Indiana is home to a wide variety of country clubs offering excellent amenities and strong community environments at more accessible price points. For those who enjoy golf and social activities without the hefty buy-in of ultra-exclusive clubs, there are many options across the state that provide tremendous value. This blog ranks 20 of the best clubs you can join for less than $25,000 in total upfront costs, including initiation fees and other joining expenses.
Each club on this list delivers a mix of quality course conditions, club facilities, and member services. Some are known for their championship-level golf while others stand out for social engagement, family-friendly programming, or dining experiences. Regardless of your priorities, these clubs offer meaningful value without compromising on lifestyle.
20. Elcona Country Club
Elcona Country Club sits just east of Elkhart and serves as a well-respected private club in northern Indiana. The 18-hole golf course, a classic parkland design established in 1956, is known for its rolling fairways, mature trees, and consistently well-maintained greens. The course regularly hosts regional amateur events, and members appreciate the traditional layout paired with modern course conditions.
Off the course, Elcona includes a practice facility, full-service clubhouse, and dining programs that emphasize member service. While the club remains golf-focused, it also offers social events and community-driven activities throughout the season. Its location near the Michigan border makes it a convenient option for members from both states looking for a private setting at a manageable cost.
19. Sand Creek Golf Course
Located in northwest Indiana near the southern edge of Lake Michigan, Sand Creek Golf Course offers 27 holes of championship golf. The three nine-hole layouts, named Creek, Marsh, and Lake, provide a varied experience that appeals to golfers of different skill levels. Designed by Dick Nugent, the course features generous fairways, multiple water features, and a strong commitment to turf quality.
Sand Creek also includes upscale amenities like a driving range, clubhouse with banquet facilities, and a robust calendar of member events. While not the most exclusive club in the region, it is widely respected for its strong golf culture and for offering a private club experience at a more accessible entry point than nearby metropolitan clubs.
18. Otter Creek Golf Course
Otter Creek Golf Course is a semi-private facility designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., and widely regarded as one of Indiana’s most iconic golf destinations. With 27 championship holes spread across the North, East, and West nines, the course delivers a tournament-caliber experience. The layout includes dramatic elevation changes, fast greens, and a mix of wooded and open holes that test all aspects of a player’s game.
Though it operates as a public course, Otter Creek offers a membership program that provides preferred access, reduced fees, and participation in member-only events. It also includes practice areas, a pro shop, and a scenic clubhouse overlooking the course. For serious golfers looking to play one of Indiana’s best tracks without joining a traditional private club, Otter Creek is a standout option.
17. Old Oakland Golf Club
Old Oakland Golf Club is a private 27-hole facility located in northeast Indianapolis that combines championship-caliber golf with a family-friendly environment. The course, originally designed by Pete Dye and later updated, features three distinct nine-hole layouts. Each nine presents a unique mix of challenges, with rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and elevated greens that require thoughtful shot selection.
The club includes a full range of amenities, such as a driving range, short game area, large clubhouse, pool, and tennis courts. Members enjoy a strong calendar of golf events, junior programming, and year-round social activities. While Old Oakland maintains a strong golf identity, it also appeals to families looking for a complete club experience at a cost that remains approachable compared to more high-profile clubs in the area.
16. Morris Park Country Club
Morris Park Country Club is a historic private club near downtown South Bend with a legacy that dates back to 1922. Its 18-hole course has undergone periodic upgrades to maintain modern playing standards while preserving the traditional feel. The layout is walkable and tree-lined, offering a quiet and well-kept round with strong pace of play and high repeat value.
Beyond golf, Morris Park offers tennis courts, a swimming pool, and year-round dining options that appeal to families and retirees alike. The club is also involved in the local community, frequently hosting charity events and seasonal programming. For South Bend-area residents looking for a classic private club experience without the premium price tag, Morris Park remains a leading choice.
15. Maple Creek Country Club
Maple Creek Country Club, located on the east side of Indianapolis, is known as Pete Dye’s first 18-hole course design. The layout combines elements of traditional parkland with early hints of Dye’s signature visual deception and strategic bunkering. The course plays through mature trees and includes tight fairways, requiring accuracy and smart shot placement.
Aside from its golf pedigree, Maple Creek also offers tennis courts, a swimming pool, and banquet facilities. The club fosters a laid-back environment with a strong focus on golf but includes enough off-course amenities to attract families and social members. It remains one of the more accessible private clubs in the Indianapolis area from both a cost and atmosphere standpoint.
