BLACKTHORN GOLF CLUB
🇺🇸 South Bend, IN, USA
Designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan
Blackthorn Golf Club, a modern touchstone just east of South Bend, leverages the rolling Indiana landscape to create a challenging yet accessible golfing experience. Opened in 2000, the layout, designed by Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest and Associates, embraces a parkland style, with generous fairways framed by strategically placed bunkers and subtle elevation changes that reward thoughtful play rather than brute force. The bentgrass greens, known for their true roll, demand a deft touch and precise approach shots.
While Blackthorn hasn't hosted a major championship, it has served as a respected venue for regional amateur and professional events. The club is a popular tournament and outing destination for the South Bend community and businesses of northern Indiana and southern Michigan.
Blackthorn fosters a welcoming atmosphere that leans towards inclusivity. While the club doesn't harbor the same storied history as some of its older, more exclusive peers, it compensates with a vibrant membership and an undeniable commitment to providing a high-quality golfing experience for all. The club is known locally for its strong public access and excellent course conditions.
Reviews
This place was a really pleasant surprise. We made a last-minute trip to South Bend to watch Cincinnati take on Notre Dame, and by the time we checked, The Warren Course was already booked solid. So, we headed over to Blackthorn — and I’m really glad we did. Right away, I was impressed with how well the place was maintained. The range and putting green sit just behind the clubhouse and right next to the first tee, which makes it easy to get a quick warm-up in. The fall vibes were perfect — cool temps, great colors, and a laid-back atmosphere that made for an awesome day of golf. The course is a Michael Hurdzan design, and you can really see his touch throughout. It’s got that mix of forest-lined holes and open prairie sections with tall native grasses that frame everything beautifully. The fairways are generous, but you can still find trouble with well-placed bunkers, wetlands, and marsh areas that sneak up on you. The greens were in great shape and have some really nice tiers and slopes that make you think on every approach. A couple holes really stood out — the par 5 ninth is a great one heading back toward the clubhouse, with water running down the right side and a green that rewards a good layup. I also loved the par 3 13th, with the old dairy barn sitting just off the hole — such a cool, unique touch that gives the course real character. Overall, Blackthorn was a blast to play. It’s a fun, well-designed course that feels both challenging and fair, and it completely exceeded my expectations. Definitely one I’d go back to if I’m ever in South Bend again.
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Shamrock at Blackthorn Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 7.5 out of 10 based on 17 explicit golfer ratings.
Shamrock was designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan.
Yes. Shamrock at Blackthorn Golf Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Shamrock is 72.
Shamrock plays 7,136 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Shamrock is 136.
