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Our History

At the turn of the 20th century, the game of golf was growing rapidly across the city, and Riverside Park became home to Indianapolis’ first municipal golf course in 1900. From that early enthusiasm, a group of dedicated golfers came together with a vision of creating something of their own — a private club built around the love of the game, good fellowship, and the enjoyment of time spent outdoors. In 1903, that vision became Highland Golf Club, when the group leased a tract of unused park land from the city and filed Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.

 

A Treasured Gathering Place

The original Highland course opened in 1904 and quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest links in the country. Designed and built under the direction of Scotsman James Conacher, the course became a treasured gathering place for golfers and helped establish Highland’s early identity as a club with both competitive spirit and genuine camaraderie. As the game continued to grow in popularity, so did Highland. By 1919, when the city ended the club’s lease at Riverside Park, Highland was ready for its next chapter.

A Beautiful Home

That chapter began on a spectacular 143-acre farm in what was then considered “north” Indianapolis. Set on a high bluff above White River, the partially wooded Eastman property offered a beautiful and lasting home for the newly formed Highland Golf and Country Club. Under the leadership of founders including Clarence L. Kirk, Charles Hall, George Schneider, and L.M. Wainwright, Highland made the transition from its beloved Riverside beginnings to the grounds it still calls home today. The original Highland course at Riverside would later become Coffin Golf Course, while the new Highland began building a legacy of its own.

 

 

Legendary Golf Architect

To bring the new club to life, Highland Realty was formed to manage the purchase of the land, the conversion of the farm into a golf course, and the construction of the clubhouse. The club entrusted the course design to legendary golf architect Willie Park Jr., with assistance from Bill Diddel, creating a layout that would be admired by golfers near and far. The result was a course known not only for its beauty and challenge, but for its ability to be enjoyed by generations of players at every level of the game.

Far More Than Golf

Since those early days, Highland has grown into far more than a golf club. It has become a place where families gather, friendships deepen, traditions are celebrated, and memories are made. Members have enjoyed championship golf, tennis, swimming, dining, dances, weddings, holidays, community events, and countless everyday moments that make the Club feel like home. Highland’s history describes its greatest asset as its membership — loyal, friendly, graciously welcoming, and connected by friendships that often feel more like family.

 

 

More Than 100 Years

Through wars, economic hardship, cultural change, and more than 100 years of growth, Highland has remained resilient, beautiful, and deeply cherished. Proudly known through the years as the “Golfinest Club hereabouts,” Highland continues to honor its rich history while embracing the future. Today, we remain grateful for the generations of members and leaders whose dedication has kept our Club thriving — and whose spirit continues to make Highland one of Indianapolis’ most treasured private club communities.

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