Bloomington Golf Trip Planning Guide
Bloomington pairs the acclaimed Pfau Course — Indiana University's Steve Smyers-redesigned championship test that now hosts NCAA and national events — with the energy of a Big Ten college town. Limestone-quarry scenery, a walkable downtown bar scene, and Lake Monroe at the door.
Quick Facts
Spring, Summer, Fall
IND (60 min drive)
$30–$110
$200/night
2 of 4
~$255/person
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Here's a realistic 3-day itinerary for a group golf trip to Bloomington. Every venue below is real and pulled from our curated database — no filler.
Day 1
The Pfau Course at Indiana University — parkland, $60–$110
Steve Smyers's 2020 redesign — a 7,700-yard championship test that hosts NCAA regionals, open to public play
Janko's Little Zagreb — steakhouse, $$$
Bloomington's legendary Croatian steakhouse — the group's big-night institution
Nick's English Hut — sports bar · Open late
The definitive IU bar on Kirkwood — play Sink the Biz and soak in the history
Day 2
Eagle Pointe Golf Resort — parkland, $45–$80
Resort course on Lake Monroe with lodging on site — a self-contained stay-and-play option
Lake Monroe boat rental & charter — half day, $40–$100/pp
Indiana's largest lake — rent a pontoon for a rest-day cruise with a cooler aboard
The Tap — brewpub, $$
Massive beer hall on Kirkwood with 40+ taps and a big group room
Kilroy's on Kirkwood — sports bar · Open late
Loud, crowded Kirkwood Avenue staple — peak college-town energy
Day 3
Cascades Golf Course — parkland, $30–$55
Scenic, walkable city muni tucked in a wooded valley — a fun, affordable value round
Oliver Winery tour & tasting — 2-3 hours, $30–$70/pp
Indiana's largest winery just north of town — scenic grounds and group tastings
FARMbloomington — farm to-table, $$$
Downtown farm-to-table for a nicer smaller-group meal
Upland Brewing Co. — brewpub
Indiana's flagship craft brewery with a big taproom and patio
Course-by-Course Guide
Bloomington has 4 courses worth playing. 2 are walkable if you want to save on cart fees.
Where to Stay
Bloomington has 2 group-friendly lodging options in our database, starting at $200/night for the whole house.
$200–$500 /night
Homes near campus and downtown Bloomington — walkable to the bar scene
$250–$600 /night
Lake Monroe homes south of town — Indiana's largest lake at your door
Group Dining Guide
4 restaurants vetted for group golf trips. Several can handle large parties without a reservation headache.
Janko's Little Zagreb
$$$Bloomington's legendary Croatian steakhouse — the group's big-night institution
The Tap
$$Massive beer hall on Kirkwood with 40+ taps and a big group room
FARMbloomington
$$$Downtown farm-to-table for a nicer smaller-group meal
Nick's English Hut
$$The iconic IU bar-and-grill since 1927 — burgers, Sink the Biz, and required college-town atmosphere
Nightlife
3 bars curated for groups. 2 stay open past midnight.
Nick's English Hut
Late nightThe definitive IU bar on Kirkwood — play Sink the Biz and soak in the history
Kilroy's on Kirkwood
Late nightLoud, crowded Kirkwood Avenue staple — peak college-town energy
Upland Brewing Co.
Indiana's flagship craft brewery with a big taproom and patio
Activities Beyond Golf
3 off-course activities for rest days or afternoons.
Lake Monroe boat rental & charter
Indiana's largest lake — rent a pontoon for a rest-day cruise with a cooler aboard
Oliver Winery tour & tasting
Indiana's largest winery just north of town — scenic grounds and group tastings
Hoosier National Forest hiking & ziplines
Trails, limestone caves, and canopy zipline tours in the nearby Hoosier National Forest
Getting There
Fly into Indianapolis International Airport (IND) — it's a 60-minute drive to Bloomington. For groups of 8+, consider booking a shuttle or party bus from the airport (local providers include Bloomington party bus operators and Indianapolis coach & limo services). Renting two SUVs usually works for groups of 4-8.