Our Comments

This course isn't for the average hacker - the first hole requires a 190yd carry over a dam. If you're far off the fairway very high mounding will cause trouble. There are some blind shots necessary. If you're short on hole #7 you need a blind shot over an escarpment (and maybe over a tall tree) to the green.

Many memorable holes. 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18.

Number 10 is a 500 yarder that allows 2 long shots without much fear. Holes 12 & 13 are a great pair of par fours. The last 4 will change the outcome of many matches: 15 has a very slanted, humped green and is the toughest hole. 16 is a very short par 4 that has many approaches - a key hole since it's a very possible birdie. 17 is also very short and birdieable and big hitters will try to carry some trees on the left. 18 is two decent drives and a show-off approach over water to a tough green.

The back 9 is considerably easier than the front. The per-9 ratings show this well. The 16th and 17th hole are, at 260 and 300 yards, quite short par 4s where your approach shot from 100yds can lead to 1-putt birdies if accurate. The final hole is a par 5 that you can also approach easily from 100 to 150 yards out - although this one is over water.

	Front Nine		Back Nine
Gold	38.1	143	36.5	125
Blue	37.0	135	35.3	119
White	35.8	132	34.2	114
Red	35.5	119	35.1	116

The course rings the development and can be seen from 56th, 46th, German Church, and County Line (Carroll) roads. By not winding through houses, walks from green to tee are kept to a minimum.

Their new Rainbird "decoder" sprinkler system is really cool. It's radio controlled and they can operate individual heads. The superintendent can also call from home and control the system via a modem. Plus, they can put fertilizer out through the sprinklers.

9/11/02 - Greens are true and very breaky with a hard base covered by soft grass. Sand is soft and explosive.

6/5/02 - Greens are A+. Medium fast and true. Roughs are still patchy in the 3rd year and must be played lift and place. They have new, unobtrusive 100, 150, 200, 250yd stakes that double as "no cart" reminders. They have added a set of green tees, for seniors, playing at 5700 yds - ask for a special scorecard.

8/18/01 - The grass, although still fragile in its second year, has matured well. After a dry spring and summer, the fancy sprinkler system is doing its job. Only two tree-lined greens were in tough shape, even temperamental #12 is in fast an mainly smooth. Fairways are tender and wet but full.

6/3/00 - The dry spring has left bare spots on  greens and even spots of mud cracks in fairways. They've done well to keep conditions playable but, like any new course, have some hard surfaces.

5/18/00 - It will take some time for the grass to become fully filled in. It's quite playable but fairways are tender and there are some bare spots on greens. The "Indiana heather" is in full glory, though, and makes for really really tough lies if you're off the first cut of rough.

Reader Comments

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6/30/04 - The greens were fast, soft and easy to read. They had no tricks or undetectable breaks. Fairways were average size, smaller in areas but all holes required mental approach more than physical approach. The cost for 9 holes was good at only $12. Cart fees seem to be a little expense so by walking it was a long day with the space between holes. - Conner

7/25/03 - Has quickly become one of my favorite courses in Indy. Fairways are wide open and are in very good shape. Greens are tricky and provide an interesting challenge. The staff's customer service is by far the best I have experienced in the Indy area. - Corey R.

7/21/03 - The fairways where in great shape and after all the rain we have had I was a little surprised that they were in such good shape. The greens were very fast but really fair as well. The only issue that I had is that it was a little toiugh to see where the fairways ended and the greens started. Other than that is was a great experience. The course is a tough one but it is a great time if you're on your game . - Mike Gillie

6/25/03 - The course overall is in good condition. However, several times I had a pitching wedge from 100 yards and the ball would land and roll right off the green. These were high arcing shots that landed nicely on the green and should have held. I thought the assistant pro, Jeff, was one of the nicest people I have ever dealt with at a golf course.

6/20/02 - Very nice course considering its youth. Reminded me of Heartland Crossing, but not as difficult. Greens were in great shape and fairly receptive of middle to short irons. Front nine is more difficult than back. Hole number seven can be considered a little unfair, especially for first time players. A ball in the middle of the fairway may be your worst approach because of the large tree. Overall an enjoyable round. - Charlie McAtee

11/1/01 - Really enjoyed playing today. It was my first time, so I got caught a few times by some hidden water (the already-mentioned #2 - avoid the left side of the fairway!) but for the most part the scorecard shows potential hazards pretty well. The course is nicely designed, with a good variety of long and short par 4s in particular. I especially liked the par 3s - they are very challenging with plenty of undulations, mounding and sand. As a whole I would rate Winding Ridge's par 3s as the best set I've played in the area. It was very windy today, and the back 9 more so than the front leaves you to its mercy if it's blowing during your round. 

