undulations.
“Some of the greens are so severe that you can easily putt off the front of them,” he adds.
In addition to its views and terrain, Indian Canyon is renowned for its history. During the 1940s, it hosted two U.S. Amateur Public Links Championships and a PGA Tour event (the Esmeralda Open). To build on its reputation and prepare for a bright future, the course’s bunkers were fully renovated last spring, leading to “reshaped perfection with new sand.”
“Every hole is different, and there are so many ways to approach each tee shot and green,” Pauly says. “That’s what makes it so fun. You truly have to experience it for yourself.”
KENEY PARK GOLF COURSE :: Hartford, Connecticut
Much like Indian Canyon, Keney Park Golf Course offers guests a distinct sense of arrival. As guests drive along the course’s wooded entrance road, the foliage quickly “opens up” and “the clubhouse suddenly reveals itself,” according to head golf professional Steve Madison.
“It gives first-time visitors the feeling they’ve discovered something that’s been hidden,” Madison says.
Upon arriving, guests will notice the course’s architecture and routing, too. Paying homage to designers like Willie Dunn Jr. (the seventh hole’s green), the course is “old school,” as it’s not overly long. Instead, its primary focus is shot-making and accuracy.
This dedication to accuracy is mainly due to its setting, as the course is nestled in a 600-plus-acre urban forest, resulting in solitude and utter peace. Described by Madison as “fun and interesting,” the course was originally designed in 1927 and expanded to 18 holes in 1931.
To maintain its classic look while ensuring it’s updated for the future, Keney Park was restored in 2016. During the restoration, the multi-tiered greens were expanded and the bunkers were renovated to offer “church pew” designs at times.
For further enhancements, a 15-bay enclosed and heated practice facility will open soon. Featuring Toptracer technology, the facility will host clinics for people of all ages.
“Municipal golf is important to the game’s future,” Madison says. “When people visit Keney Park, they’ll experience a revival of what public golf was always meant to be.”
Honorable Mentions:
- Conquistador Golf Course, Cortez, Colorado: Providing panoramic mountain views, this par-72 course has an elevation of 6,200 feet.
- Meadow Links Golf Course at George T. Bagby, Fort Gaines, Georgia: A links-style course, Meadow Links is known for its pristine conditions and outstanding views.
- Waiehu Municipal Golf Course, Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii: Aloha. If you’re seeking a beautiful escape from the norm, look no further than this oceanfront gem.
