If you’ve ever driven through the flat, sprawling farmland of Northern Indiana, you know the drill. Corn, more corn, and maybe a wind turbine or two. But tucked away in Goshen is a spot that defies the "flat Indiana" stereotype. Black Squirrel Golf Club is basically a local legend at this point, but not for the reasons you might think. It’s not some stuffy, high-walled country club where you need a specific zip code to get a tee time. It’s a public track that actually feels like a community hub, and honestly, the layout is way more clever than people give it credit for.
Most golfers in the Michiana area have a love-hate relationship with this place. You love the price. You hate that one specific bunker on the back nine. But that’s the charm.
What Actually Makes the Black Squirrel Golf Club Layout Work
Let’s get real about the design. It was designed by Myers-Whitesell back in the late 1980s, and they clearly had a specific vision: make it accessible but keep the greens tricky. It’s a par 72. Not huge, but not a pitch-and-putt either.
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The front nine is where you find your rhythm. It’s relatively open, allowing you to shake off the rust if you spent too much time at the 19th hole the night before. But then you hit the back nine. That’s where things get... interesting. The trees tighten up. The water hazards start peeking out from behind corners. If you aren't careful with your club selection, a decent round can fall apart by hole 13.
It’s about 6,400 yards from the tips. Short by modern PGA standards? Sure. But for the average guy trying to break 90, it’s plenty of golf course. The slope rating sits around 120, which basically means it’s fair. It won't beat you up for no reason, but it won't give you a birdie just for showing up.
The Maintenance Factor
People talk. Especially golfers. One thing you'll hear about Black Squirrel Golf Club is the consistency of the greens. For a public course that sees a massive amount of foot traffic—high school matches, charity scrambles, weekend warriors—the turf holds up surprisingly well.
The grounds crew here doesn't get enough credit. Keeping bentgrass looking that sharp in the Indiana humidity is a full-time battle. You’ve probably played those muni courses where the greens feel like a shaggy carpet. Not here. They keep them rolling true, which is sort of the "secret sauce" of why people keep coming back.
Is the Black Squirrel Golf Club Just for Pros?
Absolutely not. In fact, it’s arguably the most "approachable" course in Elkhart County.
You see everyone there. You’ve got the seniors who have played the same 8:00 AM tee time for thirty years. You’ve got the high school kids from Goshen High or NorthWood trying to shave a stroke off their handicap. It’s a melting pot of golf talent, or lack thereof.
- The Pro Shop: It’s functional. Don’t expect a boutique experience with $200 cashmere sweaters. It’s got what you need: balls, tees, gloves, and a staff that actually knows the course conditions.
- The Practice Facilities: There’s a driving range and a putting green. Use them. The greens at Black Squirrel Golf Club have subtle breaks that can be a nightmare if you haven't calibrated your stroke before the first tee.
The vibe is relaxed. It's the kind of place where you can wear a decent polo and khakis and feel right at home, but nobody’s going to look at you sideways if your shoes are a little dusty from the parking lot.
The Financial Reality of Public Golf in Goshen
Let's talk money because, let's face it, golf is getting expensive. Everywhere.
Black Squirrel Golf Club has managed to stay in that "sweet spot" of pricing. While courses in nearby South Bend or over the border in Michigan are hiking rates to eye-watering levels, the Squirrel stays grounded. They offer various membership tiers, but the daily fee remains the bread and butter.
They also do these seasonal specials. If you’re willing to play when it’s a little chilly or on a random Tuesday afternoon, you can get a round in for what feels like a steal. It’s a business model built on volume and loyalty rather than exclusivity. In an era where many courses are being bought out by developers to build condos, the fact that this place remains a thriving public asset is actually pretty impressive.
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Navigating the Signature Holes
Everyone has a "favorite" hole, but at Black Squirrel, the conversation usually circles back to the par 5s. They are reachable in two if you’ve got a big engine, but the risk-reward ratio is tilted heavily toward "risk."
I’ve seen people try to hero-shot their way over the hazards on the back nine only to end up in the drink. It’s a thinking man’s course. You don't necessarily need a 300-yard drive to score well. You need to know where to miss. Missing long is usually a death sentence here, as many of the greens are slightly elevated or protected by bunkers that are deeper than they look from the fairway.
Why the "Black Squirrel" Name?
It’s not just a marketing gimmick. There are actually black squirrels in the area. They aren't a separate species—just a melanistic subgroup of the eastern gray squirrel—but they are a local fixture. Seeing one dart across the fairway is basically a rite of passage for new players. It’s a small detail, but it gives the place an identity that sticks.
Common Misconceptions About the Club
Some people think because it's "public," it's easy. Or because it's in a small town, it's dated.
Neither is true.
The difficulty at Black Squirrel Golf Club is tactical. It’s not about length; it’s about angles. If you’re on the wrong side of the fairway on hole 7, your approach shot is suddenly ten times harder because of the tree overhang. That’s smart design. It forces you to play chess, not just "hit ball far."
As for being dated, the club has done a good job of keeping the clubhouse and facilities functional. It’s clean. It’s efficient. It’s exactly what a local club should be.
Practical Steps for Your First Visit
If you’re planning to head out there, don't just wing it.
- Book ahead. Especially on weekends. This place gets packed because, frankly, it’s the best value in the area.
- Check the wind. Being in open farm country, the wind can whip through the course. A two-club wind is common, and it’ll change how you play those open front-nine holes.
- Bring your short game. Since the greens are the highlight, you’ll want to spend some time on the practice green. Getting a feel for the speed is the difference between a 3-putt and a par.
- Visit the snack bar. Honestly, the food is exactly what you want at a golf course. Hot dogs, cold drinks, and no-nonsense service.
The real value of Black Squirrel Golf Club isn't just the yardage or the slope rating. It’s the fact that it feels like home for anyone who picks up a club. It’s a reminder that golf doesn't have to be a billionaire's hobby. It can just be a great way to spend four hours in a field in Indiana.
Actionable Insights for Improving Your Round
To actually score well at Black Squirrel, you have to prioritize your second shot. The fairways are generally generous, so don't stress the driver too much. Instead, focus on your wedges. Most of your approach shots will be from 120 yards and in. If you can dial in those distances, you’ll find yourself with plenty of birdie looks.
Also, pay attention to the pin placements. The greens have multiple tiers, and if the pin is on the top shelf and you’re at the bottom, you’re looking at a defensive putt. Always play to the center of the green if you aren't sure. It sounds boring, but it works.
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Lastly, keep an eye on the pace of play. The course moves well when everyone is mindful, and the marshals do a decent job, but being a "fast" player will always make your experience (and everyone else's) better. Pack an extra sleeve of balls for the back nine—that water is more magnetic than it looks.