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Rating Index Rating
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4.5
585 Reviews (585)
5 Stars
396
4 Stars
139
3 Stars
30
2 Stars
13
1 Stars
7
Conditions
4.4
Value
4.2
Layout
4.7
Friendliness
4.6
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.3
93.0%
Recommend this course
544 out of 585 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.7
31 Reviews (31)
5 Stars
23
4 Stars
8
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.5
Value
4.3
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.4
StaffFriendliness
4.8
100.0%
Recommend this course
31 out of 31 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.5
51 Reviews (51)
5 Stars
34
4 Stars
13
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
2
Conditions
4.4
Value
4.2
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.0
Amenities
4.2
StaffFriendliness
4.6
96.1%
Recommend this course
49 out of 51 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
Purgatory Golf Club's highly rated layout features generous fairways, abundant bunkers, and undulating greens that grow increasingly challenging through the back nine. The clubhouse has a distinctive hunters lodge atmosphere, and consistently friendly staff make every visit welcoming.

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Par 72
Length 7754 yards
Slope 142
Rating 78.1

Spread across 218 acres, the Ron Kern-designed Purgatory Golf Club is the longest par-72 course east of the Mississippi River. Nevertheless, the course is set up to be enjoyed by all, with six different sets of tees ranging from more than 7,700 yards all the way down to just under 4,600 yards. Bunkering is one of the club's defining features, with more than 130 coming into play. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the par-3 17th, where eight massive bunkers almost completely surround the putting surface.

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Purgatory Golf Club
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Course Details

Year Built 2000
Fairways Bent Grass
Greens Bent Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Ron Kern (2000)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Caddies Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes
Dress code Proper golf attire required.

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Banquet Facilities

Accolades

The Best Way To Book Is With GolfPass+ Annual
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12 rounds of waived fees
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Reviews

4.5
585 Reviews (585)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 16
Patio Dining 6
Watching the Game 6
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 38
Undulating Greens 29
Plays Long 20
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 26
A Weekend Splurge 22
Locals 14
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 22
In the 'Burbs 20
Convenient to the City 8

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Accomplished golfers only

Hard to find way to next hole in some cases. Must use GPS on cart to see where the hole goes. Too many blind shots especially when laying up. Too many bunkers to enjoy your round. Staff is great clubhouse is great course is a letdown. Name says it all if you need a beatdown Purgatory is your answer.

Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Guests in town

Had guests in town. They enjoyed the course but got a little tired of being in the sand.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 20
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Excellent course, challenging & fair.

Great golf in all aspects. Friendly staff, course in good condition, very challenging for any skill level golfer (especially if the wind kicks up) but fair. Contoured, undulating reens & bunkers make for some challenging short game shots. Lots of fun & highly recommend as a course to put on your 'play' list.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Nice Layout

Lot of Bunkers, and Nice layouts. Worth driving. Enjoy the round

Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Nice experience

Nice layout..conditions were very good.......excellent staff....very friendly

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great experience

Played Purgatory with three out of town friends and had a great day. The staff was very friendly, the course was in great shape! Got an internet special of $50 a person which is an excellent value for this course. Look forward to playing again!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Excellent condition!

It's been several years since I've played here. It's also been two years since I've played a round of golf. The course and especially the greens were in excellent condition. Bring your management skills. Don't be intimidated by the bunkers. Enjoy the view of a wonderful piece of property. It's worth the drive.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Purgatory

Nice course, you better be able to hit out of the sand.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

My Favorite course

This is my favorite course. It's challenging yet not unfair. Play the appropriate tees to get the most enjoyment out of your round. (Hadicap rating on scorecard with the recommended tees)
They have a great practice facility with chipping/pitching/bunker green and a putting green.
The staff is always very friendly and they always work with you if you are early or late. Purg has the best clubhouse I've ever seen. This is most the complete course/facility in Indiana especially for the golfnow price.
I always look forward to golfing at Purguatory, not only for the great layout, but you don't have to worry about any hassles from the staff.
I've played about every nicer public course around the area....and all the ones on golfnow.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great Course, Great Challenge, and Great Facility!

