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
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

Reviews

4.7
179 Reviews (179)

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 52
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 1000 Contributor
First Time Playing

Classic Ross

This is the 26th Ross designed course that I have played, and it is one of the very best. The course was in great condition. The first 3 par 3 holes are tough - playing one to two clubs more than the distance. Run up alleys were cut tight and a short shot may roll back quite a bit. This course is 100 years old and still kicking butt. Don't miss a chance to play it.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Classic Ross. Great views. Great staff. Can play everyday

Must play if you are a Ross fan. Staff is fantastic

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Know where to miss off tee

Fun holes, great variety. Biggest thing is knowing which side of fairway you can afford to miss on. One side will be lost ball in tall weeds, other side is playable. Different every hole.
Also par 3s are too long, I moved up 1-2 boxes on par 3s and they were much more playable. Par 3 greens are not built for 200-230 shots.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

A true Test

Played 36 (thought about 54, but the heat was a little much after 36) in about 6-7 hours. Swallow your pride and play from the right tees. Played from the bronze and it was testing. Very few even lies, tons of elevation changes in the greens (you hit the wrong side and it's a two putt at best), and semi-blind shots abound here. But this is an old school golf course which I couldn't say enough great things about. Only a couple forced carries, but most of the fairways have a hill in them which you need to clear in order to have a <200 yard approach into. The par 3s are tough. 3 of the 4 are 210-230. And from the tips, depending on where the flag is on one of them, you might be hitting it 240. The 670 par 5 on the back is fun, too.. For $120 with free replays, this is a great way to spend a day. If you've got the extra cash, I'd get a forecaddie as having one would have helped a lot on a few shots the first time round. Facilities are great, the guys who were there could not have been nicer-- if you're around her,e go play it.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

great change of pace

I can't believe this course hasn't been reviewed in years. Love the layout, love the course conditions, staff is very friendly. I don't understand the price hike. Could have used a marshal on the back nine. Our 3some was cruising along until we got bogged down by a foursome which backed up 5 holes behind us. You paid $59 for the round what's another $3 in a lost ball in the weeds, drop and move on.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 13
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Blown away

They treat you like a king from the moment you pull up. Forecaddies pair with you on the practice facility, cleaning you clubs, which I've never seen at a public facility. Course is spectacular, the views are breathtaking. The clubhouse is small but has everything you need and the food was great. Overall a memorable destination.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 324
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Texas Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Sublime morning on an infamous test

The last time I was in French Lick, just prior to the Dye Course opening, a Hurricane blew through, wrecking havoc on this part of the Midwest just prior to the Valhalla Ryder Cup. So I suppose I was due for some idyllic weather this time around. That's just what we got, and our first-off tee time on the Dye Course in late-April blessed us with an incredible morning sunrise.

Well known as one of resort golf's toughest rounds, the Dye Course was really about as "gettable" of conditions as we'll ever get (I'm told it can blow up here - but we had no wind). And despite a few swing gags (Dye's always had my number off the tee) I was able to finish my round pretty strong - enough to leave with a few good memories of my game and not just good photos. Frankly, this is a distracting place to play because so many greens and tees have incredible backdrops. The course actually reminds me of Castle Stuart in that regard, so many green sites have infinity backdrops or incredible vantage points. We could have played in under 3 hours if it weren't for all of our picture-taking.

I don't love some of Pete Dye's stuff just because I prefer the shaping of holes to be a little more mellow. (I know, if he woke up one day with my career he'd jump out a window). But you can't argue with the course he managed to build on this elevated and severe site. He's always been a genius in terms of golf course construction, and this one's up there with any other in the Midwest. It's certainly fitting that a Dye design will be on some of Indiana's highest ground. The Hoosier-born genius certainly deserves a lofty place in this state and this game for many years to come.

Conditions Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 324
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Texas Advisor
Top 10 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 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 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 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 168
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 168
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 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 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 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 19
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 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
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 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
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