IAGA Insider Digest Series
Built to Grow: How Indiana Golf’s New Home Embodies a Statewide Mission to Expand the Game
For Mike David, Executive Director of Indiana Golf, the organization’s new headquarters at Fort Benjamin Harrison represents more than just a building. It’s a reflection of purpose, progress, and a deeper commitment to growing the game across the state.
“I’ve been here 35 years,” David said. “And I feel like this project has been in the works for 34 of those.”
The idea of creating a new home for Indiana Golf had been on the table for years. Their former space, located south of Indianapolis, was built for summer camp programming.
That model eventually changed. When that programming phased out, two-thirds of the building no longer served a purpose. From there, the Indiana Golf Foundation Board began exploring options that would better support the future of the organization and its growing reach.
Eventually, the team selected Fort Benjamin Harrison as their new home. Once a military base and now a public course managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, The Fort offered a central location, a Pete Dye redesign, and the potential for long-term collaboration with the state.
Following a multi-year process, including site selection, design changes, and a full capital campaign, the project came to life with impressive speed. The headquarters officially opened in spring of 2025, just 365 days after breaking ground.
“That’s pretty much unheard of for a project like this,” David noted.
More than just administrative offices, the new facility houses five golf organizations under the Indiana Golf umbrella. It also features an interactive Indiana Golf Hall of Fame that celebrates past presidents, champions, and award winners. Touchscreen displays allow visitors to explore decades of state golf history in a fresh, engaging way.
The new headquarters is only the beginning. Indiana Golf is now constructing a synthetic short game facility and a 2,200-square-foot indoor academy, with both expected to be complete by the end of 2025. These additions will host First Tee programming, PGA HOPE, and adaptive clinics, providing meaningful access for new and diverse audiences.
“In just the first few weeks, we’ve had more people walk through the building than we’ve had in years,” David said. “This gives us visibility and programming opportunities we didn’t have before.”
And being located near one of the top five public courses in the state adds to the draw, especially as Indiana Golf plans to host several tournaments there each year.
While the campus builds momentum in Indianapolis, Indiana Golf is also reaching beyond its walls.
Another key piece of the capital campaign was the addition of a Dryvebox mobile simulator. In partnership with Republic Airways, Indiana Golf now has a co-branded unit that can be transported to schools, VA events, major camps, and other high-traffic community gatherings.
“It gives us the opportunity to introduce golf in almost any setting,” David explained. “Wherever we can pull the trailer in, we can bring the game to people.”
While usage is still scaling up, excitement is building. The simulator provides a fun, engaging entry point for those who might not otherwise have access to golf.
When asked what advice he’d give to other Allied Golf Associations considering a similar move, David didn’t hesitate.
“Don’t sell yourself short,” he said. “Having a golf association’s headquarters at a facility brings value. That’s something worth emphasizing when you’re building partnerships.”
He also encouraged AGAs to lean into their networks, sharing that Indiana Golf connected with industry peers early in the process and visited several other facilities—including Kentucky, Iowa, and North Texas—to gather ideas.
“We’re all sharing with each other. Headquarters should be no different,” he said.
Looking ahead. Beyond completing construction, Indiana Golf is considering a more active role in the oversight of The Fort’s golf course. While those conversations are still early, David says the organization is always open to ideas that support the game.
“We’re always thinking about what we can do better. What we can do differently. How we can grow the game and reach more people,” he said.
For now, Indiana Golf’s team is settling into their new home, with a renewed focus on strategic planning and long-term impact.
With a strong team, a thoughtful approach, and a campus that reflects their mission, Indiana Golf is more than prepared for the next chapter—and truly built to grow.
By: Santana Shipley