Golf Course Overview: Noble Hawk Golf Links

Local and traveling golfers love to research courses before playing them, whether it is to gain some local knowledge or to set an expectation before their upcoming round. Below is an interview with Tim Dykstra who shares some valuable insight about the property, its most talked about holes and the signature dish/drink to consume at the 19th hole.

Provide a brief description of the golf course/property, the terrain and best times of the year to play.
Noble Hawk Golf Links is Northeast Indiana's most unique public golf facility featuring the perfect combination of links and traditional golf. "The Hawk" boasts a unique combination of beautiful golf holes; some are pure "up north" with serine tree-lined fairways; others appear to be transplanted from Florida with lots of sand and water; still others are picture postcards from a traditional Scottish links-land course.

The Noble Hawk experience whold not be complete without the attentive service from our courtious and professional staff. Our committment to excellence transends our entire operation from providing the best possible golf course condition to meeting each need and request with enthusiasm. Our mission is to provide every guest with a truly outstanding experience.

Share with golfers, your most recent awards and golf course improvements.
Noble Hawk Golf Links has earned a reputation as one of the most accommodating and well maintainded golf facilities in the region. Ownership and staff are committed to continually upgrade our golf course and facilities beyond normal expectation to assure Noble Hawk Golf Links' reputation for excellence.

Any tips on playing and reading the greens?
Noble Hawk's greens are unique! They are large and receptive with varying shapes as well as challenging undulations. The speed of the "dance floors" are kept smooth and fast, but fair, throughout the year. The Pro's tip regarding reading the breaks on the greens is simple: Trust what you see, there is little trickery so what you read is most often exactly what you can expect.

Starting on hole #1, are there any tips to get your round off on the right foot?
The first 3 holes at Noble Hawk are straight forward offering a chance to get off to a good start to your round. Number one is a medium length par 4 with little trouble and a reletively easy green to putt. Two is a short par 3 with a huge green that should give most players a great chance at par. Number three is a short par 4 with a bit more challenge as the hole is bordered on the left with a huge waste bunker and a green that is small and divided into two sections by a ridge crossing he middle of the green. Distance is not important on your tee shot but accuracy is. A conservative approach to playing this hole is recommended. Played properly, number three can yield birdie.

What is your favorite par 5, and how would you recommend playing it?
Most agree that the finishing hole, number 18, is the favorite par 5 at Noble Hawk. Nicknamed "Redtail Revenge" it is the ultimate in Risk & Reward. This is truly a Heroic Golf Hole! The aggressive play is to blast a drive down the left side which forces you to flirt with a lake boardering the entire left side of the hole. This will leave you with a hybrid or mid-iron second shot. The green is huge but do not come-up short or you will be wet. If unsure of your second shot, lay-up to around 80-100 yards for a short pitch shot approach. This is a finishing hole that if played will offers-up lots of birdies and the occassional eagle; a great way to end your round at Noble Hawk Golf Links.

What is your favorite par 3, and how would you recommend playing it?
Noble Hawk's signature hole is the par three number 15 which ranges in length from 122 to 222 yards. Most will fear, few will prevail, but all will respect this challenging Par 3. Fifteen features a large, undulated green designed to accept well hit shots. Played entirely over water to a peninsula green means no bail-out area. Ignore the trouble and swing with confidence. Good shots will be rewarded. A grand challenge!

In your opinion, what is the hardest hole and do you have any tips on playing it?
Nicknamed "The Jugular" the par 5 thirteenth hole is without a doubt the most difficult hole at Noble Hawk and one of the toughest in the Midwest...... which is a strong statement but well deserved. Thirteen is a true three shot par 5 and is no place to lack confidence. Launch your drive down the right side with accuracy. "If" you have a clear second shot, carefully lay-up with a mid-iron or hybrid again favoring the right side of the fairway. Distance control and precise accuracy are important on your approach shot. The green is long, narrow, angles away to the left and features three distinct tiers resembling stair steps. Double bogie and worse are common here. Par feels like a birdie! Good luck..........you will need it.

As a golfer plays the final three holes, is there a chance for salvation? (any tips on closing out the round?)
The three closing holes at Noble Hawk are all birdie holes allowing for salvation after a very difficult stretch leading up to them. Sixteen is a reachable par 5 where you can "grip it and rip it" off the tee with little trouble throughout the hole. Seventeen is a short, attackable par 3 with a very long green. On any given day, pin placement determines the length and difficulty of this hole. Noble Hawk's finishing hole, number 18, is a short par 5 of heroic design which gives the player options on how aggressive the hole is to be played. Regardless as to how the player attacks this hole it is an opportunity for birdie, or even eagle, to end your round.

Contact Course
Noble Hawk Golf Links
3005 Noble Hawk Drive
Kendallville, IN 46755
(260) 349-0900
https://www.noblehawk.com/