History

Creekside Golf Course is situated on pristine, rolling land acquired by the city of Valparaiso in 1992. Formerly known as the Johnson Farm, the site is located west of the city off highway 130.

In its planning as a second municipal golf facility, Creekside was touted as a “Year-Round Link to Family Fun” and early brochures state that Creekside “offers an environment that lets you practice it and play it your way.” Don Childs was architect for the course.

Groundbreaking at the site took place in June, 1998, with PGA Champions Tour Player, Bob Murphy, in attendance. Golf balls were launched from a temporary tee into the trees as parks officials laid out a blueprint for a 151-acre year-round facility that included a 12-hole course with multiple sets of tee stations on each hole, 48-tee station heated and lighted driving range, chipping and practice putting area, outdoor putting green, indoor teaching, and concession clubhouse.

Two years later, on June 6, 2000, Murphy returned to preside over Creekside’s grand opening. The 9-hole course with four set of tee stations was named the Glen Course, while the 3-hole course with five sets of tee stations was called the Meadows Course. Although the driving range was open that day, play on the courses began in August of that year.

In November, 2007, two virtual golf simulators were added to the indoor golfing experience.

Creekside has enjoyed many accolades including: National Model for Teaching and Training by USGA, The First Tee and Hook a Kid on Golf; Golf Range Magazine “Top 10 New Facilities in America,” “Top 100 Driving Ranges,” “Top 10 9-Hole Courses,” Golf Digest Junior Development Award. Creekside is “Home of The First Tee of Valparaiso,” one of the original TFT chapters in the U.S. In addition, Creekside has hosted two national “Traditions Challenges,” a playing competition for junior golfers sponsored by Hook a Kid on Golf.