Donald Ross at French Lick Resort

Donald Ross's Indiana masterpiece at French Lick stands as a testament to strategic, old-world design, a stark and celebrated contrast to its flashy resort neighbor. Carved into the rolling hills of southern Indiana, the course presents a classic parkland experience where thoughtful positioning trumps brute strength. Ross's signature crowned greens and strategically placed bunkers demand a cerebral approach, favoring players who can shape shots and navigate subtle breaks. The routing takes full advantage of the terrain, with elevation changes creating both dramatic vistas and challenging lies.

Though Ross laid the original groundwork, subsequent architects have subtly refined the layout, ensuring its playability and relevance for the modern game. The course is known as a very difficult walk but is playable by both long hitters and the shorter hitters alike.

While major professional championships have not graced its fairways, the Donald Ross Course at French Lick is often recognized as an under appreciated layout that provides a stern test of golf in a beautiful heartland setting. The club offers an unpretentious atmosphere, where the focus remains squarely on the purity of the game.