FRENCH LICK RESORT
🇺🇸 French Lick, IN, USA
Designed by Donald Ross, Sandy Alves



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.
Reviews
Crazy greens and tough par 3s
Difficult Donald Ross. Thick rough. Lots of elevation.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Donald Ross at French Lick Resort has a Course Vaults score of 8 out of 10 based on 54 explicit golfer ratings.
Donald Ross was designed by Donald Ross and Sandy Alves.
Yes. Donald Ross at French Lick Resort is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Donald Ross is 70.
Donald Ross plays 7,030 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Donald Ross is 120.