Dating back to its inception in 1914, the old course at Indian Hill Golf Club is a Donald Ross layout that remains largely intact, despite many modifications made down the years.
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Dating back to its inception in 1914, the old course at Indian Hill Golf Club is a Donald Ross layout that remains largely intact, despite many modifications made down the years.
Indian Hill Club
Donald Ross made relatively little impact on the golf communities near New York City and Los Angeles, the two largest cities in the United States, however he blessed Chicago with a number of routes. The Indian Hill Club is one such establishment.
This course indicates Ross's ability to create a quality golf course within a relatively constrained property, which results in a Par 71 layout here, measuring just under 6,500 yards. Part of that small yardage is made up for by including more par threes (five) than par fives (four). This includes back-to-back short holes at the turn.
One of the more curious elements in Indian Hill's history is Harry Colt's potential presence on the property. Although most conclude that the majority of the work here was completed by Ross, Colt was in the area during his design work at Old Elm. Another recollection, attributed to Chick Evans, suggests Colt may have even played in the first group to tee it off at Indian Hill's ceremonial opening. Although all these facts are murky, it doesn't hurt to add a bit more mystique to a Golden Age classic!
Those who appreciate Golden Age golf architecture in the Chicago area will appreciate the name of the creek that flows across the property: Skokie Ditch.