Any info on French Lick IN golf resort?

[ChipNRun]

 

I occasionally get ads for the golf resort in French Lick, IN.

 

The anchor course is the Donald Ross layout (picture left) built in 1917 that features 80-plus robust bunkers. It hosts the popular French Lick Charity Classic each August, an Epson Tour event (LPGA developmental).

 

The other two courses are the Pete Dye course which hosted the 2015 Senior PGA Championship, plus the Valley Links 9-hole layout. The affiliated Sultan's Run course is located in nearby Jasper, IN.

 

I'm wondering if any of you have played the courses, and what the resort is like.

 

Good value for dollar, friendly staff, good golf environment, other sight-seeing opps nearby?

 

[StoutKing]

I played the Ross course years ago.  If wasn't cheap but it was a great course. We didn't stay at the resort and the Dye course wasn't built yet.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I played the Ross course back in August of 2022. I think that I paid $125. Very hilly, tough golf course. Have NOT played the Dye course and it looks to be even more penal, not to mention it's at least $350. 

 

I liked Sultan's Run much, much better and it was cheaper than the Ross course.

 

 

Edited February 23, 2024 by BEND OF THE RIVER GC

[Maroon_19]

Played both Ross and Dye in May, 2021.  Love them both.

 

Ross is a beautiful hilly course with Donald Ross greens.  If you know you know.  

 

The Dye is a spectacular course.  You want to play it with at least a fore-caddy the first time through tho.  I've played a lot of Dye courses and this one is the most diabolical course I've played.  He's got you looking one way when the ball really needs to go the other.  The golf course is outstanding but the visual trickery will get you if you aren't paying attention.

 

I was there with a big group of guys - think there were 24 that year - and played four rounds (two on each course).  We all stayed at the Springs Hotel.  Really nice place.  It was a great trip all the way around.  French Lick was one of our less expensive guy trips.  The resort employees were great.  We had no complaints.

Edited February 23, 2024 by Maroon_19

[StudentGolfer4]

All three courses mentioned are good and worth playing. 20 or so years ago the resort got a huge influx of cash from an Indiana man that owns a medical company. The resort was brought back to its glory days and pretty much the entire property was revamped.

Current rates are $150 for the Ross and $400 for the Dye. Free relays included on the Dye and a forecaddie is required for round 1.

 

The Ross is a classic course on rolling property with a great set of greens. Dont quote this, but I’m pretty sure Curley-Schmitt handled the restoration and did a fantastic job. 
 

The Dye course is a new modern Dye could built on the top of the hills. Fairways and greens are built up and Dye used inverted “volcano bunkers” throughout the course. 
 

To me, the Ross course is the best on property but I prefer classic courses. The Dye is great to play once or twice but really after seeing it I don’t have any need to go back and play it again. I would play the Ross course 2-3 times a week given the chance. 
 

As mentioned, Sultans run is 30-40 minutes away and another nice course. To me, its not on the same level as either at the resort but that’s personal opinion. It’s a fun layout through the southern Indiana hills with a lot of elevation and memorable holes. Peak rates are around $100. This isn’t a knock on Sultans, its good, just not on the level of the other two. The 9 hole valley links is fine but best to be skipped. 

 

Staff at the resort is good. There’s not a ton to do outside of the resort. There’s the small town of French Lick within walking distance from the resort with a couple local restaurants and bars. Larry Bird has a place to eat in town that’s worth a stop. Both hotels are nice but nice in an old and historic way. If you want modern this isn’t the place for you. 
 

As a golf trip the golf is very good but there isn’t a lot to do outside of golf other than the casino. Lodging with groups in mind and a par 3 course with large putting green would make this an upper echelon Midwest Stay and Play. 
 

As far as value for your dollar everyone has a different opinion. Aside from the Ross course I think it’s all a bit overpriced. (Don’t get me started on $400 for the Dye course). Room rates are ok but food is surprisingly high and the quality of what I’ve eaten is average. Funny enough, the clubhouse at the mansion is probably the best place on property for dinner! It’s a destination resort and they can charge destination prices. (Think of places like Omni Homestead, Nemacolin or the Greenbrier and French Lick is along those lines. Not saying better or worse but similar types of resorts to me.) 

Edited February 23, 2024 by StudentGolfer4

[mci711]

3 minutes ago, StudentGolfer4 said:

As far as value for your dollar everyone has a different opinion. Aside from the Ross course I think it’s all a bit overpriced. (Don’t get me started on $400 for the Dye course). 

 

It is all you can play. I played 54 holes a few years ago (I believe the rate then was $250-300). Unless they've changed that, I don't think it is a bad deal at all. 

 

Looking at the website it says "replay included" so it may just be two rounds now. Either way, $200 each, is fair. 

 

@ChipNRun I would look into adding Pfau Course at Indiana University to any trip in that region. It is awesome, definitely better than Sultan's Run, which is ok, kind of odd and quirky. 

 

 

 

 

[Husker4theSpurs]

On 2/23/2024 at 12:13 PM, mci711 said:

 

 

@ChipNRun I would look into adding Pfau Course at Indiana University to any trip in that region. It is awesome, definitely better than Sultan's Run, which is ok, kind of odd and quirky. 

 

 

 

 

I second this 100% ... especially if you're flying in and out of IND.

[tim_harris]

Stayed there a couple years ago with my wife and son.  Played the Ross and Dye course….for me the Dye course is one of my favorites.  Honestly trying to figure out a way to get back in the area just so I and play it again.  I wouldn’t call it cheap but also wasn’t to bad…..

 

I will say there isn’t much in the area.  Pretty much just going to golf and eat on property.  Good place for a long weekend but wouldn’t want to stay there much more than that.

[Husker4theSpurs]

The resort has an old-timey Southern feel to it, but it's certainly not a bad place. Like others saying, not a lot to do there. But if you're like me you don't mind that--just about golf and getting away.

Ross course was not in as good of shape a couple falls ago when I went there--fairways had something wrong with them--but the time prior it was prime. Many preferred the Ross course overall.

The Dye course is an experience. I really thought it was beautiful--the topography was unexpected for me. It's a tough challenge but not due to what you're looking at as far as visual intimidation. It's just tough. Most won't score well, but if you are about the experience it's great. Expensive, unless you consider it as an all day play for certain.

[umassgolfer]

I was there for the Sr. PGA Championship whenever they hosted it. So I didn't get to play the Dye - but it looked awesome from an experience as noted above. We did sneak away for a couple rounds at the Ross, which was amazing and I'd highly recommend. Not mentioned yet here is the resort itself has (had?) a casino attached for evenings. IN casinos apparently can't give free drinks, but it was a good evening activity. There was also a bowling alley in the resort IIRC. The town itself was very sleepy, I seem to recall a decent sports bar or something but that was about it.

[ajs72287]

I've been there on 2 separate occasions for golf trips. The second time was during Covid so the resort experience was less than stellar then, but it's a beautiful property and the casino is a plus if you like to gamble a little. There's a pretty good selection of restaurants as well. The Ross course is fun to play and has that classic layout referenced above. As far as the condition during the times I was there, it was fairly decent, but you could definitely tell it got a lot of play. The Dye course is worth playing at least once for sure. There's beautiful views, immaculate conditions, and exactly what you would expect for paying that premium price. We had a little bit of a bad experience with a caddy there on one of the trips....we played 27, bought him multiple beers and lunch (easily $100+ worth), and then each of the four of us tipped him $50 at the end of the day. Let's just say he was less than thrilled and made sure we knew it. Overall, it's a great golf trip/destination that I think would be worth the trip for sure.