8670 IN-56, French Lick, Indiana 47432, US
(812) 936-9300
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About French Lick Resort

The French Lick Resort is one of golf’s most historic, and esteemed, resorts. It embraces the natural beauty of the Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana. Guests will have a tough decision choosing where to stay among the 757 guest rooms and suites of The French Lick Springs Hotel (listed on the National Register of Historic Places), the West Baden Springs Hotel (a National Historic Landmark) or the newer Valley Tower (opened in 2019). There are 45 holes of golf, a Callaway Fitting Studio, two spas, a casino, horseback riding, kids’ activities and endless meeting space. The Pete Dye course, host of numerous tournaments, ranks among the most scenic and demanding courses in the country. The classic Donald Ross course provides a nice complement. Beyond the game, there’s seven dining options; an activities center with tennis, pickleball and basketball courts; a bowling alley; arcade; fitness center and outdoor/indoor pools.

Facts

Price Range$$$, $$$$
Property Class★★★★★
Acres3000
Year Opened1845
Number of Units500+

Amenities

RestaurantsFine, Bar, Casual, Buffet
Room TypesRoom, Suite
PoolIndoor
Short CourseYes
TennisYes
Fitness CenterYes
Practice FacilityYes
Golf School/AcademyYes
CasinoYes
Banquet SpaceYes
SpaYes

Services

Kids ProgramYes
Room ServiceYes
ConciergeYes

Rules

Is the resort pet friendly?Yes
Is resort stay required for a tee time?No

Golf courses at French Lick Resort

Images from French Lick Resort

Reviews

4.5
213 Reviews (213)

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 324
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Texas Advisor
Top 25 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

100 years later, still one of the best resort Ross designs

Pinehurst may be the mecca of Donald Ross designs you can play, but French Lick shouldn't be too far behind. The Ross course, celebrating 100 years in 2017, holds its own as one of the architect's most interesting (and challenging) you can play. It hosted the 1924 PGA Championship, and good players are still in for a challenge no matter which tee box they play.

I have to admit, I actually vividly remember more holes of the Ross than the French Lick Dye course. I think it's a testament to how unique each hole looks off the tee box and how distinctive each green is. It's true that most of the greens are elevated, so this isn't a course poorer players are going to do well on. But what Ross managed to do with this pretty severe piece of land (for the Golden Era) is pretty remarkable. I just love the shaping and the roll to the fairways.

If you're a fan of the classics, this course has to be on your radar if you're around Louisville or Indianapolis.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
d184b637-9e39-516d-b298-c2dcbdea3c79
Commented on 05/15/2017

Yeah, peak season rack rate is $120. Doesn't appear to be any online tee time engine so you need to call the pro shop or resort direct.

Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/15/2017

Does the Donald Ross course in French lick offer walk-in rates without the hotel packages?

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Breathtaking

Course played amazing and the views were absolutely breathtaking. Can't wait to come back

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
I Recommend This Course
4.0

Indiana golf's favorite son Pete Dye in the home of Larry legend. Set on the highest point in the state it's a match made in heaven. That said I just liked the more traditional layout of the Ross. When I play courses I ask myself if I'd play it every day. This would be a tough loop. But I'm glad I saw it as it's clearly the most spectacular setting in this part of the Midwest.

Conditions Excellent
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
I Recommend This Course
5.0

Liked more than the dye

I am a fan of classic design so the Ross was more my speed. Blends in with the history of this wonderful resort.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 6
I Recommend This Course
4.0

4.5 stars, not quite perfect but better than average 4 stars (at least that seems to be avg on this site). Really old school layout that is still tough as nails. Good fun if you want a challenge. This resort is for serious golfers.

Value Good
Layout Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 6
I Recommend This Course
5.0

They seem to keep the price high here because they don't want the course to be busy. It's an awesome place, but I can't think of another course in the state outside French Lick that even costs $100. The way I see it, you can burn through $300 on the tables in an evening so just don't gamble and play golf instead. If you don't want to pay it, it's fine just play the Ross which is really good itself.

Conditions Excellent
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 7
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 6
I Recommend This Course
5.0

I'm not sure if any course in the Midwest should cost more than $150-200 but it was a pretty spectacular round. It's hard to believe you're ever waiting on another group out here as it feels both expansive and isolating and so quiet. In some ways I liked it more than Whistling Straits, even though my score on both were a good 10-15 shots higher than my hcp. Fun weekend in the land of Larry Legend

Conditions Excellent
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 6
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0

Bucket List - Highly Recommended

This course was an absolute beauty. Meticulously designed and expertly manicured. One of the best I have ever played. Highly Recommended.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Golf Advisor
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

A midwest dream

I had the privilege to play the Pete Dye Course at French Lick on a chamber of commerce day this summer. The course took my breath away with the course character, scenic views and conditions. To be honest, I wasn't expecting this with my first round in the state of Indiana. If you're in the area, French Lick is worth the trip and the $ for a round that you'll remember for a long time, regardless of how you play.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 169
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Golf Channel

Unbelievable

A Picture is worth a thousand words. Just take a look at the Pete Dye Course and you will see why. One of the most scenic courses you will ever play. Plenty of elevation change that will require some creativity and shot making. This is hands down one of the best golf resorts in the country. Well worth looking into for your next buddies trip !!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 169
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Golf Channel

Bring Your A Game!

Having golfed in Florida for the past few years, I had forgotten what havoc undulation plays on your golf game. The greens are fast and sloped, so if you are going to miss, try and stay below the hole if you want to shoot a good score. This is a great test of golf and I would highly recommend checking this course out!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 22
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Staff

Amazing Course All Around

This course was in great shape and I loved the layout. 100% recommend.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 15
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Staff
First Time Playing
Perfect weather

Wonderful Design with Challenging Greens

The course was in perfect shape, you'd have to look really hard to find a blemish. One thing to note is how challenging the green complexes can be. Make sure you play the correct tees and miss your approach shots in the right spots or it will be a tough day with the flat stick. I highly recommend playing both courses if you have the change, you won't regret it!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 15
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Staff
First Time Playing
Perfect weather

Breathtakingly Beautiful

The course couldn't be more beautiful! This course was on my bucket list to play as I'd heard wonderful things about it. I'm glad I made the trip as the views were stunning and the course was in perfect shape. As noted below in other reviews, playing the correct tees will make your day even more enjoyable. The course is challenging but straightforward with little "tricks". I appreciate that from a design standpoint.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Amazing Course

I have been playing golf for over 50 years, and this course is probably the most beautiful track I have ever played. It is not cheap and a forecaddy is required, but it is worth every penny. The views are spectacular, the layout is unlike anything I have played and the conditioning of the course is second to none. It is a links course, so hazards are innumerable bunkers, narrow fairways, thick rough and areas of wild fescue and yarrow. The elevation changes are constant and the views are spectacular. The course features the second highest elevation in the state of Indiana.

The staff is incredibly friendly and our caddy was friendly and invaluable, especially in determining the line for tee shots. Stop for a bite to eat at the mansion on the outdoor patio and watch all the action on the first five holes from this lofty perch.

If you go with the stay and play package, choose the West Baden hotel. The atrium is awe inspiring, the spa and pool are first rate and the restaurants serve great food at reasonable prices. You can ride the shuttle or the tram over to the old hotel and casino.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

One of the better rounds I've played

Having only played not even 2 full years of golf, this is one of the better courses I've ever played. Tee boxes are great, fairways are nice, and greens are TOUGH. Some of these greens are mind boggling and will leave you in complete frustration with their speed and undulations. Overall, a very fun, but challenging round of golf.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
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