You’ve probably seen the photos of the Old Course at Indianwood Golf and Country Club Michigan and thought you were looking at a slice of the Scottish Highlands. The fescue flows like waves. The bunkers look like they were carved out by a frustrated giant with a shovel. It’s rugged. It’s intimidating. Honestly, it’s one of the few places in the Midwest where you can actually feel the history of the game pressing down on you from the moment you pull into the gravel drive in Lake Orion.
Indianwood isn’t your typical suburban plastic country club. It’s got grit.
Founded way back in the 1920s, this place has survived the Great Depression, ownership changes, and the literal evolution of golf technology. While other courses were busy flattening their greens and adding cart paths every ten feet, Indianwood—specifically the Old Course—kept its soul. It’s a "links-style" masterpiece that actually understands what that word means. Most American courses claim to be links because they don't have many trees. Indianwood is a links course because it demands you play the ground game, battle the wind, and occasionally pray to the golf gods for a decent kick off a mound.
The Stan Aldridge Legacy and the 1980s Resurgence
If you want to understand why Indianwood Golf and Country Club Michigan matters, you have to talk about Stan Aldridge. In the early 1980s, the club was, frankly, struggling. It had seen better days. Aldridge bought it in 1981 and didn't just want to fix the plumbing; he wanted to host championships. He saw the potential in the land that others had missed. He brought in course architects to refine the 1920s design by Wilfred Reid and William Connellan, ensuring the "Old" stayed old while becoming tournament-ready.
It worked.
The club has hosted the U.S. Women’s Open twice—once in 1989 and again in 1994. Then came the U.S. Senior Open in 2012. You don’t get those nods from the USGA unless your turf is legit. When you walk these fairways, you're walking where Betsy King and Roger Chapman hoisted trophies. It's a heavy thought.
Two Courses, Two Completely Different Worlds
Most people talk about the Old Course. It's the showstopper. It’s the one that looks like a painting from the 1800s. But Indianwood actually has two 18-hole tracks: the Old and the New.
The Old Course is the heart of the property. It’s weird in the best way. You’ll find blind shots that make your heart race. You’ll see bunkering that feels intentionally cruel. It’s a par-70 layout that plays much longer than the scorecard says because you’re constantly fighting the elements. If the wind picks up in Lake Orion, you might as well be in St. Andrews. You have to be creative here. A 7-iron from 150 yards might be the right play, or it might be a bumped 4-hybrid that runs sixty yards along the turf. That’s the magic of it.
💡 You might also like: Navy Notre Dame Football: Why This Rivalry Still Hits Different
Then there’s the New Course. It opened in 1988 and offers a completely different vibe. It’s more "American." Think bigger greens, more traditional sightlines, and a bit more room to breathe. It’s the perfect foil to the Old Course. Members love it because it’s a fair test that won't necessarily ruin your week if your ball-striking is slightly off. It’s still challenging, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't have that same "sink or swim" intensity that the Old Course radiates.
The Clubhouse and the "Vibe"
The clubhouse at Indianwood is a literal castle. Built in the late 1920s, it’s a massive 30,000-square-foot Tudor-style structure that looks like it belongs in the English countryside. It’s all dark wood, leaded glass, and heavy stone.
It’s cozy.
There’s a specific smell to old clubhouses like this—a mix of cedar, old leather, and maybe a hint of cigar smoke from fifty years ago. It’s nostalgic. Even if you aren't a member, just seeing that building silhouetted against a Michigan sunset is worth the trip. It houses everything from the "Wrought Iron Grill" to expansive locker rooms that feel like time capsules.
Why the USGA Keeps Coming Back
The USGA is notoriously picky. They want "tough but fair," though many pros would argue they often lean more toward "tough." Indianwood Golf and Country Club Michigan fits their profile because it rewards shot-making over raw power.
In the 2012 U.S. Senior Open, the field struggled. The greens were firm. The fescue was thick. Roger Chapman ended up winning, but the real story was the course. It held up against the best in the world. This is a common theme. Whether it’s a local amateur qualifier or a major championship, the Old Course doesn't yield low scores easily. You have to earn every par.