14. Prairie View Golf Club
Prairie View is one of the most respected daily-fee courses in Indiana, but it also offers a membership program that provides private club-like access. Located in Carmel and designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course features wide fairways, large bunkers, and carefully contoured greens. It is consistently ranked among the top public-access courses in the state, with conditions that rival many private clubs.
Membership benefits include advanced tee time access, discounted guest fees, and exclusive events. While it does not include the full slate of private club amenities like a pool or formal clubhouse, the golf experience is the central draw. For serious golfers living in the northern Indianapolis suburbs, Prairie View offers a high-end golf product at a significantly lower cost of entry.
13. Worthington Golf Club
Worthington Golf Club is a quiet, member-focused club in southwestern Indiana. The 18-hole layout features tree-lined fairways and a compact design that makes it walkable and convenient for frequent play. While the course is not long, its small greens and narrow approaches demand a well-controlled short game.
The club is centered around golf, with minimal distractions and a loyal membership base that values community and tradition. It does not offer a wide range of extra amenities, but the affordability and accessibility make it attractive for players who prioritize consistent conditions and relaxed surroundings over frills.
12. Washington Country Club
Washington Country Club serves its namesake town with a nine-hole course that plays to 18 with alternate tees and pin placements. The layout is simple but effective, with tree-lined fairways and subtle elevation changes that keep rounds engaging. It is a good fit for players looking for quick access to golf and a course that encourages frequent play.
The club also offers a small clubhouse with food service and a social calendar that supports a tight-knit membership. While it lacks the size and scope of larger facilities, it delivers strong value for locals seeking a welcoming golf environment at a low cost. Washington Country Club is particularly appealing for retirees and families looking for a low-key private club experience.
11. Sycamore Hills Golf Club
Sycamore Hills is a standout in Fort Wayne, known for its championship-level course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Although it has a national-level reputation, the club offers more accessible joining terms than its profile might suggest. The course itself features dramatic elevation changes, multiple water features, and a strategic layout that challenges low handicappers while remaining playable for everyday members.
The facilities match the quality of the golf course, with a large clubhouse, fine dining, event space, and a robust junior golf program. While Sycamore Hills operates at a higher standard than many others on this list, it is still possible to join with a total commitment under $25K in some membership categories, making it one of the best values for high-caliber private golf in the Midwest.
10. Oak Brook Country Club
Oak Brook Country Club is a family-friendly private club in southern Indiana that emphasizes accessibility and year-round activity. The 18-hole course is known for its relaxed atmosphere, player-friendly layout, and consistent conditioning. Fairways are mostly open with occasional tree lines and well-placed bunkers that offer enough challenge without being overly punishing.
Members appreciate the casual environment, quick pace of play, and easy tee time availability. In addition to golf, the club offers dining options, a pool, and social programming that appeals to couples and families alike. Its affordability and welcoming feel make Oak Brook a strong fit for those seeking dependable golf in a community-centered setting.
9. Long Beach Country Club
Located near the Lake Michigan shoreline, Long Beach Country Club offers a scenic and traditional private club experience. The 18-hole course winds through a mix of wooded and open land, with several holes offering views of the dunes and surrounding residential areas. Known for its tight fairways and old-school charm, the course rewards accuracy and course management.
The club includes tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a full clubhouse with seasonal dining and social events. Long Beach stands out for its summer appeal, drawing both full-time residents and vacation homeowners from Chicago and nearby areas. Its strong golf pedigree and resort-town location help justify its inclusion near the top of this list.
8. Country Club of Terre Haute
The Country Club of Terre Haute offers a traditional private club setting with a strong emphasis on golf. Its course, originally designed in the early 1900s, has been updated over time to maintain playability and challenge. Rolling fairways and mature trees create a picturesque playing environment, while the greens are known for their subtle undulations and speed.
The club includes a full-service clubhouse, dining facilities, and a pool, making it appealing to both golfers and families. With a long history in the region and a reputation for maintaining a well-conditioned course, the Country Club of Terre Haute continues to attract members who value consistency and legacy in a private club experience.
7. Harbour Trees Golf & Beach Club
Harbour Trees offers a rare mix of golf and waterfront lifestyle with its private golf course and separate beach club on Morse Reservoir. The 18-hole course is built around a wooded residential community and features elevated tees, lakeside views, and well-maintained bentgrass greens. It is challenging enough for lower handicappers but forgiving for everyday players.
The club also includes a tennis complex, swimming pool, beach access, and lakeside dining, making it unique among Indiana country clubs. Membership options allow access to either the golf or beach club, or both, creating flexibility for families with varied interests. Its location in Noblesville and its recreational variety make it a top choice for those seeking more than just golf.
