By Mike May
The Legends Golf Club has hosted more championship golf events in Indiana in the last 30 years than any other golf course in the state. Those championship events include the Indiana Open, Indiana Men’s and Women’s State Amateur Championships, Indiana PGA Championship, Indiana High School Athletic Association’s Boys and Girls State Golf Finals, and the Indianapolis Women’s City Championship.
While the holes at this 27-hole venue, which opened in 1992, are championship-caliber designs, they are playable for golfers of all handicaps.
Ted Bishop, the 38th President of the PGA of America and the general manager of The Legends, oversaw the course’s construction, which was designed by accomplished golf course architect Jim Fazio. He continues to have a daily presence at the club.
Since, The Legends opened, it has been listed as high as sixth among public and private courses in Indiana and has been voted as “Indiana’s Best Course” by The Indiana Business Magazine.
With nearly 50,000 rounds played annually, it is one of the most popular golf courses in the state.
“When the weather is good, we are busy,” says Bishop. “If you pick the right set of tees, any golfer can have an enjoyable and memorable day here at The Legends.”
The three nine-hole courses, the Middle, the Road, and the Creek were built in a classic Indiana setting, surrounded by soybean and corn fields. Marigolds also add a splash of color to this rural setting and enhance the overall enjoyment when playing the course.
The Middle has water hazards on four holes and is an impressive and memorable layout. The most majestic shot is from the tee at the par-three 7th hole. At the right time of the day, a mirror-like image of the tall pine tree, is reflected in the pond that protects the front of the green.
“Many players at The Legends would say the Middle’s fourth hole is the toughest single hole on the course, featuring OB right, a creek left and water in front of the green,” adds Bishop.
Even though The Legends Golf Club is landlocked, Fazio incorporated water hazards on four holes on the Road’s course. The final five holes at the Road begin with a short par four and finish with a tough par four truly epitomize The Legends experience.
The Creek requires accuracy off the tee and is a target golf style of course. It’s obvious where tee shots need to be hit to have the best angle into the green. If you miss your fairway targets, you’re scores will most definitely add up fast.
“Overall, the Creek challenges players with slightly smaller greens that are set up with interesting angles from the center of the fairways,” notes Bishop.
While The Legends has gained a reputation as a great golf course, Bishop admits that the majority of his customers are daily fee-paying golfers.
“Daily fee golfers account for roughly 90 percent of our revenue,” says Bishop. “They are important to us and we cater to them.”
Bishop takes a personal interest in every renovation at The Legends. In addition to his ownership duties, Bishop is the superintendent, which gives him a chance to put his degree in agronomy and turf management from Purdue University to work.
When you’re ready for a championship-golf experience, visit The Legends Golf Club. Ted Bishop awaits your arrival and will greet you with a smile.
