By Josh Alsip
Visit Indiana Golf has highlighted the best 18 golf holes from public golf courses across the Hoosier State. In this issue of the Indiana Golf Journal, we highlight the final three holes on the front nine.
No. 7 Brickyard Crossing 
Hole seven on Indiana’s Signature 18 can be found at the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).
It was voted “One of America’s Top 100 Golf Courses” by both Golf Digest and Golfweek. The course features four holes inside the oval of the IMS and 14 holes adjacent to the backstretch of the racetrack. Re-designed by well-known golf course designer Pete Dye, this course is one of a few golf courses in the country to have hosted an LPGA, PGA and Champions Tour event.
To reach the par 3, 7th hole, the first hole inside the infield, you must first take the tunnel underneath the track. The elevated tee provides a 360-degree view of the Speedway, including Gasoline Alley.
No. 8 Donald Ross Course at French Lick
No. 8 on Indiana’s Signature 18 is located on The Donald Ross Course at the French Lick Resort in French Lick.
This classic course, designed by iconic architect Donald Ross, underwent a $5 million restoration in 2007. This par-70 layout includes more than 100 of Ross’ trademark bunkers, 35 of which are original to the course. The Donald Ross Course has been rated the No. 2 public course in Indiana by Golfweek every year since 2011.
The most telling evidence that the 8th hole on the Donald Ross has changed very little since the course opened for play in 1916 is the square shape of the green. Historically, nearly every green was square, because it was easier to maintain. On this right-to-left dogleg par 4 drive it far enough right to have a clear view of the green.
It is advisable to carry your approach shot to the middle portion of the putting surface, due to the steep slope and false front to this green.
No. 9 Bear Slide Golf Club 
The 9th hole on Indiana’s Signature 18 can be found at the Bear Slide Golf Club in Cicero. It was ranked the 14th Best Golf Course in the United States by Golf Advisor in 2018 and it is one of Indiana’s premier public golf courses. The course offers a Scottish links-style front nine with a more traditional back nine. Golf Digest has given Bear Slide a “4.5 Star” rating and included the course among the nine best golf courses in Indiana.
The 9th hole at Bear Slide is a dogleg right par four with a menacing water hazard that must be avoided. Stick to the left side of the fairway on your drive and leave a mid-iron approach into a generally flat green. With two solid shots, you might be able to make one more birdie before the back nine. In fact, pars on the 7th, 8th, and 9th holes would be a great score.