6. Hickory Stick Golf Club
Hickory Stick Golf Club is a semi-private facility in Greenwood with a well-regarded Scottish links-style course. Designed by Tim Liddy, a Pete Dye protégé, the course features wide fairways, native grasses, and deep bunkers that create visual interest and challenge. Despite the open design, it remains playable for mid- to high-handicap players thanks to multiple tee options.
Members benefit from priority tee times, discounted rates, and exclusive tournaments. The clubhouse includes a pro shop and dining area, and the course is known for maintaining top-tier playing conditions throughout the season. Hickory Stick combines strong golf with minimal frills, making it ideal for players who value course quality over social extras.
5. Knollwood Country Club
Knollwood Country Club is a dual-course facility offering 36 holes of private golf just outside of South Bend. The North and South courses provide different playing styles, with the North being longer and more open, while the South emphasizes precision with tighter fairways and tree-lined holes. Both layouts are well-maintained and offer solid variety, giving members a fresh experience every round.
Knollwood also features a full-service clubhouse, fitness center, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and multiple dining venues. Its broad amenities package supports year-round activity, which is a key draw for families and active couples. For members in the northern part of the state, Knollwood offers exceptional value given its scope of facilities and total number of holes.
4. Country Club of Bloomington
The Country Club of Bloomington is a long-standing private club in southern Indiana known for its classic course layout and vibrant social scene. The 18-hole course offers a traditional design with mature trees, subtle elevation changes, and a strong walkability factor. Members enjoy consistently firm and fast conditions and a course that rewards smart play over raw distance.
The club also includes a pool, tennis complex, event spaces, and multiple dining options, creating a full-service environment that supports both recreational and social interests. Its proximity to Indiana University gives it a strong professional and academic member base, and its balance of golf and lifestyle offerings places it high among value-driven private clubs in the state.
3. Pottawattomie Country Club
Pottawattomie Country Club is a private golf club tucked into a wooded section of Michigan City, with an 18-hole course that plays through tall trees, rolling hills, and occasional water hazards. The course is well-regarded for its conditioning and quiet, natural setting. Although the course is not long, it places a premium on approach shots and short game execution.
The club provides members with a traditional clubhouse, swimming pool, and seasonal social events. It’s especially popular with second-homeowners and regional visitors during the summer months. With a strong course, relaxed culture, and limited crowds, Pottawattomie delivers a private club feel without the pressure or high upfront costs found in larger metro markets.
2. Twin Lakes Golf Club
Twin Lakes Golf Club is a well-established private club in Carmel with two 18-hole courses and a reputation for excellent year-round conditions. Both the North and South courses offer challenging but fair layouts, with well-kept fairways, quick greens, and strong variety in hole design. The club hosts several member tournaments and junior golf programs each year, reinforcing its commitment to the game.
In addition to golf, Twin Lakes offers a swimming pool and dining facilities, though the focus here is squarely on golf quality and access. Members value the club’s consistent tee time availability and supportive golf culture. For those in the Indianapolis area seeking strong golf in a private setting with a manageable price point, Twin Lakes is one of the best options in the state.
1. Hillcrest Golf & Country Club
Hillcrest Golf & Country Club ranks at the top of this list for its combination of golf quality, amenities, and accessible pricing. Located just northeast of downtown Indianapolis, Hillcrest features an 18-hole course known for its walkability, well-bunkered greens, and overall playability. The course has undergone upgrades in recent years to improve drainage and turf quality, further enhancing the member experience.
Beyond the course, Hillcrest includes tennis courts, a junior Olympic-sized pool, and an active social calendar that includes everything from wine dinners to holiday events. The club is well-integrated into the local community and draws a diverse membership base. For families and golf-focused individuals alike, Hillcrest offers one of the most well-rounded private club experiences in Indiana under the $25K threshold.
Indiana offers a wide variety of country clubs that deliver strong value without requiring a massive financial commitment. From golf-focused clubs with historic layouts to more family-oriented facilities with pools and tennis courts, there is something for every lifestyle. Many of these clubs maintain excellent course conditions and offer reliable access to tee times, making them ideal for both serious players and recreational golfers. The presence of multiple affordable private clubs across different regions of the state also means prospective members are not limited by geography.
For those looking to join a private club under $25K, this list represents some of the best options available in Indiana. Each club balances cost with quality, offering meaningful benefits without compromising on experience. Whether you prioritize golf, social activities, or a welcoming community, these clubs prove that private membership can still be within reach. With a bit of research and the right fit, enjoying the country club lifestyle in Indiana is more accessible than many might expect.