Victoria Natty - one of Indiana’s Best

A few weeks back, we did some coverage for the Korn Ferry Tour Finals at Victoria National in Newburgh (near Evansville), and I REALLY liked the course. I’ve been kinda daydreaming about a round there, always scheming for a hook-up. I actually had one last year but couldn’t go due to a 50th birthday party in Florida. I was supposed to meet up with Patrick Koenig as he continued his whirlwind tour of America in the RGV last year; with a somewhat fluid timetable he landed his sled in Indiana the week I had to leave and I anointed a buddy to take my place. It still stings.

The course looks like it was created by giant sandbox toys, as the fairways seem scooped out of the wooly hills that flank the sides of many holes. Throw in about 6 or 7 lake crossings and you’re starting to see how unique the property is. Tom Fazio built the course in an old strip mine area in 1996 and the place is sublime, routinely identified as Indiana’s best course. While not the hilliest of areas, the course has some bumps and swales to create great views and greens tucked into coves and corners. I walked the entire course during our coverage and the attached video captures some of the charm.

I was surprised to see the lighted putting green on the back nine that sits adjacent to the Club’s condos; they do offer stay-and-play options (the Club’s site has more info). I spent some time in the clubhouse, but didn’t get around much beyond the press area. Accommodations and amenities there looked great. From Indy, it’s about a 2.5 hour drive down the new I-69 extension and your GPS will act as if you’ve driven off the planet (and don’t count on a lot of exits or amenities near the interstate either).

I’m hoping to go back and get that round in soon. I won’t lie, if I do I’m gonna gloat and fawn all over the place.