Purgatory Golf Club

Purgatory Golf Club, located 27 miles northeast of Indianapolis, is a nationally acclaimed gem, consistently ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, Top 50 Courses for Women, and as the #1 Course in Indiana. This reputation is well-deserved, as a visit to this expansive 218-acre links-style course reveals. It offers a delightful yet challenging experience characterized by sparse trees, fairways bordered by towering grasses, and a reverent atmosphere.

Owners Mike and Tenna Merchent acquired the land in 1997, originally planning to name it Sassafras Golf Club after the beautiful sassafras trees on the property. However, the notion that the name might not resonate with serious golfers prevailed. "Purgatory" perfectly encapsulates the essence of the course: a beautiful place where golfers can test their limits, a realm souls traverse overcoming obstacles to attain eternal happiness.

Purgatory is a strategic playground for golfers. Over 130 bunkers filled with white crushed limestone dot the course, requiring careful navigation. The signature 17th hole, for example, features an island green surrounded by two acres of bunkers, presenting an exhilarating challenge. The fairways are lined with tall prairie grass rough, making precision paramount. Most players find it preferable to land in a bunker than the tall grass. Moreover, Purgatory constantly presents players with decisions: play it safe and potentially incur a higher score, or take a risk for glory, with the danger of landing in water or grass.

The course offers a minimum of six sets of tees at each hole, making it adaptable to all skill levels. From the far forward tees, the course spans 4,600 yards, while from the Purgatory tees, it stretches to a daunting 7,700 yards, making it not only the longest course in Indiana but also the longest non-mountain par 72 in the world. Yet, with at least four sets of tees between these two extremes, golfers of all abilities can find a suitable challenge.

Besides the bunkers and tall grass, Purgatory offers extensive practice facilities. A 7,000 square foot practice putting green and a separate 10,000 square foot chipping and pitching practice green allow golfers to hone their skills. The practice range, spanning over three football fields in length with a bent grass teeing area, enables golfers to practice with their best driver. Each practice area replicates the conditions on the course, ensuring that practice sessions are as productive as possible.

After a rewarding round of golf, players can unwind at the Confessional Smokehouse, a unique restaurant located on the golf club's premises. With a spacious walk-up bar featuring a wide selection of cocktails and a menu centered around smoked BBQ, the Confessional Smokehouse offers a lively atmosphere where the spirit of golf intertwines with great food. The patio, overlooking the beautiful golf course, provides the perfect setting for a post-round meal. Additionally, the restaurant now offers BBQ to go, making it easy to enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner at home.

In conclusion, Purgatory Golf Club stands as a testament to the spirit of golf. It offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards, set against a backdrop of natural beauty. With its strategic design, extensive practice facilities, and welcoming restaurant, it’s no wonder that Purgatory is a favorite destination for golfers seeking to test their limits and enjoy a heavenly golf experience.