Rock Hollow Golf Club

Built on a quarry, Rock Hollow Golf Club offers a unique opportunity for golf in the state of Indiana. The course first opened in 1995, and immediately gained notoriety. During its inaugural year, it was named #8 on Golf Digest's list of the Best New Public Courses in America. Rock Hollow has earned numerous honors since its opening, including a position on Golf Digest's Top 100 Public Golf Courses. It is consistently named as one of the top public facilities in Indiana. PGA Tour winner Chris Smith calls Rock Hollow home. 

 


The appeal of Rock Hollow stems from its simplicity. Situated in Peru, Indiana off US-31, the course occupies an isolated, serene piece of land. Only a few houses line the course. Beyond these houses, the course is surrounded by nature. Golf purists will find comfort in Rock Hollow's sole focus on golf. The clubhouse is a nondescript metal-sided building, which resembles more of a quarry office than a clubhouse. Although simple, the course and its facilities are of high quality. New carts are available to golfers, as is a well-maintained practice facility with real turf and a short game area. 

 

The course presents an appropriate challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The front nine weaves through multiple small lakes and wooded areas. The first hole offers a false sense of security; the hole is a short Par 4 guarded only by bunkers. As the front nine continues, players become accustomed to more challenging nature of the course. Most greens contain significant elevation changes. Putts are dramatically affected based on these changes. Players must remain cognizant of speed changes relative to uphill or downhill slopes. The majority of greens are elevated and appropriate targeting of approach shots will offer legitimate scoring opportunities. Off-target approaches, even if on the green, can present players with a significant challenge. Three-puts are not uncommon throughout the course. 

 

The back nine is consistent with the nature of the front nine, offering further opportunities and challenges primarily centered on approach shots. Most fairways are forgiving off the tee, but a few holes present narrow landing areas and forced carries. The course does not offer GPS on carts. Purchasing a yardage book or utilizing personal distance equipment / applications is a must. Greens are often guarded on the left and right, but always leave the option of running the ball up the fairway. Throughout the course, golfers can look forward to gentle rolling terrain surrounded by natural Indiana heather / long grass. 

 

 

Overall, Rock Hollow offers an exceptional experience. Clearly a top-notch facility, the club allows visitors and locals to play on a landscape dedicated to golf. During the time of this entry (August 2020), the course was well-groomed and in excellent condition. With very reasonable greens fees and easy access by car, Rock Hollow is a worthwhile destination for any golfer residing in or passing through The Hoosier State.

Cost: $
Conditions: 5
Playability: 4
Prestige: 3
Overall: 4.0

 

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