Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
FRENCH LICK – The French Lick Resort’s two golf courses have recently been named to two listings of the best golf courses in the United States.
In Golfweek’s 2023 listing of the top 50 casino golf courses, the French Lick Resort’s Pete Dye Course was ranked No. 4 and the Donald Ross Course No. 9. The list, released last week, focuses on courses owned and/or operated by or in conjunction with casinos, with data pulled from Golfweek‘s database of course rankings.
The Resort’s two courses also made the list of 28 best resort courses in the US and Canada, according to Golf.com.
Here’s what Golf.com had to say:
“If you’ve never played the Pete Dye Course, you’ll be hugely impressed by the site of the ’15 Senior PGA Championship. Truly great work by the Indiana native on this dramatic piece of Southern Indiana territory. The Donald Ross Course has been on the property for more than 100 years, and while it’s not as dramatic, it’s a stirring test by one of the game’s master architects.”
In both rankings, the Pete Dye and the Donald Ross find themselves in some pretty esteemed company. Other courses on the list are located at Four Seasons Resort in Hawaii, Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head, S.C., Pebble Beach Resort in Pebble Beach, Calif., and Kiawah Island Golf Resort in Kiawah Island, S.C.
Dave Harner, director of golf operations for French Lick Resort, said the architecture of the courses is at the heart of what makes each one stand out, but it takes more than great architecture to build the reputation that defines the Resort’s courses.
“We provide something unique and people are looking for something unique,” he said.
In addition to the spectacular views and challenging layouts of each course, Harner said friendly staff and great service continue to bring golfers to Orange County.
“Nothing really beats good hospitality. I think that’s a big thing,” Harner said. “I don’t think you can find a more friendly group of people who are willing to help because they want people to enjoy their little town.”
National rankings bring a wider awareness to Orange County as a destination.
“It’s another thing to talk about and it gives you credibility,” Harner added.
The French Lick Resort continues to see growth for rounds played as well as securing large tournaments. The Korn Ferry Tour Championship will be played on the Pete Dye Course beginning in 2024 and will remain there at least through 2028.
Harner said the 2024 golf calendar already has a few weekends that are fully booked.