Born of Two Classic Architects
Wawasee traces its roots to Tom Bendelow's original 1910 layout, later given a second life by William Diddel's skilled touch in 1927. This architectural lineage makes each tee shot a little more historic.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Wawasee Golf Club
Syracuse, Indiana
Established
1910
Architect
Tom Bendelow (original), William Diddel (1927 redesign)
Access
Public
Par
Par 35
Length
2,785 – 2,994 yds
Green Fees
$
The verdict
Indiana Heritage, Walkable and Welcoming
Wawasee Golf Club is a throwback to early 20th-century Midwest golf, offering a friendly, playable 9-hole test at affordable prices. Historic design pedigree and local charm make it a must-play for architecture buffs and a relaxed round for all skill levels.
Course DNA
Difficulty
52
Scenery58
Conditioning62
Shot Variety64
Walkability87
Green Complexity54
Wow Factor63
Design Quality71
At a glance
Quick facts
Number of holes
9
Longest par
Par 5, 439 yds (No. 2)
Shortest hole
Par 3, 140 yds (No. 7)
Redesigned year
1927 (Diddel)
Modern revamp
Reduced to 9 holes for highway expansion
Verified architect pedigree
Tom Bendelow original
Review consensus
4.18/5 (GolfPass, 24 reviews)
Green fee range
$12–$25 for 9 holes
The design
The architecture
Wawasee Golf Club embodies the essence of early 20th-century American public golf—walkable, welcoming, and strategically engaging without overwhelming sheer distance. Tom Bendelow’s practical sensibilities remain at its core, seen in the straightforward yet thoughtful routing that weaves through gentle Indiana terrain. William Diddel’s late-1920s interventions layered in additional shot values and modernized elements, before the course was later condensed to nine holes to accommodate local growth. What remains is a par-35 track mixing long and short holes, where position and decision-making matter more than overpowering the layout. While not a national showcase, it’s an authentic piece of Indiana’s classic golf story.
Bendelow’s minimalist, player-friendly philosophy blends with Diddel’s Midwestern updating for a uniquely Indiana classic.
Defining features
- Efficient, walkable nine-hole routing
- Straightforward fairways with subtle movement
- Classic Bendelow green sites and surrounds
- Varied mix: two par 3s, one par 5, six par 4s
- Shot values emphasize placement and angle
- Evolved character from original to modern routing
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 1
Long Opening Statement
PAR
3
YARDAGE
183
Wawasee's opener confronts you with an immediate test: a lengthy par 3 that sets the tone for accuracy required the rest of the way. Landing the ball on this sizable green calls for a confident swing straight out of the gate.
Play it smart
Center aiming and proper club selection are critical to avoid a scrambling start.
Where it bites
Short or wide misses leave tricky chips and early nerves; no cheap par here.
Course management
Shots to think about
Long par 3 opener
Start conservative, aim middle of the green, and don’t force a birdie.
Decision time on hole 4
Assess your strengths early—aggressive driver or smart iron placement pays off.
Approaching the par 5 second
Play position off the tee but stay alert for the chance at an eagle look if you can reach in two.
Short-sided near the par 3 seventh
Take your medicine, favor the safe chip, and trust your putter to bail you out.
Out of position on par 4 eighth
Don't short-side yourself—a safe approach opens a birdie look, but getting greedy brings double into play.
Distance control into small greens
Opt for full-swing numbers versus between-club finesse on approaches.
Closing on the ninth
Commit to your drive and approach—this finisher rewards confidence over tentative play.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Conditioning is variable season to season; expect playable classic greens and fairways, with the occasional fixer-upper spot.
Pace
Generally uncrowded, with no evidence of slow-play issues—expect to play at your own tempo.
Vibe
Laid-back, classic Indiana hospitality—welcoming to all and built for fun, not intimidation.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Bring your walking shoes
The course is flat and walkable—enjoy the round on foot for the full historic experience.
02
Mix up approach clubs
You’ll play everything from full irons to creative wedges, so know your yardages.
03
Brush up on local history
Knowing the Bendelow and Diddel lineage adds to your appreciation and conversation.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1910
Course originally opened, designed by Tom Bendelow.
- 1927
Redesigned and expanded by William Diddel, including a new back nine.
Stories & legends
What makes it special
The Survival of Syracuse's Course
When a state highway threatened its existence, Wawasee reinvented itself as a compact 9-holer—preserving a community golf tradition when so many other courses simply vanished. Its present form is both survivor and time capsule.
A Friendly Challenge for All
Though short by modern scoring standards, locals know the compact layout makes you earn good numbers, rewarding precise shots and calm approaches over length. It's a place for everyone to enjoy classic golf.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Was originally an 18-hole design until highway construction forced a downsizing.
2
Tom Bendelow, 'the Johnny Appleseed of American Golf,' designed the first course.
3
Survived over a century of Indiana golf history and adaptation.
4
Black tees stretch to nearly 3,000 yards for 9 holes, packing challenge into brevity.
Build the trip
Make It a Lake Country Golf Weekend
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
South Shore Golf Club
Public
Challenging local layout, easy drive from Wawasee
Tippecanoe Lake Country Club
Private
Classic lake club for those with access—charm and setting
Indian Hills Golf Course
Public
Accessible, straightforward area option for a quick extra round
Stay in Syracuse or on Lake Wawasee for the best proximity to courses and lakefront amenities.
Course DNA
If You Like Wawasee Golf Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match6.1
Dobson Ranch Golf Course
Mesa, ArizonaWalkability
Why it matches: If Wawasee Golf Club is your kind of course, Dobson Ranch Golf Course is worth a look because it moves through the round with the same walkable flow.
Strong DNA Match7.1
Belmont Golf Club
Downers Grove, IllinoisWalkability
Why it matches: Belmont Golf Club is a natural next stop after Wawasee Golf Club: it has a similarly satisfying rhythm on foot.
Strong DNA Match6.0
David L. Baker Golf Course
Fountain Valley, CaliforniaWalkability
Why it matches: What links these two? Moves through the round with the same walkable flow — a familiar feeling, expressed in David L. Baker Golf Course's own setting.
Community Sentiment
See something inaccurate in this listing?