Even casual sports fans know that French Lick, Indiana is the home of NBA legend, Larry Bird. Golfers know that the French Lick Resort, in southern Indiana, has two of the best golf courses in the Midwest.
The Donald Ross Course is a historic beauty with undulating greens that cause even the best putters to three and four putt. The Pete Dye course is one of his very best designs, has won numerous awards and hosted several big events. A third course the nine-hole Valley Links Course and practice range is perfect for an emergency nine, a round with the family, or just working on your game.
In addition, the accommodations, dining and service at French Lick are second to none.
Everyone loves the golf at the French Lick Resort, but man does not live by golf alone. Two hotels, The French Lick Springs Hotel and Casino, plus the West Baden Springs Hotel provide the very best in lodging at this upscale resort.
West Baden Springs Hotel
The West Baden Springs Hotel is a one-of-a-kind experience. Originally built in 1855 to capitalize on the healing waters from the springs in French Lick, it was named after Baden-Baden in Germany, the great mineral European Mineral Spa.
The eight-story atrium of the West Baden Springs is awe-inspiring. A marvel of its time, it has been called the 8th Wonder of the World.
After various ownership changes the building had fallen into disrepair. The Cook Group invested $500 million into the French Lick Resort and restored this grand old dame to her original beauty. It is a marvel and a visit to the West Baden Springs Hotel will leave a lasting impression.
While the French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel embrace their distinguished history, the resort just completed the Valley Tower that added 71 new rooms adjacent to the Casino. They are comfortable, beautifully appointed and the rooms can be connected to accommodate families and various groups.
Dining
One of my favorite things at the resort is the variety and quality of the dining options. They take their food service very seriously and both The 1895 Steakhouse in the French Lick Springs Hotel, as well as, Sinclair’s in the West Baden Springs Hotel, serve only the finest cuts and dishes to please the most discerning diner.
If you are looking for a more casual dining experience, French Lick has several options. The Power Plant Bar & Grill, The Grand Collonade and Pluto’s Pizzeria are all located in the French Lick Springs Hotel.
Ballard’s in the Atrium at the West Baden Inn allows diners to take in the beauty of the domed lobby, while enjoying a delicious repast, or favorite adult beverage.
Fun Fact: Tomato Juice was first served at French Lick Resort
In 1917, Head Chef Louis Perrin was preparing the breakfast menu for the guests and realized they were out of oranges for juice. Ever resourceful, Perrin grabbed a handful of tomatoes and created a new beverage, tomato juice.
Using ripe tomatoes, a touch of sugar and his secret sauce, the Chef created a new breakfast drink that was a huge success. News of the drink spread quickly throughout the country and people arrived at the hotel just to try the interesting concoction. Soon there were too many orders for tomato juice and The Springs kitchen couldn’t keep up with the demand.
The Donald Ross Course
This classic Donald Ross Course opened for play in 1917. The topography allowed Ross to perch greens atop hills, which created uphill approach shots to greens with false fronts. His devilish undulations on the greens always make the dreaded three-putt the rule, rather than the exception and four putts are never out of the equation.
The 1924 PGA Championship, won by Walter Hagen was held on the Donald Ross Course at French Lick, as well as the 1959 and 1960 LPGA Championships.
It has hosted several EPSON Tour featuring the brightest young women professional golfers trying to make their way to the LPGA Tour.
After your round enjoy a cold beverage and a tasty sandwich in Hagen’s Clubhouse Restaurant. If the weather cooperates the best seats can be found on the veranda with unobstructed views of the first and tenth tees, as well as the ninth and 18th greens.
The Pete Dye Course
When French Lick first asked Pete Dye to design a golf course atop the second highest peak in Indiana, he was not keen on the idea. But after more consideration, plus a few scratches on a cocktail napkin, Dye came up with a routing that created one of the most challenging and beautiful golf courses in the world.
Using the steep terrain, he created elevated tees that provide majestic views. From the back tees at the 11th hole golfers can see for over 40 miles in every direction, although the fairway seems to be but a small oasis far away in the distance. Every golfer despite their handicap, must take the steep drive up the cart path to check out this amazing site and send at least one drive soaring into the great blue yonder.
Be sure to appreciate the ‘volcano bunkers’ that reside in the right rough along the second fairway. To our knowledge you cannot not see this unique design feature at any other golf course in the world.
The Pete Dye Course has hosted several big tournaments. The 2010 PGA Professional National Championship and the 2015 Senior PGA Championship, won by Colin Montgomerie, were both held on the Dye Course.
The ladies like the Dye Course too. Alice Dye hosted her annual charity event on the Dye Course, plus it hosted a Legend’s Tour event for senior women professionals, beginning in 2013. In 2017, The Senior LPGA Championship became the first major tournament for senior women.
The BIG 10 Men’s Championship and the Indiana Men’s Amateur was held on The Pete Dye Course last year.
Don’t forget to visit the Mount Airie Mansion before you head back down the hill. Formerly the Taggert Family Mansion, it sits at the very top of the mountain and provides breath-taking views as you savor your favorite sandwich.
There is a statue of Pete Dye near the mansion and the inscription is pure Pete Dye,
“The ardent golfer would play Mount Everest if somebody would put a flagstick on top.”
Casino
In between rounds guests can try their hand at every game of chance imaginable in the Casino.
With over 700 slot machines in the spacious French Lick Casino jackpot hunters are sure to find something they will like. In addition, French Lick is constantly updating their games with progressives and interactive games with bonus potential.
Choose from over 25 table games on the Casino floor. Blackjack, craps, roulette, as well as other popular games are all available. Plus, French Lick’s experienced dealers are glad to help the inexperienced player.
The newly renovated Sportsbook Lounge with wall-to-wall television screens and comfortable club chairs in the French Lick Casino provide real time viewing, plus allows players to place wagers on all their favorites, as well as the underdogs, while enjoying their favorite food, or adult beverage.
It’s the perfect place to kick back and still enjoy all the action.
Spas at French Lick
If you are a little achy after your round on The Donald Ross or Pete Dye Courses relax and allow yourself to be pampered in one of the two Spas at French Lick.
Both the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel offer luxuriously appointed spas to help calm and soothe tired muscles. Professional massage, facials, body wraps, scrubs, as well as manicures and pedicures are all available inside the soothing Spa atmosphere.
The French Lick Resort in southern Indiana has long been a favorite for discerning travelers. In addition to the two fabulous championship golf courses, the Pete Dye and the Donald Ross, it boasts a historic Tom Bendelow nine-hole course that is perfect for the entire family, or just a quick round to satisfy that golf itch.
