Indian Hills Country Club, Atlanta’s hidden gem

There are approximately 907 golf courses in the state of Texas and one of them is right here in Atlanta.

If you’ve never heard of Indian Hills Country Club (IHCC) then you are missing out.

IHCC was built between 75 and 85 years ago and is a scenic course with a design that makes it extremely enjoyable to play.

The course is spread out over more than 50 acres and is a 36-par, 9-hole regulation length course which equates to 2,788 yards.

There are additional sets of men’s tees for those who want to do a double-loop, 18-hole round.

If the ladies are looking for a good short course, look no further than IHCC which offers tee boxes for the ladies as well.

The various hazards and twists on the course make it a challenge that most avid golfers love to encounter.

It has been said the most difficult hole overall is No. 5, a 365-yard par 4 with pine trees lining the fairway which could impact tee shots.

For me, a novice player, I have trouble with hole No. 3. Many times have I sank a golf ball in that water hazard which can only be found by Davy Jones.

This beautiful course nestled in the pines has received a facelift as of late.

The grass has never looked better and some of the obstructive pine limbs have been trimmed.

That helps someone like me now have a great chance at a double-bogey instead of a triple-bogey.

IHCC provides rental carts for those without one and gives you the opportunity to purchase golf balls, tees, golfing gloves, drinks and snacks right there in the clubhouse.

You can also rent out its conference room and ballroom for private parties, class reunions or other events.

There is a bar inside the clubhouse and IHCC puts on a “steak night” the second Thursday of every month.

Steak plates are $20 and are put together by Doug Heath who recently placed runner-up for Best Steaks in Cass County.

IHCC also has a gazebo for parties and gatherings outside and has a swimming pool on site.

Aside from public use the golf course has hosted district golf meets for Atlanta High School, events for its own members, schools and other organizations, and various memorial tournaments.

IHCC will host a 27-hole, Red White and Blue Tournament on Aug. 14, with the field consisting of 2-men teams; will host the Club Championship Match Play Sept. 22-26; and will host the Fall Classic Scramble Oct. 9-10. These events are for members only.

IHCC is open to the public. You can visit weekly or pay for a membership.

Membership gets you several different benefits including: unlimited, year-round golf, access to the ballroom, pool, bar and conference room and cheaper rental fees than if you weren’t a member.

Yearly membership dues for Stockholders include a $350 initiation fee plus $86.55 a month, for Associates $100 plus $86.55 a month and for Young Adults (ages 21 to 30) $100 plus $60 a month.

If you are not a member and would like to use the pool a member must invite you and be present when you swim.

The fee to use the pool is $5 per person.

To golf without a membership is $25 a person Monday through Friday and $30 a person for Saturday and Sunday.

Cart rentals for 9 holes is $10 and for 18 holes is $17 for single players. For double riders it is $8 each player for 9 holes and $13 each player for 18 holes.

When you look at the bigger picture a membership is a no-brainer.

The course is open from 8 a.m. to dark daily except on Mondays when the clubhouse is closed. Carts are expected back at the clubhouse 30 minutes before it gets dark.

The bar hours are, aside from Monday when it’s closed, 4 p.m. to close on Tuesday and Thursday, and 3 p.m. to close Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

If it’s a slow evening the bar may close early. There are many perks to opening a membership with IHCC aside from those mentioned here.

Supporting a local business is key and golf itself provides moderately intense physical activity, such as walking, carrying your bag, and swinging.

Part of the intense physical activity for me includes bending over to place my ball on the tee and picking the tee up after I’ve launched my ball into the pines, O’Farrell Road or that water hazard on No. 3.

This increases your heart rate and blood flow, which results in a healthy heart, enhanced brain stimulation and improved balance.

Playing golf has been known to reduce stress and anxiety, help maintain mental alertness, help build character and you get to spend your time outdoors.

Golf is the go-to sport for people who play other sports when they just want to relax.

If anything in this article piques your interest visit Indian Hills Country Club.

The hidden gem is right in your back yard located at 801 O’Farrell Road in Atlanta.

To get to the course take Highway 77 W from Highway 59 and turn left on FM 995. Take an immediate left into the club entrance from FM 995.

If you are coming in from Douglassville-way turn right onto FM 995 and go straight into the club entrance.

Mike Horn is the General Manager at IHCC and will answer any question you have.

Give him a call at 903-796-4146.