FRENCH LICK, Indiana (October 28, 2021) — Amid a record year for business at French Lick Resort’s three golf courses, more accolades continue to roll in from the nation’s leading golf publications.
Last month, The Pete Dye Course at French Lick was named in the Top 20 of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, as awarded by Golf Digest. Coming in at #19, The Pete Dye Course was one of just two Indiana courses to make the list, earning elite company near the top of the rankings alongside other legendary properties including Pebble Beach (ranked #1), Whistling Straits, Pinehurst and Bethpage Black.
Golf Digest named The Pete Dye Course “Best New Public Course of 2009” when it opened in April of that year, and it has made Golf Digest’s “100 Greatest” rankings every year since 2011.
Award streaks continued in 2021 for both of the resort’s championship 18-hole courses. In GolfWeek’s “Best You Can Play” in Indiana rankings, The Pete Dye Course at French Lick earned the #1 spot, while The Donald Ross Course at French Lick came in at #2. It’s the 12th consecutive year that the Dye course has occupied the #1 position on this list, while the Ross course has followed right behind at #2 for 11 years running.
Additionally, The Donald Ross Course which traces its roots back to 1917 was named to Historic Hotels of America’s list of “Top 25 Most Historic Golf Courses” for 2021.
“To have two elite courses that are well-respected by the golf community located together at the same resort is a tremendous point of pride for our dedicated staff as well as our community,” said Dave Harner, French Lick Resort’s Director of Golf.
“We have golfers from surrounding states, and even coming from as far away as California, Texas and New York, because we offer the change to play two very different golf courses from two very different eras. You can an old-school course in the Donald Ross, and then a modern facility in the Pete Dye Course. There’s a lot to experience for the golfer who wants to get the most out of their trip.”
Following a strong 2020 season when demand for outdoors and socially distanced recreation kept the golf courses busy, business at French Lick Resort’s three courses is up 50% in 2021 year to date over 2019. The public can play any of the Resort’s three golf courses, including the 9-hole Valley Links.
With golf business booming and tee times often booked well in advance, there is limited availability throughout the final stretch of the 2021 golf season, especially Fridays through Sundays. The tentative final day of the 2021 golf season is November 7 at Pete Dye and November 28 at Donald Ross, though those could fluctuate based on weather and conditions. The Valley Links Course remains open, weather permitting, throughout the winter.
Harner noted that many groups are already starting to book for the 2022 season, when the Dye and Ross courses typically open mid to late March. Starting next year, the resort’s stay-and-play packages will all include bonus rounds at Valley Links.
2022 also promises to be an active year for golf tournaments in French Lick. The Pete Dye Course will host the Men’s Big Ten Conference Championship (April 28-May 1) and also host the Indiana Amateur Championship (June 20-22) for the first time since 1922. The Symetra Tour will also play its French Lick Resort Stroke Play Championship (August 4-7) at the Dye course, with future stars of the LPGA vying for the largest purse and champion’s share in the Symetra Tour’s 41-year history.
More on golf at French Lick Resort: www.frenchlick.com/golf
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ABOUT FRENCH LICK RESORT
French Lick Resort is a $600 million historic restoration and casino development project that includes West Baden Springs Hotel, French Lick Springs Hotel and French Lick Casino. This Midwest premier resort destination features 757 guest rooms and suites; a 51,000 square-foot, single-level casino; 45 holes of golf including the fully restored 1917-designed Donald Ross Course at French Lick and the 18-hole Pete Dye Course at French Lick; two full-service spas with a combined 36 treatment rooms; meeting and event space totaling 169,000 square feet; and an array of dining and entertainment options.
