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Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

Chariot Run

76

Laconia, Indiana

Established
2002
Architect
Bill Bergin
Access
Public
Par
Par 72
Length
5,073 – 7,246 yds
Green Fees
$$
The verdict

Indiana’s Destination Public Option

Chariot Run blends rolling, links-influenced holes with a unique equestrian theme and top-tier public course conditioning. It stakes a claim as one of Indiana’s best public layouts, offering both challenge and fun for all levels. If you’re seeking a resort-caliber round in southern Indiana, Chariot Run delivers.

Course DNA
Difficulty
80
Scenery
72
Conditioning
87
Shot Variety
76
Walkability
67
Green Complexity
74
Wow Factor
69
Design Quality
73
Don't miss

Snap a photo beside the horse-sculpture entry gate—a nod to Chariot Run’s unique equestrian identity.

At a glance

Quick facts

Theme
Equestrian-inspired throughout the course
Course Architect
Bill Bergin, 2002
Grass Type
Bentgrass tees, fairways, and greens
Bunker Style
Modern, naturally-framed bunkers
Resort Connection
Part of Caesars Southern Indiana
Practice Facilities
Full driving range and putting green
Course Record
Held by various collegiate players in events
Clubhouse
Upscale, lodge-style with panoramic views
The design

The architecture

Chariot Run features a broad, modern routing with ample fairways, artfully placed bunkers, and strong visual cues inspired by equestrian racing. Its design rewards shotmaking and thoughtful strategy, especially on longer holes where smart angles and layup choices come into play. The greens are generous but subtly contoured, demanding attention to approach spin and placement. With lakes, open corridors, and wind exposure on many holes, Chariot Run gives off a resort links vibe, while remaining an approachable public layout with year-round access.

Architect Bill Bergin created Chariot Run to blend links-inspired strategy with a playfully distinctive southern Indiana motif, crafting a public course that straddles fun and challenge.

Defining features
  • Equestrian-inspired visual motifs
  • Stretch par 4s and risk/reward par 5s
  • Modern, framing bunkers
  • Wide fairways with movement
  • Large, bentgrass putting surfaces
  • Expansive, resort-style routing
Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 4

Long-Iron Gauntlet

PAR
3
YARDAGE
217

Hole 4 is a formidable par 3 at 217 yards from the Black tees, calling for a nervy long iron or hybrid. The green is well-defended, and wind exposure amplifies the intimidation. Executing a center-green shot is both relief and reward.

Play it smart

Focus on flying the ball to the heart of the green and avoid the temptation to aggressively chase tucked pins.

Where it bites

Miss short or left, and you face a tough recovery from deep bunkers or rough.

Course management

Shots to think about

Opening drive on hole 1
Prioritize hitting the fairway over distance to avoid a punishing first approach.
Long par 3 tee shots
Play to the center of the green and embrace conservative yardages.
Approach to back-nine par 5s
Know your layup numbers—aggression without confidence brings hidden trouble.
Late-round second shot under pressure
Don't chase hero carries; play for safe angles on 17 and 18.
Windy tee boxes
Favor low, solid shots to maintain control on exposed holes.
Greenside recovery from bunkers
Accept a safe, two-putt result—risky flops can backfire quickly.
Par-4 approach over sand
Focus on spin and trajectory to hold the greens from tight lies.
On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Excellent bentgrass surfaces, well-kept fairways and smooth greens throughout the season.

Pace

Pace varies with demand; expect resort-pace play, but rounds are typically reasonable except peak weekends.

Vibe

Upscale public with a relaxed resort feel—welcoming to both traveling players and Indiana locals.

Dress code

Standard golf attire: collared shirts and golf shoes expected.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

01

Dial in Distance Control

Several long par 3s require precise club selection and carry yardages.

02

Tune Up Your Lag Putting

Generous greens challenge you to leave manageable second putts.

03

Get Comfortable From Sand

Practice bunker shots: missed approach angles are often punished by sand.

04

Bring Wind Gear

Exposed holes mean wind can turn a calm morning into a testy afternoon.

The lore

How it came to be

  1. 2002

    Chariot Run officially opens as a Bill Bergin-designed championship course.

  2. 2002

    Affiliated with Caesars Southern Indiana resort, debuting its equestrian theme.

  3. 2018

    Hosts Crossroads League Men’s Championship and Marian University events.

  4. 2019

    Ranked No. 4 best Indiana course you can play by Golfweek.

  5. 2023

    Listed No. 9 best Indiana public access course on multiple state lists.

Stories & legends

What makes it special

architecture

Racing-Inspired Design

Chariot Run’s signature equestrian theme permeates its course—from the entryway statues to the names of holes and distinct horse imagery throughout the grounds. This playful motif pays tribute to its Caesars Southern Indiana resort lineage and racing history.

atmosphere

Birdies and Bluegrass

With rolling fairways and bentgrass surfaces, Chariot Run has built a reputation for superb public-course conditioning and a big-stage resort ambiance. It’s a place where local and traveling golfers chase low rounds surrounded by southern Indiana’s natural beauty.

competition

Collegiate Showdown

Hosting several collegiate championships—including the Crossroads League Men’s tourney and Marian University events—Chariot Run has tested top amateurs and local collegiate stars since its early years.

For the group chat

Fun facts

1

Chariot Run’s theme honors the region’s thoroughbred and harness racing heritage.

2

The course name is a playful nod to Caesars’ casino and racing roots.

3

It’s one of very few top-ranked public golf options in southern Indiana.

4

You’ll find horse statues and motifs throughout the property, unlike any other Indiana course.

5

Scores of Indiana amateur and collegiate championships have been settled here.

Build the trip

If you’re making a southern Indiana/Louisville golf trip out of it

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Saddleback Golf Club
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Quality Indiana public course with strong value

Brickyard Crossing
Public

Iconic track partially inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Pfau Course at Indiana University
Public

Modern university championship test

Louisville, Kentucky for best access and post-golf nightlife

Course DNA

If You Like Chariot Run

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

From the community

Community Sentiment

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