Find It! You Will be Glad You Did!
Although is might be a grinding road as those on the Korn Ferry Tour have found out over the past year. Most gratifying watching the Korn Ferry Tour Championship, on the Dye Course at the French Lick Resort, as I am writing.
But, for most is will be a more leisurely drive filled with anticipation of playing at a Resort that is consistently rated as Top 75 in America by Golf Digest.
Anticipation: As you dream of your time, playing the Dye Course.
Anticipation: Of playing the diabolical greens of the Donald Ross Course.
Correct on both accounts, but the anticipation of checking into the West Baden Springs Hotel at French Lick Resort is right up there with the golf. Indeed, an unforgettable check in to say the least.
Once I check in, my first “Anticipation” is that of my first Bourbon, with jazzy blues in the background in the hotels atrium which was the largest free-span dome until the Houston Astrodome was built in the 1960’s. Some claim it to be the “Eighth wonder of the world!”
The West Baden Springs Hotel is an architectural marvel and one of many crown jewels of the resort. The National Historic Landmark was originally built in 1902 and restored in 2007. The hotel features six circular stories with rooms and suites that offer views of the spectacular atrium.
French Lick Resort – Three Hotels -One Incredible Location
From the time they were established in the mid-1800s, French Lick Resort’s grand hotels, in Southern Indiana, about an hour north of Louisville, Kentucky, have been a preferred destination for guests looking to relax and rejuvenate in comfort and style. French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel have both been restored to the grandeur of their initial heyday in the early 1900s, and the resort landscape grew in 2019 with the addition of Valley Tower. Three unique hotels provide endless options for one memorable stay.
Frenck Lick Courses:
Nowhere else in the world can you play courses designed by Pete Dye and Donald Ross together at one resort. The rolling hills of southern Indiana provide a beautiful yet challenging experience with two championship courses, plus the 9-hole Valley Links and Sand Creek courses.
The Pete Dye Course: Sketched on a napkin and carved into history by Hall of Fame architect Pete Dye, this course hosted the Senior PGA Championship in 2015. Senior PGA champion Colin Montgomerie called it “one of the iconic courses” in America and one that golfers all over the world will want to play. This championship golf course on one of Indiana’s most dramatic elevation points has narrow, immaculate fairways and rugged, intense terrain. The Pete Dye Course has gained national acclaim for its 40-mile panoramic views of the southern Indiana countryside, three man-made lakes, “volcano” bunkers and a variety of elevation changes. A robust 8,100 yards from the professional tees punctuate Dye’s signature sting from vista to vista.
Don’t dare play the Dye Course and not spend some time at The Mansion at Pete Dye. Lunch, a cocktail or two or simply capture the breathtaking view of the course and the rolling hills of Southern Indiana.
Built in 1928, The Mansion at The Pete Dye Course captures the essence of the Roaring Twenties. The mansion was built by Thomas Taggart, the former owner of French Lick Springs Hotel, for his son Thomas D. Taggart and his family.
The Donald Ross Course: Imagine stepping back in time and experience the game the way it was meant to be played. Built in 1917, this award-winning course designed by renowned architect Donald Ross maintains nearly all the classic elements of its original design. Among the trademark Ross features are 80 deep-faced bunkers that can challenge even the expert. The severely undulating greens were, and still are, some of the most radically shaped and contoured in golf. A 2006 restoration ensured the integrity of this classic layout remained intact. This par-70 course has been rated the No. 2 public course in Indiana by Golfweek every year since 2011.
The Valley Links Course: A par 36, nine-hole, fully walkable conversion of the 18-hole Tom Bendelow design that was original to French Lick Springs Hotel. With a park-like atmosphere with rolling fairways, Scottish-style fescue grasses and strategically placed bunkers, experienced golfers can take it back to a championship length of nearly 3,500 yards.
The Sand Creek Course: Offers a totally new way to enjoy the game. This is a short course featuring nine holes ranging between 40 and 90 yards, playable in about 75 minutes. Look for signature features from our championship Pete Dye and Donald Ross courses, including miniature Dye volcano bunkers and Ross’ contoured greens. Perfect for golfers of all levels — beginners, families, corporate groups and seasoned golfers alike.
Resort Activities: Whether your idea of fun is bowling, bicycling, shopping, horseback riding or simply lounging by the pool, you’ll find a wealth of activities for all seasons.
- French Lick Casino: 24/7 gaming floor with classic reel slots, to new interactive slots filled with bonus features, table games and sportsbook.
- Spas: At both Resort Hotels, offering the ultimate in relaxation.
- The Stables: home to 27 horses who have each been carefully selected and trained by our stables manager for a minimum of two years. Among them are trail horses for the 6+ miles of scenic horseback riding trails, the resort’s two carriage horses and ponies that provide rides for the little ones.
- Billiard and Bowling Pavillion: Pluto’s Alley features fun and games for all ages.
- Trolley Rides, hop on for a Ride through Rail Trolley History
- Indoor Pools
- Fitness Center
- Sporting Ranges: 75-acre sporting ranges, featuring sporting clays and archery.
And of course, no Resort is complete without PICKLEBALL! New pickleball courts located behind French Lick Casino and in East Park at West Baden Springs Hotel. Rent paddles and balls in the Activities Center at French Lick Springs Hotel or from the front desk at West Baden Springs Hotel. Courts are available on a first-come basis.
I had the pleasure of spending time on the courts with Spencer, on my most recent visit. If you are lucky maybe you will too!
It’s time to Find Your Road to French Lick, Southern Indiana, The Heartland of America. French Lick Resort
You will be glad you did. I know I can’t wait to get back! Maybe a rematch with Spencer is in my future.
