Sand Creek (Creek & Lake)

Indiana makes the most of its brief bit of Lake Michigan shoreline, with the famous Jackson 5 hailing from the town of Gary and, recently, the addition of Indiana Dunes National Park. Those looking for a brief respite from the hiking and fishing at that locale should consider angling for an invite to nearby Sand Creek Country Club as well.

The club was founded by another Gary institution, Bethlehem Steel, which hired Ken Killian and Dick Nugent to create three sets of nine. The Creek and Lake courses comprise the championship route, while the Marsh provides some diversity for members.

The “Lake” in question is not Lake Michigan but that body’s winds will play a role on shots throughout the round. The property’s actual lake does provide considerable challenge to those on the second nine at Sand Creek, however. The most obvious example is the closing hole, a par four with water all along the right-hand side. Players won’t be able to avoid a forced carry to the green forever: A tree in the fairway makes laying up almost impossible.

The club has continued renovations throughout the years, including an overhaul of the Lake Courses's No. 3 par five, which now features a split fairway for strategic purposes.