FRENCH LICK RESORT
🇺🇸 French Lick, IN, USA
Designed by Tom Bendelow





Valley Links at French Lick Resort is a tribute to the grand, expansive layouts of the early 20th century, a modern iteration that captures the spirit of a bygone era of American golf. The course sprawls across the rolling Indiana countryside, an area once known for its mineral springs and now a haven for resort golf. Its wide fairways and gently contoured greens evoke a sense of openness, though strategically placed bunkers and subtle undulations ensure a thinking player's game is rewarded. While seemingly benign, the course favors those who can shape the ball, offering both challenging angles and strategic choices off the tee.
Designed by the renowned Pete Dye and his wife Alice Dye, Valley Links offers generous landing areas and accessible putting surfaces. The course is visually stunning and provides a stern but fair test of golf. Its design philosophy welcomes players of all skill levels. The course's design ethos—Pete Dye's last co-design with his wife, Alice—ensures both challenge and accessibility.
While Valley Links has yet to host a major professional championship, its character and playability have made it a popular destination for amateur events and resort guests. The course stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic golf course architecture adapted for the modern game, offering a blend of strategy, aesthetics, and playability, that have earned it a place amongst the most enjoyed courses in the region.
Locals whisper that the course's generous fairways were initially conceived by Pete Dye as a playful jab at resort golfers, offering forgiveness while subtly challenging their strategic thinking. The club's convivial atmosphere, reminiscent of old-school golf clubs, fosters a relaxed environment where storytelling over a post-round drink is as valued as a well-struck shot.
Reviews
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Valley Links at French Lick Resort has a Course Vaults score of 5.6 out of 10 based on 12 explicit golfer ratings.
Valley Links was designed by Tom Bendelow.
Yes. Valley Links at French Lick Resort is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Valley Links is 36.
Valley Links plays 3,478 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Valley Links is 116.