Chicago to Columbus drive: 23 ranked stops, break in Fair Oaks

Liddy reimagined this historic Indy Parks muni in 1995, raising fairways and framing the White River with more than fifty bunkers. A genuine bargain that plays above its city-course price.

An open, links-inspired layout northwest of Indianapolis with deep bunkers and prairie grasses. Affordable, walkable, and a fun change of pace.

Pete Dye routed four holes inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval, so you literally play where the Indy 500 runs. The only golf course like it on earth.

Two links courses on reclaimed land near the city.

A rare chance to play genuine Dye design at public, state-park prices in the wooded hills of Fort Harrison. Proof Dye could build something fair and fun without the championship teeth.

Bison occupy two enclosed pastures amid more than 1,600 acres of restored prairie and wetland, while the Nature Center holds a 53-foot living stream stocked with Big Darby Creek organisms. The pairing makes the diversion more than a generic metro-park walk.

Lake Michigan dunes & beaches

a boardwalk fall tucked in suburban Columbus

Liddy and Pete Dye built this approachable Carmel layout with five tee sets and minimal forced carries. Tournament pedigree without the intimidation, and priced for the everyday golfer.

The signature 2.3-mile trail crosses ravines and forest to a deck 100 feet above the Olentangy River. Shorter accessible river paths and a nature center provide alternatives, but the bluff overlook is not drive-up.

Liddy built this Irish links-style original just south of Indianapolis, all rumpled fairways and breezy openness. An honest, characterful round that won't ask for a country-club budget.

A strong, affordable forest-preserve course.