Click Images for Expanded Views A "JavaScript" browser is required.

Opened on June 27, 1925; Erskine Park Golf Club is a model of traditional golf located within the City limits of South Bend, Indiana. The subtle, rolling terrain with tree-lined fairways and some strategically located sandtraps are exactly what has been considered "golf" for the past century.

Most new courses seem to build so many obstacles to overcome that the average golfer tends to forget the sport is fun. Erskine Park, on the other hand, strikes the perfect mix of tradition and fun. An example of this are the "birdie-able" Par-4s (6 of them between 274 and 354 yards) and a 452-yard Par-5 (though the last half of it is uphill).

Yet there are challenges as well. Although the course features five Par-3s, three of these Par-3s are over 200 yards and another is 184 yards! Then there's the Signature Hole of Erskine Park; the 603-yard Par-5 10th hole. With 2 good opening shots on this monster of a hole, the average golfer will still be hitting a Five or a Six Iron to the green. Par here is a very good score.

Head Golf Pro Dave Firestone says the future of courses like Erskine is brighter than many others. He explains "With the economy the way it currently is, the public golf courses with lower fee structures will handle it better than the country clubs and upscale, higher daily fee courses."

When asked about the biggest changes he's seen since his start in the golf industry in 1978, Firestone says the equipment upgrades are the obvious choice, but adds "I think the Internet is having the biggest effect." The availability of equipment purchases, information, and scheduling tee times on-line were a few of the items he mentions.

The land Erskine Park Golf Club is located on was donated to the City of South Bend by the late A. R. Erskine who was CEO of Studebaker Automotive at the time. The agreement was that the City would continue to own and maintain the facility.

Another piece of local trivia is that former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden recorded a double-eagle on the 504-yard Par-5 16th Hole.

Erskine Park offers the golfer access to golf carts, GPS, pull carts, club rental, practice putting & chipping greens, on-course drinks/snacks, locker rooms, and a Pro Shop with retail items. Firestone also offers lessons at a very reasonable cost. Should you have an Outing or a League in mind, Erskine handles both admirably and often.

The course is in very good condition all season long and the very accommodating greens fees make Erskine Park Golf Club a great place to play ... frequently!

To learn more, visit the Erskine Park Golf Club page.