Sandy Pines Golf Club

Played on my way back to Indy from Chicago. I had tried once before, but we got bumped off by traffic (making me late) and a couples' night had the front, so I didn't get to play the whole course. I was glad to get a full 18 in this time.

This place is fantastic. Both times, they've had a good crowd going (in no small part due to the restaurant being great too). The land north of Lafayette and south of Merrillville is flat, mostly cornfield and easy to drive by. This place is maybe 6 miles from the interstate, but feels a world away. As far as I can tell the community is all-in on Sandy Pines, and for good reasons; it's like a little golf island in the cornrows!

The course is a bit quirky (in a good way) and the more you play, the better you'll be at aiming your tee shots. It's not overly long, but while it may lack in some distance, it makes up for it in fun. There are several bunkers guarding the "garden spots" and the green complexes are top-notch and quick. The sand in "Sandy" is one of the primary defenses. You're going to use every club in the bag.

The tees, fairways, greens, rough and bunkers were almost all in mint condition. All are well-grassed, tees were level and the greens were legit-fast, so be prepared. There are a lot of bunkers, and naturally not all were in perfect shape (lazy people golf everywhere), but most were well-sanded and groomed.

The front opens up with an easy par 4 to get you going, then introduces you to the great Par 5 second hole: off the tee choose your line over the bunker wisely; the same for the approach down the hill if you're going for the green. The seventh is a big, brawny par 5 with two greens - a longer one to the left and another, shorter to the right. Pretty sweet.

The back nine challenges much the same as the front, offering risk/reward shots and a few more quirks. The flow between front and back is pretty seamless, even though they were built at different times. A few more classic features make it cool too: some new sod-faced bunkers, a few driveable par 4s and even a nice beach bunker on seventeen. Throw in the pine trees, and you can easily fool yourself into thinking you're much farther south.

The restaurant was hopping both times I've been here, and I've enjoyed both meals I've had. They have a few outdoor seating areas too. The staff have been great both trips. While you're waiting to tee off, see if you can bomb in one of your putts on the Matterhorn putting green (you'll see).

I wish this place was in my backyard, they'd have my money for a membership for sure. I hear they're adding some tees to beef up the length, which will kick up the difficulty if you want. It's not needed to have fun out here though. This is a top-notch place in NW Indiana (aka...The Region) so don't just zone-out and drive by the exit: make a plan to visit Sandy.

This course is a hidden gem, it’s in such nice shape and is tons of fun to play, it’s like you’re on vacation for a day! Go check it out, they have amazing winter rates.

This is a great golf course well maintained and kept up, will play again and highly recommend.

Without a doubt the best course in Northwest Indiana

Everything was good, except, if it pours down rain with thunder and lightning while you were on the second hole, you are not able to receive a rain check, or money back if you use Golf Now. We had to wait out the rain, then they only allowed us to play the back nine. So my group did not get to play holes three through nine, which I was very disappointed. I may have to reconsider using golf now in the future.

It's a nice course, has so much potential, and does have good stuff. But my experience was disappointing. The greens and tee boxes were in very poor condition for a course of this "stature", cost, and reputation. There were also MANY areas throughout the course where it just looked like the ground/grass weren't maintained like they should be. I have 3 local courses, for half of the price, that are in way better condition. If you've never been it's worth going for the full experience but if you're in northern Indiana, Lost Marsh, Coyote crossing, Swan lake, Blackthorn, and White hawk are better options for the money and better kept, in my opinion.

Unbelievable staff, and one of the purest golf courses i’ve ever played. They really keep it in amazing shape.

Huge fairways and greens. Awesome beauty. Lost a star in conditions likely from playing at 330 on Sunday due to foot traffic on Greens. Great value at any price but got twilight rates around $45 with cart

Great staff, course etc, but stupid people cannot play ready golf.

Absolutely a hidden gem..... Beautiful layout and views. A+ will play again...

Absolutely a hidden gem. Beautiful course and great clubhouse. We had a blast and will definitely be back!!!

Kind of slow play, greens had a lot of foot traffic from lots of play, they always have lots of play because it’s one of the best courses you can play. In the top 5 in Indiana in my opinion.

Hands down the nicest course in Northwest Indiana.

No left handed clubs, if you wanted to buy or rent FYI

Course was much better than expected. Great condition. Worth the drive off the highway. Will make is a go to course when in the area

This course is worth the drive out to DeMotte IN. I enjoyed Sandy Pines. From tee box to green emasculate conditions. As the year move forward I believe the course will only get better. Always a must play for me.

Even for March conditions this course doesn’t disappoint