By Santana Shipley
Indiana Golf has finally decided to move its headquarters to The Fort Golf Resort – again! The initial decision to move to The Fort was actually made about three years ago, but the Indiana Golf Foundation Board paused the process to make absolutely certain the right decision was being made for Indiana Golf’s future home.
Last month Indiana Golf officially celebrated its Capital Campaign Kickoff. Thus far $4.3 million of the total goal of $6.5 million has been raised. 
Indiana Golf’s journey to find a new location began in 2017, when the organization decided to find an Indianapolis-area location and sell the Franklin property that had served Indiana Golf for nearly 30 years. Indiana Golf quickly had its eyes set on The Fort for many reasons and then COVID forced a pause.
In the summer of 2021, Indiana Golf found a temporary space in Indianapolis as work was taking place to secure Fort Harrison as the new homesite. Due to challenges at the proposed site, the Indiana Golf Foundation Board decided re-evaluate its original decision. They considered alternate locations, but in the end their caution only reinforced the original decision that The Fort is the best choice as Indiana Golf’s long-term home.
The Fort offered a long list of positives:
- A championship caliber Pete Dye-designed golf course.
- A central location, close to I-465, allowing for easy access.
- A public facility that will always remain a golf course.
- One of the most beautiful settings in Indianapolis.
- Able to host Indiana Golf’s Championship events.
- A 13,000 square foot facility to house Indiana Golf’s various endeavors
This last item was very important because Indiana Golf has grown to include not only the Indiana Golf Association, but also the Indiana PGA, Indiana Women’s Golf Association, Indiana Golf Course Superintendents Association, Indiana High School Golf Coaches Association, and the Indiana Golf Foundation.
The facility will also house the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame, which will recognize past champions, as well as provide an interactive journey through Indiana Golf’s history.
An indoor academy will be added to The Fort’s already great practice facility which will allow The First Tee and PGA HOPE to conduct programs even during inclement weather.
When the land was gifted to the State of Indiana by the federal government, the stipulation was made that the golf course would remain intact. The fact that there will always be a public golf course at The Fort, was a major factor in the ultimate decision to move there.
After breaking ground in the spring of 2024, the goal is to move into the new facility late in 2024 or early in 2025. As its new tagline states, Indiana Golf is ‘Your Link to the Game.’
As mentioned earlier, raising the necessary funding is ongoing. If you would like to help Indiana Golf reach its total funding commitment visit: indianagolf.org/capitalcampaign.
