Elbel Golf Course

Elbel Golf Course is a Public 18 hole golf course located in South Bend, Indiana.

The Elbel Park golf course opened in 1963. The course was designed by Toth & Toth Associates.

The Elbel Park golf course was built on rolling hills, so expect many uneven lies. The tees and greens are among the largest in the Midwest. Some of the undulating greens are elevated and well bunkered, and water hazards come into play on eight holes. The wind is also a factor on this course, so be wary when making club selections. Also, be prepared to encounter an unusual number of blind shots. Elbel Golf Course is a parkland style course. Several holes feature severe doglegs that reward the long hitters who can cut the corners with good opportunities to score but if you miss your drive you will suffer the consequences of these high risk, high reward T shots with a blocked second shot or worse, a lost ball. Many of the holes border on wetland areas or heavily wooded areas that love to eat wayward golf balls.

Par for the course is 72. From the back tees the course plays to 6700 yards. From the forward tees the course measures 5750 yards. The longest hole on the course is # 6, a par-5 that plays to 525 yards. The shortest hole on the course is # 4, a par-3 that plays to 185 yards from the back tees.

Watch out for # 1, a 435 yard par-4 challenge and the #1 handicap hole on the course. The easiest hole at Elbel Golf Course is # 12, a 370 yard par-4.

#13 is a 200 yard par 3 that will eat your lunch but several par 5' (#6, #11 and #15) are reachable in 2. The par 5 #6 hole begs you to cut the corner across a wide wetland. Not only do you go over the wetlands, but there is a row of very tall mature Oak trees about 200 yards out that you must carry to make it to the fairway. Come up short and it will cost you at least an extra shot but make it and you are going for the green in 2. The #18 par 4 is a beautiful finishing hole that rewards a good drive (220 yards plus) with a 160 yard second shot over a deep valley to the green. There are woods and wetlands to the left that are like ball magnets and cause many a golfer a bit of pain. A good approach shot is something like a high 7 iron that floats in for a soft landing.