One criticism: The tee shot from the whites on #1 seems to be asking a bit much for the first shot of the round for at least some who usually play from the whites. My better drives go around 210-220, so I have some margin of error, but if you rely heavily on the straightness of your shots more than length (in other words, you're a short hitter) it's a problem. Staff was friendly and the course in pretty good shape, if still needing to grow in some in spots. - John Nixon

8/28/01 - Winding Ridge left me impressed with a difficult yet interesting layout. Greens are well-undulated and roll true causing a number of side hill white knuckle putts. Driving the ball in the fairways is at a premium with long rough lining both sides. Other than the location of one precarious oak tree this is definitely a must play for those who have control of their tee-ball.

6/28/01 - I played the course under "cart path only" rules. The cart path is positioned so that playing "cart path only" makes the course virtually unplayable for those unable to walk long distances. I'll have to pass under those conditions in the future. - Dale

4/30/01 - This course is spectacular, especially at $40 including cart. What impressed me most was the course design, particularly the front side. Since I hadn't played the course before, I wasn't able to appreciate the hole until after I hit my shot, especially once I was on the green. Hole 1 is a great example of this. You don't even think about the water in front of the hole on your approach shot, but once you see how severe the green is sloped back to front, you realize short is death.

Without a doubt, Winding Ridge ranks with the elite of Indiana. The course is very firm and rough around the edges (both I attribute to the newness of the course), but other than that it's superb.

My suggestion is now that both nines are open, they should consider changing nines. The front nine is by far the best, and it would be awesome to play holes 6, 7, 8, and 9 as 15, 16, 17, and 18. Talk about a strong finish. - John Coombs

4/13/01 - The greens on 16 & 17, which were in very bad shape when I was out there last Sept., are much improved. They had water jugs galore and the large size paper cups! Don't hit it a bit left on #2 as there is an invisible lake right off the fairway at about 200 yards. - Martin Mahern

9/4/00 - Course with a future that is not quite there yet. Nice facilities and friendly staff. Most greens in good shape although not very receptive. 16 & 17 greens bordering on automatic 2 putt status. Not walker friendly, mandatory carts on weekends before 1. I played on Labor Day and carts were restricted to the cart paths (due to the previous night's rain) which were often 20 to 30 yards off the fairway, leading to a 5 1/2 hour round. - Martin Mahern

8/27/00 - Given the young age of this course, I walked away impressed. The layout is spectacular. They did everything they could to get the most out of it. No two holes are alike. I will definitely return. - Jon Cotterman

8/24/00 - One of the nicest looking courses we have played. Bring plenty of balls since most holes have either water or heather lining the fairways. Course has a few of those "wow" moments when you see a great looking view and/or great looking hole. Course is tough, but well worth every stroke. - James

7/21/00 - Wow, the course is laid out great, the heather is high and will become slow play when groups in front of you hunt for a ball. The front nine is in good shape, the back nine needs a little time to grow. If you play this course with the attitude that it is new, you will go away satisfied. The pro and his staff are great and friendly. Thanks Mr. Thompson for a great public course in the City of Lawrence.

7/18/00 - Accuracy is more important than distance as the Indiana heather will gobble up the balls.

RN Thompson Memberships

RN Thompson has 8 facilities in the Indianapolis area and offers a two levels of membership that is valid at all 8.

Gold: $89. You get $5 off all 18-hole green fees - $2 off Riverside par 3.

Platinum: $1750 ($650 for 2nd family member and $350 for 3rd). This includes green fees - you pay for riding carts.

Both also include special member-only tournaments, USGA handicap, a newsletter, etc.

The courses are Coffin GC, Crooked Creek GC, Ironwood GC, Hanging Tree GC, Riverside GC, Riverside Academy, Winding Ridge GC, and the Gray Eagle GC & Academy.

Owner's Comments

RN Thompson's newest creation, Winding Ridge, showcases a golf community around a beautiful course that will provide a fun challenge for golfers from beginner to professional. A course worthy of a championship rating by any standard and a staff with one aim. . . Your day at Winding Ridge will be "a great day on the links."

Our "19th Hole" invites visitors to stop in for a refreshing beverage or sandwich. Enjoy the view! Watch golfers hole out their last putts or watch a beautiful Indiana sunset.

Winding Ridge men's club, ladies leagues, junior golf, couples events, clinics, and instruction will hone your golf skills, encourage a family atmosphere, and promote the game of golf for a lifetime of enjoyment.

Group outing are welcome. Our outing coordinator will assure your tournament a "success for the day" for customers, friends, or family.

Try us! We're convinced the golf course, facilities, and staff will bring you back again and again. We'll always give you that warm "Winding Ridge Welcome".

Homesites at Winding Ridge

Winding Ridge has several new home communities being built with pricing from $120,000 up to $300,000. On-course and off-course lots are available.

• Centex - Timber Ridge
• Estridge - Lakes at Winding Ridge
• M/I - Northstone
• M/I - Quail Point
• Trinity - Quail Point
• Trinity - Westboroughx

It is estimated that 20% of Winding Ridge residents are golfers, playing between two and three rounds per week. Most golf only at Winding Ridge. Discounted packages are available for homeowners. In addition, for both golfers and non-golfers, plenty of green space and natural wildlife are incorporated into the master design.