Public Play · Northwest Indiana
Lost Marsh Golf CourseHammond
A public course built over a capped slag dump on Lake George in Hammond, Indiana.
Par
72
Yardage
6,766
Rating · Slope
73.4 · 132
Holes
18
Green Fee
$55–$82
The Course
About Lost Marsh Golf Course
Lost Marsh is a public 18-hole course in Hammond on the shore of Lake George, about 30 minutes from downtown Chicago by the club's estimate, with views of the city during the round. The club calls it a hybrid of links and parkland styles, and Len Ziehm found it tight rather than long. Walking is allowed except before 1 p.m. on weekends, and the facility adds a nine-hole par-3 course and a prairie-style clubhouse.
History
Lost Marsh Golf Course — History
The City of Hammond bought the former Bairstow slag dump in 1998 and capped it with a golf course designed by Charles Howard, which opened on September 20, 2003. Audubon International cites a Chicago Tribune report quoting EPA officials who called it the Midwest's largest and most successful brownfield reclamation. The clubhouse opened in 2009, and Ziehm reported in 2013 that the course had hosted Symetra Tour events.
Design
Lost Marsh Golf Course — Design
Charles Howard, an architect better known for his work in Texas, routed the course over prairie, marsh and woodland, and Lake George brings water into play on the first four holes, including island fairways and greens. The club describes a hybrid of links and parkland design meant to challenge experienced players while still welcoming beginners. Audubon's Signature Sanctuary program required native plantings throughout the property.
What Sets It Apart
Why Play Lost Marsh Golf Course
Lost Marsh doubles as the cap on a former steel-mill slag dump, a project EPA officials called the Midwest's largest and most successful brownfield reclamation, according to a 2003 Chicago Tribune report cited by Audubon International.
The Round
The Journey at Lost Marsh Golf Course
I.
The Opening
The 340-yard 1st, the No. 2 handicap, is the hole Len Ziehm called the most memorable opener in the Chicago area, with island fairways and greens in view from the tee. Lake George stays in play through the 4th: the 189-yard 2nd, the 474-yard 3rd, the longest par 4, and the 510-yard 4th. The 266-yard 5th is a short par 4 before the 402-yard 6th.
II.
The Middle
The 460-yard 7th is a short par 5, then the 180-yard 8th and the 445-yard 9th, the No. 4 handicap, close a 3,266-yard front nine. The back starts with the 554-yard 10th, the longest hole on the card, and the 171-yard 11th before the 386-yard 12th, rated the hardest hole on the course.
III.
The Finish
The 393-yard 13th is the No. 3 handicap, and the 507-yard 14th is the last par 5. Matching 404-yard par 4s at the 15th and 16th lead to the 212-yard 17th, the longest par 3. The 469-yard 18th, the No. 5 handicap, makes for a long par-4 finish.
How to Play It
Lost Marsh Golf Course — Playing Strategy
Beginner / High Handicap
Lake George is in play on the first four holes, so a forward set, rather than the 6,766-yard Black tees rated 73.4 with a 132 slope, shortens the early carries. On the 1st, hit whichever club finds the island fairway most reliably rather than driver by default, and aim for the widest part of each fairway through the 4th.
Intermediate / Mid Handicap
Ziehm described the course as tight rather than long, so position matters more than distance. The 266-yard 5th and the 460-yard 7th, a short par 5, are the two chances to pick up shots on the front. On the back, accept bogey on the 12th, the No. 1 handicap, and save something for the 469-yard 18th.
Advanced / Low Handicap
At 6,766 yards Lost Marsh rewards accuracy over power. The 266-yard 5th and 460-yard 7th are the obvious birdie holes, and the 507-yard 14th is the best one coming home. Respect the water through the opening four holes, and treat the 474-yard 3rd and 469-yard 18th as the long-iron tests they are.
Signature Holes
Lost Marsh Golf Course — Signature Holes
The Card
Lost Marsh Golf Course Scorecard
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Yards | 340 | 189 | 474 | 510 | 266 | 402 | 460 | 180 | 445 | 3,266 | 554 | 171 | 386 | 393 | 507 | 404 | 404 | 212 | 469 | 3,500 | 6,766 |
| Handicap | 2 | 18 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 16 | 14 | 4 | — | 13 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 11 | 7 | 9 | 17 | 5 | — | — |
Good to Know
Lost Marsh Golf Course — questions answered
- How do I book a tee time at Lost Marsh Golf Course?
- Find and book live tee times at Lost Marsh Golf Course through GolfNow — Golf in CHI links straight to its tee sheet on this listing.
- How much does it cost to play Lost Marsh Golf Course?
- Green fees at Lost Marsh Golf Course are typically $55 to $82, varying by season, day of week and time. 2026 18-hole green fee: $55 spring/fall weekday to $82 summer Fri-Sun ($95 with $13 cart).
- Who designed Lost Marsh Golf Course?
- Lost Marsh Golf Course was designed by Charles Howard and opened in 2003.
- What is the par and yardage at Lost Marsh Golf Course?
- Lost Marsh Golf Course plays to a par of 72 over 6,766 yards from the championship tees, with a course rating of 73.4 and a slope of 132.
- Is Lost Marsh Golf Course public or private?
- Lost Marsh Golf Course is open to public play. Tee times can be reserved in advance.
- Where is Lost Marsh Golf Course located?
- Lost Marsh Golf Course is located at 901 E 129th St, Hammond, IN 46320, in the Northwest Indiana area of Chicagoland.
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