Great Course, one of the best in Central Indiana certainly. While playing, each hole feels secluded from the others, giving you the feeling that you are the only group on the course... and no surrounding homes! It is a very challenging course with challenging bunkers, tough greens, and the dreaded long grass off the fairways... but a very fair challenge indeed... few forced caries, generous fairways... and with several tees to choose from, make sure to choose something playable for your skill level! The practice facilities and clubhouse are top notch... grab a pint after your round and sit on the patio!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Fun, challenging round

We were a little late for our 5pm time, but called the clubhouse when we were 15 minutes out and they were extremely accommodating, even though we had booked on GolfNow which it seems some courses don't like. We've had a ton of rain this week but the course was in 9/10 condition with the fairways cut tight and all million of the bunkers raked.

I was expecting a challenge and that's what I got. The layout is definitely an experience with a number of really neat, memorable holes. Paying attention to the pin location on the greens is key on the massive, challenging greens.

We finished our round at about dusk since we started late. Even though we were definitely the last on the course we were never pushed for time as I've been on a number of courses after paying the twilight rate. We parked the cart by the garage in consideration for the pro but he came out and gave us a ride to our cars which was really a nice touch to end the round.

Would highly recommend due to the unique layout and great staff.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Used cart

Good day of golf

Purgatory presents a challenging but fair test of golf. The course was in very good condition, with healthy grass on the tees and fairways and smooth greens. We played at our own pace and enjoyed a fun day on a quality golf course for a great price.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Windy

Great day....great course as always.....the wind blew hard and purgatory doesn't need help to provide more of a challenge from the tips....greens where quick and fair....John and the staff where gracious as always...

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 15
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Fair weather
Used cart

Good Course

The course was in good condition and fairly challenging. The only problem was that it was the hottest day of 2014 and all of the water jugs on the course were empty. That should not have been the case. It was brutal without having any water out there.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great experience

First time at purgatory. Beautiful course with challenges galor. Be ready to hit some demanding shots with trouble on every hole. If your a pretty good golfer, this is a treat! I'll be back, but I will practice some more before I go! Great fun.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
1.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Worst value for the MONEY

I was in Indiana for a wedding and some golf with the family, this was the second course we played, as it had a good reputation. We drove 45 minutes to play. The Staff was friendly and had us ready to go quickly. The tee boxes where in below average condition, especially the par 3 holes. We had a hard time finding a spot to place the ball. The fairways are hit or miss with brown patches and weeds. The greens are in average condition, but seem to be cut a little too low. I would not recommend this course to anybody especially at $75 a round. This course may be ok to play at $25 and no more. We had 2 carts and both GPS data gave varying distances even when sitting side by side. A lot of the time this distances were off 20-30 yards off and made this tool a waste of time. The round was also delayed by High School Golf Teams practicing and seemed to be moving slow. They need to schedule them around less busy times and not on Saturday mornings. We played Hawks Trail In Greenfield and it was in beautiful condition and less than half the price.

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Purgatory has it all

I play here often. The wind and direction adds to the degree of difficulty. It is important to play the correct tee markers based on your handicap. Use the computer GPS on the cart or your own to determine correct angle of attack (s) on doglegs and it is extremely important to play from the fairways on this track. I hit every club in the bag when I play 18 holes. This is a strategic golf course and fun to play. Bunkers frame nearly every shot from tee to green. Greens are large and undulating and can get quick.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great track

I really enjoyed this course. Links style gets a bit repetitive, but it was challenging, and rewarded good shots.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Wonderful course

Purgatory was everything I expected and more. Set up like a PGA course with tight fairways and huge greens. Not much water but tons of bunkers. I called 17 a mine field because like the island green at Sawgrass this was nothing but bunkers from tee to green and behind. At least you didnt lose a ball form being short or long. A huge tip is to know where your line is after you hit your shot. With the bunkers and the the tall thick roughs its easy to lose a ball. Take a couple extra sleeves just in case.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great layout

Great course no homes to navigate thru it's a nice open feel. Conditions were not up to par with price, but the weather had been horrible for this spring I will try again this summer.

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
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