Indian Springs Golf Club

Set largely on a huge hill, Indian Springs features long-range views throughout, sculpted landforms, and several holes beginning from high tees. It blends woodland with farmland, but also provides a sense of openness. The first tee shot, framed by scattered tall trees on the ‘road hole,’ sets the tone. Vistas from the top of the central hill, allowing you to take in the surrounding hills, give the course a ‘wow factor.’

Demanding Layout: There’s no mistaking Indian Springs for a walk-in-the-park snoozefest. Al Zikorus, perhaps Connecticut’s most prolific architect, designed this nine-holer fifty years ago with a hard edge, showing up on holes like the par-5’s, two and five, where elevation changes and awkward, severe slopes will punish weak shots.

The second, which is short for a par-5, makes up for lack of length: the drive is steeply uphill to a landing zone that lacks flat lies (its fairway slopes steeply right-to-left) and then a tough downhill approach. Should you go for this in two, a near-perfect strike is needed to land on the green. Otherwise you’ll find the woods, a huge frontal bunker, or a steep hillside on the right. At the fifth hole, the other par 5, hazards and slopes again prevail: there’s a wide-spreading tree on the tilted fairway’s left edge, which is the best line of attack; then an awkward, angular, downhill fairway to hit on the lay-up; finally a plunging approach to a green guarded by woods left, bunker right, and falloff behind. The green is no picnic to putt.

Other holes, such as the par-3 third (an uphill beast) or the eighth, have the power to capsize hopes for a solid round. Judgment and touch is required, in most situations, just to two-putt the third green, while the drive at eight may give golfers fits: it’s all angles and slopes in the landing area, along with OOB left. The first, fourth, and ninth holes are less taxing, but even they have their moments.

Conditioning: Strong for a busy public course. Not much comes in for criticism. Indian Springs was one of the very few courses to weather last summer’s drought with little deterioration.

Today out at number seven, I had the pleasure of meeting an astute, fine golfer who frequently plays here, Mr. Don Klepper-Smith. We struck up a conversation, during which he talked a bit about the course. What impressed me most was his genuine appreciation for the layout, the ownership, and the commitment made to manicured conditions here, even during summer droughts. Mr. Klepper-Smith believes that the Parmelees, who have run this course since the ‘70’s, have a terrific family-run golf operation.

Some conclusions: Indian Springs is beautiful, well-conditioned, varied, tough, and interesting. Add to all of that a friendly staff and pleasant amenities. The operation is indeed smoothly run and, for me, checks all of the key boxes.

Not realizing how hilly this course is, I didn’t take a cart. Big mistake! For a 74 year old, I found it very difficult to walk 9 holes. But I also didn’t like the design at all. Because of the steep inclines and canyons, there are many blind shots, and on two tee shots, you have to aim off the fairway or at an adjacent fairway to keep the ball in play. The course is inexpensive, but there are other local inexpensive courses that provide better value for money, in my opinion. Not recommended.

We love Indian Spings. They have a casual couples league on Sunday nights that we just started. Fun.

The course is well maintained and scenic.

The food and drinks are good.

I've said it before but I'll say it again, I enjoy this shorter course. Don't let the yardage fool you; it still requires good shots. Everytime I come here I'm by myself and get paired with someone else. Everytime this has happened has been a great time. Nice people here. I doubt you'll find more value anywhere else.

The greens at Indian Springs are rolling fast and true...just the way I like them. The course always challenges you to be a shot maker and makes you take your medicine when you hit a bad shot.. The staff is always friendly and the beer choices are always numerous. Because of all of these things I keep coming back.

Course is great shape; there’s a driving range with aiming points and also has a card reader for your convenience. They also have a chipping practice area and a putting green so be sure to get there early because at this course you can practice all aspects of the game before tee off! Grill and Bar are also open and have some great options to satisfy all ages!

30 mile an hour gust fast undulating greens made the course a formidable challenge.

Nice 9 hole course, because of that pace of play is a bit slow. Should have a bell on second and 5th hole to let know when clear. Greens were cut nice and very challenging. Not sure of the food but they did have beer. Lol

We arrived 20 minutes early and were able to get right out. The group in front of us moved at a good pace, making for a great round.