By Mike May
If you were asked which golf course in Indiana has hosted more championship events since the early 1990s, you probably wouldn’t answer, The Legends Golf Club, but that is the correct answer.
The Legends Golf Club, in Franklin, was the vision of five business partners, including former Indiana basketball coaching legend, Bobby Knight. Ted Bishop, former President of the PGA and the general manager of The Legends, led the startup and oversaw construction of the course, designed by Jim Fazio.
It has been listed as high as sixth among both public and private courses in the state and has been voted as “Indiana’s Best Course” by The Indiana Business Magazine. Golf Digest designated The Legends a 4-Star Facility.
“We had over 48,000 rounds played in 2018 over our 27 holes,” said Bishop. “When the weather is good, we are busy.”
While the course was designed to be playable for golfers of all abilities, it has hosted many championship events, such as the Indiana Open, Indiana’s Men’s and Women’s State Amateur Championships, Indiana PGA Championship, USGA qualifiers, Indiana High School State Golf Finals, plus the Indianapolis Women’s City Championship.
“All credit must be given to our course architect Jim Fazio,” admitted Bishop. “With access to five sets of tees, the Legends can be set up for championship play as well as casual play. If you pick the right set of tees, any golfer can have an enjoyable and memorable day here at the Legends.”
The Legends is a true public facility, the majority are daily fee-paying golfers,
“Daily fee golfers account for roughly 90 percent of our revenue,” added Bishop. “They are important to us and we cater to them.”
Bishop is extremely proud of the condition of his golf course, which includes 135 bunkers. In fact, he takes a personal interest in every renovation and repair on the entire layout. Bishop also doubles as the course superintendent, which gives him a chance to practice what he’s learned, based on his degree in agronomy and turf management from Purdue University.
“With more than 48,000 rounds being played, the windows of opportunity are tight to make improvements on the course, but we get organized and get it done.”
Well designed and maintained golf courses attract great players who can produce great scores. The official course record, at this par 72 layout, is a 63, set by current PGA Tour player Tyler Duncan, who established the record during the state high school tournament. The unofficial course record is a 62, set by longtime PGA Tour player Kenny Perry.
The Legends added an 18-hole Par-3 Pete Dye course, the clubhouse has been updated, and a swimming facility has been added for members, as well as, the general public.
It’s all about family at the Legends. Bishop’s daughter, Ashely Davidson, who was top high school and collegiate player, along with her husband Ted Davidson, now operate the business.
Finally, if you want to play where champions are crowned and legendary golfers are born, make a beeline to The Legends Golf Club.
Ted Bishop and his family await your visit.
