French Lick Resort - Donald Ross Course

The Donald Ross Course at French Lick was originally designed in 1917 by Donald Ross, who reportedly rode the property on horseback to lay out the holes. Originally known as the Hill Course, it became part of the French Lick Springs Hotel resort. Just seven years after opening, the course hosted the 1924 PGA Championship, won by the legendary Walter Hagen.

The course fell into disrepair over the decades and closed in 2005 for a comprehensive restoration by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley. The restored course reopened in November 2006, faithfully honoring Ross's original design philosophy with crowned greens, strategic bunkering, and rolling terrain while adding modern irrigation and infrastructure.

The Donald Ross Course offers a dramatically different experience from the Pete Dye Course at the same resort. Where the Dye layout is a massive modern monster, the Ross course is a classic, strategic design at a manageable 6,706 yards and par 70, showcasing the timeless principles that made Ross the most prolific architect of golf's Golden Age.

The Donald Ross Course offers classic Golden Age golf in a historic resort setting. At 6,706 yards and par 70, it is far more approachable than the Pete Dye monster on the same property. Ross's crowned greens, strategic bunkering, and rolling terrain reward thoughtful play and precise iron work.

The beautifully restored layout feels authentic to its 1917 origins while providing modern playing conditions. The pace of play tends to be more relaxed than on the Dye course.

The crowned greens are the primary defense. Approach shots that miss the correct quadrant will roll off the putting surface, leaving difficult up-and-downs. Study the green contours before each approach and favor positions below the hole.

This is a strategic course that rewards accuracy over power. Take one less club off the tee if it means hitting the fairway, and focus on approach shot positioning.