Forest Park Golf Course

Forest Park Golf Course sits in Brazil, Indiana, a small city in the western part of the state near Terre Haute. The course was designed by Pete Dye, the legendary architect known for his railroad-tie bulkheads, strategic bunkering, and imaginative use of terrain. While Forest Park represents an early work in Dye's career—completed before his rise to national prominence with courses like Harbour Town and the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass—it displays elements of his emerging design philosophy, including thoughtful routing and hazard placement that rewards careful course management. The layout takes advantage of the gently rolling terrain typical of west-central Indiana, moving through stands of mature hardwoods that give the course its name. The property features modest elevation changes and tree-lined fairways that demand accuracy from the tee. Dye's design incorporates strategic bunkering and green complexes that require players to think their way around the course rather than simply overpower it. The greens themselves often feature subtle contours that make approach shots and putting a test of precision. As a municipal facility, Forest Park serves as an accessible public course for the Brazil community and surrounding area. It represents a period in American golf course architecture when talented designers were creating thoughtful layouts for everyday golfers at modest municipal budgets, bringing strategic design principles to courses beyond private clubs and resort destinations.