French Lick Resort
French Lick, Indiana.
Those three words may not be the first ones that come to mind when you think “epic golf resort location” if you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting French Lick Resort before, but you better believe that this Midwest gem is among the best in the country with epic layouts by two of the greatest architects to ever grace the game with their talents: Donald Ross and Pete Dye.
Both courses have such a different look and feel to them, and the dichotomy of the experience is what makes this golf resort stand out as one of the best golf experiences in the country. In addition to the great golf, French Lick Resort has multiple lodging options for groups, a variety of dining choices, a world-famous spa experience, and the bustling French Lick Casino that serves as the perfect location to cap off a day on the course.
This historic property is enjoyable for many reasons, and we’re here to give you a deeper dive into what you can expect during a trip to French Lick Resort.
French Lick Resort
The Golf
French Lick Resort is home to 45 holes of golf for resort guests to enjoy, and for those looking for an additional golf experience during their stay can enjoy Sultan’s Run Golf Club that is located about 30 minutes away from the resort that the resort can include in golf packages.
At French Lick Resort, the two stars of the show are The Pete Dye Course and The Donald Ross Course.
The Pete Dye Course
The Pete Dye Course is consistently ranked on many publications’ top golf course rankings, and with good reason. The course is massive as it tips out at 8,102 yards and has played as host to the 2015 Senior PGA Championship and will serve as the home of the season-ending Korn Ferry Tour Championship starting in 2024 as part of a 5-year initial partnership. There’s a reason why the Korn Ferry Tour selected this course as it is meant to challenge all facets of your game in typical Pete Dye fashion.
From the moment you arrive at the top of Mount Airie where the clubhouse sits, you will instantly notice the spectacular vista as The Pete Dye Course sits atop one of the highest points in all of Indiana. The challenge for Dye and his team came in the form of leveling parts of the mountain to route the golf course on, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
As if the length of this course wasn’t enough to challenge your game, you’ll find a myriad of hazards along the way here to protect par including multiple pot bunkers, various water hazards and ravines throughout, and steep drop-offs and heavy fescue rough when you go too far offline here.
We’ve found that like many other spectacular Pete Dye designs such as THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass or The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, one of the most important decisions you’ll make comes before your round as picking a sensible set of tees can make a major impact on your day. Play up a set or so if you’re looking to just enjoy the golf experience and the incredible views here, or if you’re up for a challenge, this course can certainly give you all you can handle.
The Donald Ross Course
The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort is big and bold and certainly leaves a lasting impression, yet equally as enjoyable in a much more subtle environment is its sister course: The Donald Ross Course. While this course isn’t quite as dramatic as the Dye Course with its elevation changes, it is still quite formidable and features several holes with some impressive topography that will be sure to impact your club selection.
The Donald Ross Course was originally built in 1917, and it has that feel as the course plays much more natural to the environment here giving you an incredible sense of place in the foothills of Indiana. The course features 80 bunkers that are known for the flat bottoms and deep faces alongside squared off green structures that give you that classic feel that can be found at some of the best private historic courses in the country.
While this course may not pack the same size punch as The Pete Dye Course, it is far from a pushover and serves as the perfect 1-2 combination alongside the Dye Course during your visit.
And for those golfers looking for a fun and friendly round of golf, be sure to check out The Valley Links Course that was redesigned from the original 18-hole layout by Tom Bendelow. This course has been reimagined to be a friendly environment for families and juniors to enjoy, and it can also play as long as 3,500 yards from the back tees giving it a wonderful variety for that extra 9 holes during your visit.
French Lick: Donald Ross
The French Lick Casino
Another favorite amenity available at French Lick Resort for golf groups is the always open French Lick Casino. The Casino features over 700-plus slots, interactive slots, table games, and even a sportsbook giving golfers a myriad of ways to test their luck on the casino floor. As Indiana’s only non-smoking casino, the casino floor offers a spacious experience to enjoy your gaming as well as an exclusive high-limits section for those looking for a higher-stakes in their gambling experience. Also, be sure to sign up for a French Lick Resort Rewards card while you are gaming as you can earn credit towards free nights, rounds of golf, and lots of other activities at French Lick Resort.
Lodging at French Lick
French Lick Resort is home to three main lodging options including the West Baden Springs Hotel, French Lick Springs Hotel, and the latest addition of the Valley Tower located adjacent to the casino.
West Baden is a sight to be seen as this property features a massive 200-foot atrium that is the focal point of your visit. Even if you stay onsite at one of the other properties, we suggest you drop by to take in this incredible room that was once described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” To see what we mean, click here for a virtual tour of the atrium.
The French Lick Springs Hotel was established in 1845 and has been a haven for guests seeking a classic American resort experience. The hotel offers a myriad of activities and amenities including a bowling alley, arcade, riding stables, historic tours, and a 27,000-square-foot spa just to name a few of the options.
Last, but not least is the latest addition to the property: the Valley Tower. Conveniently located near the French Lick Casino and Valley Links Golf Course, this 71-room hotel is a more modern experience and has been a big hit with golf groups who have made their way to French Lick Resort.
Recommendations
French Lick Resort offers one of the best multi-round experiences in the United States. When it comes to booking a golf trip here, you really can’t go wrong with any of the lodging options available. Also, be sure to look at the details of your golf package when you book as French Lick Resort is known for offering same-day replays in your itinerary. This is fantastic especially for The Pete Dye Course as this premium golf experience is one you will want to play as often as possible.