Our Comments

The course skips between wooded, open and hilly segments giving a variety that demands different shot-making skills.

Very sloping, tough, greens.

We love the free pot of pennies, tees, ballmark tools at the counter. Pennies? Cheapest ball marker available.

At least 5 people said "thanks for playing here".

Benches in shady spots.

Yardage marking could be improved. Such as distance to layup on hole #1.

9/18/03 - Well groomed with fast greens - too fast for the pin location on #10. Their bentgrass fairways are filling in nicely. Roughs are cut short and wide - this makes the game easier.

5/24/02 - The aerated the greens on Tuesday and finished with a top dressing severely dragged in, mowed, and watered. On Thursday 99% of the aeration marks had disappeared.

4/5/00 - The new bentgrass fairways are ready for 2000.

10/22/99 - The new fairways are in and in good shape for being only 6 weeks old. Riding carts are not being allowed off the paths for the rest of 1999.

9/11/99 - Royal Hylands is changing its fairways from Rye to Bentgrass. They killed the fairways about 3 weeks ago with Roundup and thatched, seeded, thatched, etc. etc. For the rest of the year it’s carts on paths. Right now if you hit in the fairway you must pick up and lay it in the rough. The fairways are expected to be playable again in about two weeks. Meantime the rates are about $6 off and it’s the ideal location for an unhurried very private round - during the weekdays they are seeing less than 40 players per day.

Reader Comments

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10/19/04 - Well worth the drive. Fairways and greens are in amazing shape despite the fact that they had recently aerated. The layout is perfect for walking as the distance between tee boxes is very manageable. Royal Hylands is one of the more scenic courses that I have played. There were a number of memorable holes that will certainly bring me back again. - Jeff

8/25/04 - Had read good reviews about Royal Hylands on this site and decided to try it. Unfortunately, contrary to others who have commented, we did not feel the course was worth the drive. Although the staff was friendly and the fairways and greens in great shape, the bunkers had not been raked out from Friday's rains and were like hardpan. None of us liked the layout very much, especially the numerous blind shots and the proximity of tee boxes to greens. We had balls hit into our group more than once by players behind us.

7/14/04 - Very impressed with this golf course and staff. Should be added to your visitor page as a top course to go play in Indy. We traveled from Chicago and found this course to be fun and in terrific condition. The fairways and greens were in remarkable shape. Max in the shop was very welcoming, appreciative and helpful. Coming back to play this again. - Joe Marrs

6/231/04 - No kidding, friendliest staff I have ever met at a course. I was dragged here by a friend, but now I know it's worth the drive. 18 and 10 are remarkable holes. There are too many memorable holes on this layout to mention. It's not extremely challenging, but it rates top honors for fun and well-kept. Good greens.

5/19/04 - Best secret and best value in central Indiana. The most friendly staff you'll ever meet. Always in excellent condition. Holes 4,10 and 18 are worth the drive alone. Very enjoyable. - Robert Boling

3/21/04 - Without a doubt, this course is the best bang for your buck in Central Indiana! Each time I've played, it's been in better and better shape. Fairways have really come in beautifully, and the greens are always good. My only complaint has to be the slope on the 10th green. Grrrrr! But I think the 18th has to be one of the best finishing holes in the state. Friendly staff, quiet setting, well worth the drive from Indy. I can't wait to get out this year. - Stephen Denney

7/24/03 - Wow, what a beautiful course. This course is beautiful and a nice challenge. There are too many good things to list about this course. But here are a few. The condition with very few and very minor area's is better than expected. Holes 4,5, & 10 are probably the best 3 holes near central Indiana. The staff is friendly and courteous and the course is great and challenging. - Bill Dundee

6/1/03 - Course was in it's normal excellent condition. Challenging layout with wonderful bentgrass fairways, smooth undulating greens and friendly staff. A pleasurable experience at a reasonable price.

9/25/02 - In wonderful shape, bent grass fairways, nice smooth, true greens. It is definitely worth the trip out there.

5/18/02 - #4 is one of most beautiful holes I've ever played. When we got to #10 we thought it was awesome. We were also impressed with the staff. We were thanked for playing there at least 4 times, and were addressed by name when we made the turn and went in to get drinks. The whole course was in beautiful condition. The fairways and greens were plush and green. We will definitely be back with more first-timers ASAP. - David I.

9/18/01 - I had the pleasure to play Royal Hylands last Saturday for the first time and found this to be a hidden gem. The fairways were in excellent conditions with fast true greens. The staff went out of their way to make sure every thing was perfect for our outing. Great course for the money and the drive is only 50 minutes from Indy. Take the trip you will be glad you did. - Jeff Blankenship

8/30/01 - Just got home from a nice day on a hidden gem. Royal Hylands is a little out of the way but well worth the trip. The fairways are now bent grass and coming in fine. We played on a Thursday in three hours and ten minutes. The greens were true and fairly fast. Lots of rolling hills and just a fun course for a very reasonable price. We paid $25 with the Indiana PGA book. The normal rate is $30. - Jimmy

11/3/00 -  This is a 4 star course. The fairways are in good shape, some of the greens are tricky. I played the course on 11/3 and the grounds crew were still doing a great job with the falling leaves. Friendly people made this a great place to play. Off the fairway the heather will swallow up some balls. The course is well marked. A few blind shots will require some scouting out first. The price is right if you like to ride. If you walk, two or three hills will be small obstacles. (Walking tip: On #10 about 100yrds out, a small trail on te right will save you a walk around the woods, and will take you to #11 tee box) - mykelpezz@aol.com

The golf course is terrific and lots of challenge awaits the serious or casual player.

Max, raise your prices, there is too much for too little cheese.

Very nice course and the layout is great! My only complaint is that the greens and fairways are in poor condition from where they were three or four years ago.

This is one of my favorite courses in the entire area. It is a tough layout, but not all that penal for a high-handicapper like myself.

If you can't hit it straight, # 10 will eat you alive.

An absolutely wonderful course to play.

The first hole appears a non-threatening par 5; however, the narrow opening to the green and the tight fairway for your approach makes it a challenge.

Hole number 10 is another deception to conquer. From the card at approximately 300 yards it appears mundane, but when you face the tee shot to the narrowest of landing areas and the no-look shot at a green that will take your ball to the left (there's a bunker there now to catch you) as soon as it hits. Hope for a five, be thankful if your score is below 6 and go on to number 11.

Well worth the drive, at the price it is a bargain for a beautiful, fast round of golf.