Mark Twain once called golf "a walk in the park spoiled." This, of course, is not necessarily true.
Golf is a game that can bring out the best and the worst in people. Some might say that you can learn more about a person on a golf course than anyplace else. The game's beauty lies within the fact that it is extremely challenging, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
With less than two months until the fall semester kicks into high gear, it's time (for those of us who haven't already) to head out to the links and put our mental, physical and emotional faculties to the test. Not to mention some fun and relaxation also.
The Muncie Golf District has six public regulation golf courses to choose from. All of these are within a 30-minute drive from campus. While these courses are all completely different, they each offer two things: An average difficulty level and reasonable prices.
The place to begin is Cardinal Hills. This course is an 18-hole par-71 located off of Highway 32 just east of Muncie and is probably the course to play to get the most out of your money. It was built by Bill Diddle, who also built such courses as Coffin and Ft. Harrison in Indianapolis, and Woodland Country Club in Carmel.
According to Steve Fehlinger, the Pro Superintendent, the course is in excellent condition. "Our greens and tee boxes are in wonderful shape right now.
"What I love about this course is that it can really improve your up-and-down game for a reasonable price. The greens are extremely small and it can be quite a tough challenge to hit them."
The Players Club, in Yorktown, is the only other professionally designed public golf course in the district. Architect Gene Bates designed it, and is probably the nicest overall course in the area.
"Each year we are ranked as the best golf course in the district," said Scott Davis, Head Golf Professional. "We are also, according to Golf Digest, listed annually as one of the top 50 courses in the country for under $50." The Players Club is also home to the Ball State Men's and Women's Golf Teams.
Down on the south side of Muncie is Crestview Golf Course, located at 3325 S. Walnut. This is a fairly wide-open course with prices slightly higher than that of Cardinal Hills. It is also the closest course to campus.
Crestview is decent but it has one huge problem: Train tracks running right through the middle of it. Standing on the green ready to putt when a train comes barreling through would certainly not make the average golfer very happy.
Crestview also offers a nine-hole executive course. While technically not a par-three course (it contains two par-4 holes), it offers fast play and good practice at a lower price. The executive course is aimed at beginners and those wanting to squeeze in a "quick game."
Maplewood Golf Club is located just off of Highway 3 south of town. This is another wide-open course that is not especially challenging.
This is an average course but for the money it might be better just to play Cardinal Hills. Maplewood is usually in good shape and the people are friendly, but it always seems backed up.
My personal experiences here include a 5 1/2 hour game and another outing that resulted in me walking off on the 16th hole because of slow play. My recommendation would be to avoid this course on the weekends.
Albany Golf Club is northeast of Muncie on State Road 67 and is about a 20-25 minute drive.
Hickory Hills Golf Club is located off of State Road 32 near Farmland, east of Muncie. It's about a 20-minute drive.
All of these golf courses may have specials from time to time, so it's good to call ahead and check. Their discounts can range from group specials or daily specials. While they are not Pebble Beach or St. Andrews, they are all in good shape, offer good times at a fair price and can be played by anyone who's up for the challenge.
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