Douglas Golf Course

Detailed description of Douglas Golf Course

Douglas Golf Course is a Public, 9 hole golf course located in the Douglas Park in Indianapolis, Indiana. The park and course were named for Frederick Douglas, making this course the only course named for an African American. 

Douglass Park opened in 1927 serving the primarily African American neighborhoods living on the city’s northeast side. 

In 1928 the northern portion of the park was turned into Douglass Park Golf Course. Originally, the course amounted to a few tomato cans buried in the ground, but by 1936, it was expanded to nine holes.  

The park was frequented by world heavyweight boxing champion Joe Lewis and renowned golfers Ted Rhodes, Charlie Sifford, Ted Rhodes, and Howard Wheeler when they visited the Midwest.  Even after the city's parks and golf courses were integrated in the 1960's, the clubhouse of the Douglass Park Golf Course remained a popular meeting place for local African American politicians, business owners, and civic groups.

This is a flat course easily walked course with water and trees that come into play on several holes.  

The signature hole is #8, a long par 5, requiring an approach shot over water.

The course plays to a 9-hole par of 34 and maximum 9-hole distance of 2,852 yards. While the course is short on length, it enjoys a long tradition catering to players and is especially attractive to beginners, juniors, and seniors.

Blue tees: par-34    2,852 yards,     33.9 / 102
White tees: par-34, 2,579 yards    32.5 / 96
Red tees: par-34, 2,314 yards