
Donald Ross Course
French Lick Resort

About this course
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.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in IN
Quick facts
- Location
- French Lick, IN, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1917
- Holes
- 18
- Designer(s)
- Donald Ross, Sandy Alves
- Par
- 70
- Length
- 7,030 yards
- Difficulty
- 74.7/120
- Course Vaults score
- 8.0
Getting there
The journey to French Lick Resort begins at Indianapolis International Airport, roughly ninety minutes north by car, though Louisville International serves as an equally viable gateway from the south. The drive unfolds through rolling southern Indiana farmland before descending into the forested hills and limestone hollows of the Hoosier National Forest, a landscape that feels worlds removed from the flatlands above. As the road winds into the valley town of French Lick, the twin towers of the West Baden Springs Hotel dome and the French Lick Springs Hotel rise like gilded sentinels from another era - a dramatic first glimpse of the grand resort that has drawn travelers to these mineral springs since the nineteenth century.

FAQ
Common questions about Donald Ross at French Lick Resort
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Donald Ross at French Lick Resort has a Course Vaults score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 100 logged golfers.
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.






