The Sagamore Club

Jack Nicklaus is arguably recognized as the best golfer of all time and as one of the most renowned golf course designers of his time. One of his lesser-known designs is the Sagamore Club in Noblesville, Indiana, a town recognized as one of the most attractive places to live. It’s a city with a small-town feel and big-city amenities just minutes away.

In addition to Central Indiana’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, the Sagamore community features beautiful custom homes with wooded water views, walkouts, and low maintenance costs. Lots range from quarter-acre villa sites to estate sites that are almost an acre in size. Over the years, the developers of Sagamore were more concerned about selling lots and homes than they were about promoting an amazing golf course, and as a result, the Club was headed in a downward spiral. In 2022, Concert Golf Partners stepped in and purchased The Sagamore Club. The deal closed just four months after the owner and Concert Golf Partners first discussed the idea.

The Sagamore Club could easily be considered a “links-style” golf course - if there were an ocean nearby. With all of its rugged bunkering and native grasses, the Course has a distinct look and feel; it’s one of the less intimidating Jack Nicklaus designs I’ve played. Many holes require a forced carry from the tee box, although they are nothing most golfers can’t handle, provided their playing from the tees that best suit their game.

The golf course winds through rolling, wooded terrain on the north side of Indianapolis in Hamilton County, paying tribute to many of golf's time-honored traditions. Jack Nicklaus is one of the most sought-after course designers in the world, and The Sagamore Club is considered one of the finest golf venues in the Midwest. It has received numerous accolades over the years, including one of the “Top 10 Best New Private Courses in America” by Golf Digest in 2004 and again in 2021, and a top 5 ranking as one of the best courses in Indiana by Golf Digest in 2005. Golfweek ranked them as one of the country's top 100 Residential Golf Courses in 2007.

Finding the fairway regularly goes a long way in enjoying your round. Playing from the fairways is like hitting off an expensive, plush carpet. Conversely, the rough is PGA major championship level, and we’ve all seen how challenging that works out! Water only comes into play on 8 holes, including the last three, and provides an extra challenge as you finish your round. The greens are fantastic and hold well-hit approach shots. While there is not as much undulation in them as some of the Nicklaus courses I’ve played, they will challenge even low handicappers.

As I stared at the scorecard, I noticed that the par-3 17th hole played 182 yards from the Member tees. With the wind blowing at a minimum of a 3-club fury that day, I prayed it was not playing into the wind; after all, hitting a driver on a par three can be humiliating! My prayers were answered, it was playing downwind, so hitting the green with an 8 iron was self-gratifying! The tee shot is all carry over into an angled green with a pot bunker short right, a steeply banked bunker behind the green, and water to the left. Each hole pays homage to one of Jack’s Major Championships in chronological order, so you can learn more about the Golden Bear.

A couple of the par 5s provide lasting memories. The 2nd hole plays 500 yards from the Member Tees and requires a moderate forced carry regardless of the tees you’re playing. If a fade is in your shot repertoire, aiming at the second bunker on the left will provide the best angle into the green on this dogleg right. Anything hit right of the fairway off the tee may require a search party or good insurance if you hit one of the stately homes! A well-struck drive that makes the corner may leave about 200 yards uphill into the green and a chance to get home in two. If you’re laying up, beware of the large bunker on the left that stretches from the middle of the fairway about 70 yards short of the green and wraps around the right side. The green slopes back to front, so leave your approach shot short of the hole for an uphill putt.

Number 18 is a 506-yard par 5 that doglegs to the left and has water up the entire left side. You’ll need to carry this water off the tee, but just how much is up to you. For most golfers, your second shot is a layup, preferably up the right side. This will leave a short pitch shot into an angled green, protected by water on the left and bunkers on the right side. Par is a great way to finish your round.

The Sagamore Club has some incredible practice facilities, all located near the clubhouse. There’s a full-length driving range, a short game area, and a practice green. If your game can use some fine-tuning, Sagamore’s staff of Golf Professionals can help.