One thing people often overlook is the quality of the maintenance. To keep a links-style course "firm and fast" in the humid Michigan summers is a monumental task. The grounds crew here are basically alchemists. They manage to keep the fescue golden and wispy while ensuring the greens roll like glass. It's a delicate balance that separates the elite clubs from the "pretty good" ones.
📖 Related: LeBron James Without Beard: Why the King Rarely Goes Clean Shaven Anymore
Membership and Accessibility
Let’s be real: Indianwood is a private club. It’s exclusive. However, it’s not "stuffy" in the way some Grosse Pointe or Birmingham clubs might feel. There’s a distinct "golf-first" mentality here. People join because they love the game, not just because they want a fancy sticker on their SUV.
They offer several tiers of membership:
- Full Golf Membership: Full access to both courses, the pool, and social events.
- Intermediate/Junior Memberships: Often available for younger professionals looking to get a foot in the door.
- Social Memberships: For those who just want to eat in the castle and hit the pool.
While it is private, the club does host various outings and charity events throughout the year. If you get an invite to play here, you say yes. No questions asked. You clear your schedule. You buy a fresh sleeve of balls—you're going to need them for the fescue.
The Lake Orion Factor
Lake Orion itself is a bit of a hidden gem in Oakland County. It has this rugged, wooded beauty that provides the perfect backdrop for a course like Indianwood. You aren't surrounded by highways or massive shopping malls when you're on the back nine. You're in the trees. You're in the hills.
There’s a peace to it.
The elevation changes across the property are significant. You’ll have shots where the ball seems to hang in the air forever, and others where you’re hitting into a hillside that looks like a wall of green. It’s a physical walk, even with a cart.
Common Misconceptions About Indianwood
A lot of people think Indianwood is just "too hard" for the average golfer. I disagree.
👉 See also: When is Georgia's next game: The 2026 Bulldog schedule and what to expect
Yes, if you play from the back tees and try to "muscle" the Old Course, it will chew you up. But if you play the correct tees and embrace the "bump and run" style, it’s actually incredibly fun. The fairways are wider than they look from the tee. The trouble usually starts when you try to get too greedy with your lines.
Another myth is that the New Course is an afterthought. It’s really not. It’s a championship-caliber course in its own right. It just happens to live in the shadow of a legendary sibling. If the New Course were located anywhere else, it would be the premier course in the area.
Planning Your Visit or Inquiry
If you’re looking to join or just curious about the heritage, you have to do your homework. The club is located at 1081 Indianwood Road. It’s easy to find, but once you’re on the grounds, you feel miles away from the hustle of Metro Detroit.
When you contact the membership director, ask about the "Preview" programs. Sometimes they have opportunities for prospective members to experience the club before making the full commitment. It’s a great way to see if the "links" lifestyle actually suits your game.
Actionable Next Steps for Golfers
- Practice your lag putting: The greens at Indianwood are large and undulating. Three-putts are the primary card-killer here.
- Learn the "low" shot: If you can't hit a controlled, low-trajectory shot, the wind at the Old Course will own you.
- Check the tournament calendar: Even if you aren't playing, the club often hosts high-level amateur events that are open to spectators. Watching how the best players handle the fescue is a masterclass in course management.
- Visit the Pro Shop: They have some of the best-designed logos in the state. The "Indianwood" branding is iconic and worth a stop if you’re a collector of club merchandise.
Indianwood Golf and Country Club Michigan isn't just a place to play 18 holes. It’s a reminder of what golf used to be—and what it should be. It’s a bit wild, a bit unpredictable, and entirely unforgettable. Whether you’re standing on the first tee of the Old Course or grabbing a drink in the Wrought Iron Grill, you’re part of a story that’s been unfolding for over a century. That’s something you just can’t find at a modern, cookie-cutter golf development.
If you have the chance to experience it, take it. Just remember to keep your head down and stay out of the tall grass.