Sultan’s Run delivers high-level destination public golf, blending lively elevation, outstanding conditioning, and a captivating final hole. The course stands as a serious Indiana/Midwest detour, with strong design pedigree and a memorable atmosphere. Bring your A-game for bold shotmaking and a closing stretch you’ll remember.
Course DNA
Difficulty
80
Scenery
83
Conditioning
88
Shot Variety
80
Walkability
68
Green Complexity
79
Wow Factor
77
Design Quality
75
Don't miss
Take a moment on the 18th green to soak in the waterfall backdrop—it's one of the most photographed finishes in Midwest golf.
At a glance
Quick facts
Fairway Grass
Zoysia
Signature Feature
18th green waterfall
Highest Elevation Hole
Hole 10 (tee)
Longest Par 3
Hole 12 – 209 yards
Clubhouse Renovation
Expanded in 2024
Host of Indiana PGA Events
Yes
Best Public Ranking
#1 in Indiana, NBC GolfPass 2024
The design
The architecture
Sultan’s Run’s transformation from a homespun 1992 design to a bold, strategic modern venue owes everything to Tim Liddy’s 1996 overhaul—zoysia fairways cut across lively rises and valleys, with greens and hazards that tease aggressive play but penalize recklessness. The routing’s strongest virtue is its use of the natural terrain: frequent elevation swings, angled fairways, and perched greens demand consideration at every shot. Liddy’s mark shows in the greenside defenses and risk-reward par 5s, while the ‘Supreme Sultan’ waterfall on 18 stands as one of the great visual finishes in Midwestern golf.
Tim Liddy’s 1996 redesign elevated Sultan’s Run by embracing and intensifying the land’s movement, focusing not just on beauty but meaningful golf decisions at every turn.
Defining features
Dramatic elevation changes throughout
Perennial award-winning zoysia fairways
Creative bunkering adds strategic options
Waterfall-backed 18th green complex
Memorable, demanding par 3 sequence
Beautiful, shielded drops and scenic views
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 2
The Early Gauntlet
PAR
3
YARDAGE
194
This testing par 3 hits you early—194 yards of precise carry demand plus a contoured green ringed by defenses. Miss on the wrong side, and recovery is no walk in the park.
Play it smart
Center-green is safest, but skilled players can shape a long iron to chase a tucked pin on the right.
Where it bites
Miss right, and deep bunkers leave a tough uphill recovery; a short miss can roll far from the target.
Course management
Shots to think about
Elevated approach with crosswind on hole 12
Club up and flight it low to negate swirling wind—don't be seduced by the yardage alone.
Tight driving corridors on mid-length par 4s (holes 7 and 14)
Favor the side that opens up your angle, even if it means less driver and more accuracy.
Second shot on par 5s with severe elevation (holes 4, 6, 13)
Check your stance and lie—playing for position beats chasing risky carries you can’t see.
Aggressive pin-seeking on multi-tiered greens
If you’re out of position, aim for the fat side and save par with a smart two-putt.
Nerves approaching the waterfall-finish at 18
Ignore the gallery and the roar—pick your landing spot and play with conviction, not hope.
Windy updrafts on high tee boxes (holes 10, 17)
Be aware that wind swirls can turn a perfect ball into a flyer or a drop-shot; trust your caddie or instincts.
Short but tricky par 4 (hole 8)
Don’t attempt to overpower—lay back for a comfortable wedge and a stress-free approach.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Immaculate zoysia fairways and consistently fast, true greens.
Pace
Expect a steady pace, especially during weekends and prime hours—early tee times run smoother.
Vibe
Upscale public with a welcoming, big-occasion feel.
Dress code
Standard golf attire; collared shirt recommended.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Study the Greens Ahead of Time
Familiarize yourself with the undulating green complexes via the course website’s flyover or downloads.
02
Play a Practice Round Early
Book a dawn tee time to experience the course at its quietest and get a sense for the changing winds.
03
Check Pin Locations
Pay attention to daily pin sheets at check-in; hole locations dramatically change strategy on several greens.
04
Pack for Terrain and Weather
Bring comfortable shoes and layers for Midwest hills—cool mornings can turn to warm afternoons.
The lore
How it came to be
1992
Course opens, designed by Allen Sternberg and Tom Jones
1996
Tim Liddy leads major redesign/remodeling of all 18 holes
2015
Named Indiana Golf Course of the Year
2016
Hosts Indiana PGA Senior Open
2019
Ranked #6 'Course to Play in Indiana' by Golfweek
2024
Clubhouse nearly doubles in size after renovation
Stories & legends
What makes it special
course-lore
Waterfall Finale: Supreme Sultan
The final approach shot at Sultan’s Run brings you face-to-face with the course’s ‘Supreme Sultan’—a dazzling waterfall tumbling over natural stone, widely considered among the Midwest’s most unforgettable green sites. The drama and sightlines deliver a closing moment golfers rave about long after the round.
architecture
Transformed in a Year
In 1996, Tim Liddy’s $1.5 million renovation didn’t just tweak the old layout—it reimagined every hole, planted zoysia fairways, and overhauled routing and green complexes. Locals remember the before-and-after transformation as one of Indiana public golf’s great glow-ups.
player-experience
The Sultan’s Par 3 Gauntlet
Reviewers and locals alike single out Sultan’s Run for its formidable run of par 3s. Each tests a different skill set, none more so than the intimidating 209-yard 12th—a highlight and a heartbreaker depending on execution.
regional-reputation
A Regional Pilgrimage
With a stream of accolades—including Indiana Course of the Year honors and top marks from NBC GolfPass—Sultan’s Run has become a must-play destination for traveling Midwesterners looking for public-access prestige without the coastal price tag.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The course's signature 18th hole waterfall is a popular wedding and event photo spot.
2
Course transformation in 1996 included planting zoysia fairways across the entire property.
3
Hole names such as 'Supreme Sultan' are inspired by the farm’s horse-breeding history.
4
Sultan’s Run has been repeatedly featured by GolfPass for exceptional course conditions.
Build the trip
If you're making a Southern Indiana golf road trip
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
French Lick Resort – Pete Dye Course
Resort
Dramatic, modern Dye challenge with national pedigree.
French Lick Resort – Donald Ross Course
Resort
Classic golden-age Ross experience with bold green sites.
Victoria National Golf Club
Private
Top-tier private club; considered one of the elite Midwest destinations.
The Golf Club at Eagle Pointe
Public
Fun public layout with resort amenities, perfect for a multi-round trip.
Jasper or French Lick depending on your anchor course—Jasper for Sultan’s Run access, French Lick for a marquee golf weekend.
Course DNA
If You Like French Lick Resort
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Community Sentiment
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