Ground broken for new clubhouse at Brookshire

Project will improve golf experience, provide community gathering spaces

Construction has begun on a new clubhouse at Brookshire Golf Course, replacing the current structure that has been standing since 1970, when the course first opened. The approximately $10 million project will include a much larger clubhouse with expanded facilities for golf carts, the pro shop, and gathering spots that will be made available to the community for private events such as weddings and parties. The project also includes a new pool house in a separate facility across the parking lot from the new golf clubhouse.

“This is a very exciting improvement we have been planning since we purchased the golf course,” said Mayor Jim Brainard. “It’s important to remember that while all of the new growth in our central core and business corridors is good for Carmel, it is also important that we continue to invest in our older neighborhoods. This course is beautifully laid out with water features along the creek, large, mature trees and lush landscapes. Now it is time to have a first-class clubhouse that matches the beauty of the course.”

The project should be completed at the end of this year, just in time for a grand opening in the spring of 2019. The current clubhouse and swimming pool will be open during construction.

The 20,437 square-foot clubhouse will be built just east of the existing clubhouse near the driving range. The entry drive into the course will be realigned to provide beautiful views of the new clubhouse and the golf course that extends beyond. A semi-circular court will provide a drop-off zone for those wishing to use the main, formal entrance. There is also a golfer’s entrance off the parking lot.

The three-level building will include a lower level for golf cart storage, the main level with the pro shop, a bar and grill, offices and the new event space. Meeting rooms will include The Cool Creek Room which will hold between 175-200 people, perfect for weddings, graduation parties and corporate events, The room will also have a balcony that will be able to hold up to 40 people for smaller groups or accommodate equipment, bands or DJ’s for larger groups.

A smaller, more formal room, called The Diddel Room, will also be available for smaller groups of up to 20. This room was named after course designer Bill Diddel, who was a prominent Golf Course Architect throughout Indiana and the Midwest.

Brookshire Golf Course, built in 1970, has become a cornerstone of the Brookshire neighborhood that spans from 116th Street to 126th Street, off of Gray Road. The Par 72 course’s beautiful scenery is enhanced by Cool Creek, which winds through much of the course. In 1999 the Brookshire Swim Club was opened and has been operating as a community amenity ever since.

In 2007, the City of Carmel purchased the golf course amid concerns that it might be sold to private developers who were looking at possibly turning it into residential housing. The City wanted to ensure the availability of a public course where children, families, and retirees can enjoy golf.

As a city municipal golf course, Brookshire has kept greens fees for the course low.

To see more images of the clubhouse expansion, go to: http://www.carmel.in.gov/about-carmel/redevelopment-in-progress

To learn more about Brookshire or sign up for league play, go to: https://brookshiregolf.com/