Swan Lake Resort - Black Course

Based on their Golf Advisor ratings, I drove down from Chicago to give Swan Lake a try. Played both the Silver and Black courses. Both have the same feel, but the front 9 of Black presents more elevation changes, water, and OB opportunities. The back 9 of the two courses cover the same ground and feel very similar.

CONDITIONS: Despite the drought going on in Summer 2023, Swan Lake was in great shape. The greens were paced well (repair your ball marks!), and the tees and fairways were in good condition. Was only in a few bunkers, and they seemed a bit firm and the sand was a bit thin/whispy.

VALUE: Not sure if there is a deal if you stay at the resort they have on-site, but at their standard rates 36 holes with a cart was $84 (57, then 27 replay). It felt a bit high (particularly the replay) but the conditions and service give that price point validation.

LAYOUT: As noted, the front 9 of the Black course was the only 1 of the 4 nine hole stretches that I felt stood out. On that 9 both par 3s are over water, the par 5s are back-to-back and both uniquely challenging, and the par 4s are interesting and challenging. The back 9 of the Black and Silver feel the same, playing thru tree lined fairways with occasional water or doglegs to present a challenge. Though I took a cart for this day, these courses are walkable and I would do so in the future.

STAFF: Everyone was helpful and interested in providing a quality experience. Thank you.

PACE: As a single I played 2 balls each hole. This allowed me to stay behind the groups ahead of me, and never have anyone waiting behind me. Finished 36 holes in 6 hours and 30 minutes… so that’s awesome!

Overall I’m glad to have made the drive down to play Swan Lake. Both of the courses feel like they would be fun for a high- or low-handicappers, so I might keep this in mind for a buddies trip.

Played the black course and will definitely be back to play silver. It’s in really good shape and the new carts have some comfortable seats. Worth the drive for sure.

The course was in great shape. Fairways were nice and clearly set apart from the rough. The greens were firm and fast and had some great undulation on several holes. My only complaint would be that the tee boxes weren’t as flat as they could have been. Finding a flat spot that wasn’t riddled with divots was tough. However, I loved the layout and challenge and overall shape of the course. I will definitely play again!

challenging layout. par 4s a little long for us from the whites, but it was very enjoyable.

wish the bloody marys were a little cheaper..LOL

Nothing bad to say about the course itself. Played at a good pace and was in very nice shape. Negative was the cleanliness of the men's bathroom, looked like a hurricane went through. Lounge/bar area - young lady working was overwhelmed - which contributed to her quick attitude. Slow/cold food, did not match what we ordered. At one time I counted 13 people in line. She moved as best as she could, get her some help.

Everyone is friendly. It was a cooler fall day. Although people were golfing, I had no problem with pace. Greens were aerated, so a little bumpy. But still rolled ok. I like the layout. Some holes bear a little investigation prior to teeing it up. But the carts have GPS and do a great job of giving yardages to intermediate points to help avoid trouble. It was my first time this year. But I'll definitely go back.

I live in South bend and have never played this course. I cannot wait to come back and play it again. We played the silver course which was a challenge with the water and the dog legs. The fairways were excellent and the greens in top notch shape for being late September. The staff and the restaurant were fantastic I can't say enough good things about this course one of the finest in northern Indiana.

Course is always in outstanding condition. Tough, but you can find birdies on it. Practice facility was in good shape

The course was a fun layout, in great shape. Not a ton of trouble, WOULD have made for a nice evening round. Unfortunately the pace of play was terrible. Painfully slow. I ended up playing the front 9 on the black course but had to move to the silver course on the back 9 just so I could finish before dark…

If you don’t mind the drive you will be pleasantly surprised by this golf facility.

It is located in the heartland amongst farm fields and a very old country neighborhood. Houses right on the golf course are well kept, but on the drive in we went through some older not well kept houses.

The cart attendants meet you at your car once you pull in and are helpful in getting your golf bag loaded on your golf carts which are nice and have decent GPS monitors with distance to each pin.

The courses are both fun to play and there is Beverages available on the course by a beverage cart.

All staff extremely helpful and courteous, however a ranger would have been nice to keep play moving a little quicker.

Overall the mower guys also would stop mowing so they were not a distraction when playing a shot, my only complaint of the course is the bunkers have little to no sand, or the sand that was in them was very packed down and the two sand shots I played were not good shots as it felt like hitting a shot off a hard pan lie.

If you can get a hot deal tee time, it’s great value for the quality of course you get, the grass is super healthy and thick in the rough and around greens and in fantastic shape on the greens and tee boxes.

If you don’t mind the drive it’s a great way to spend the afternoon.

Both courses (Silver and Black) are some of the best most well kept courses in our area. GPS on the carts, always great course conditions, and reasonable rates. Pace of play was slowed by the "stay and play" outings, but they were courteous and allowed our twosome to play through.Love playing at Swan Lake

Last time out, I went on a Tuesday at noon & had nobody in front of me until the 16th. Some days you’re not so lucky, but it’s a nice course regardless. Lots of water!

Swan Lake is a hidden gem amongst the corn fields of Indiana, 36 holes, always in great shape, a variety of holes, with water and trees in play. Great greens early in the season. I live close so I don't have to use the great looking stay and play accommodations.

Got a text at 8am stating no carts and wet conditions for Saturday 5/7/2212:50 tee time at Swan Lake GC.

Took wife to Chop House to eat dinner at 5pm right next to golf course and noticed that there were multiple carts on Black Course, Club House Staff Lied to my friends and myself wanted to take wife to golf for Mothers Day very disappointing Don’t use Golf Now for reservations or your Tee Time will be Canceled by Club House Staff. Discriminating.

Challenging round. Many turns and placement shots made easier to set up with the on cart GPS. Some wet patches made worse by people not avoiding them. Aeration has been done. Greens recovering nicely. Ball roll is not really affected.