Luxury Golf Courses: The Donald Ross Course at French Lick Resort

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One of the most celebrated golf courses in the nation, The Donald Ross Course at French Lick Resort in West Baden Springs, Indiana has been home to PGA championships, The Donald Ross Championship, and many other tournaments and events, as well as casual and professional players, for nearly a century.

The Donald Ross Golf Course at French Lick Resort West Baden Springs, Indiana Luxury Golf Courses of the World

The Donald Ross Course at French Lick Resort

Location: French Lick Resort
in West Baden Springs, Indiana
Holes: 18 Holes
Experience Level: Suitable for Beginners to Advanced
Reservations: Recommended
Lessons Available: Yes
Equipment Rental: Yes
Cart Rental: Yes
Food Options: Hagen’s Club House
Al Fresco or Indoor Dining

About the Course

The Donald Ross Course at French Lick Resort in West Baden Springs, IN was designed in 1917 by famed architect Donald Ross for whom the course is named. Ross designed more than 400 fabulous golf courses throughout North America, 11 of which are counted amongst the top 100 courses in the world, and his courses are revered amongst golfers for their challenging holes, complex designs, and beautiful natural features and usage of native landscaping.

This stunning feat of architecture and design was renovated to the tune of $5 Million dollars in 2005, which restored many of the original features to their former gory after nearly a century of use and enjoyment. The course has also been consistently ranked the second best golf course in Indiana for the past 8 years, and has also been voted the 83rd best golf course in the nation by Golf Digest Magazine. For a full list of the course’s accolades, check out their list of awards here.

Course Features

The course, which is par 70, has 80 sand traps, which were Donald Ross’ signature course feature and a challenge for more casual players, is a stunning display of elegant golfing nestled within Southern Indiana. Chilled water bottles are available at several of the holes throughout the course, and golf carts are equipped with GPS maps and digital displays that show which hole the driver is nearest, as well as information about each hole. These screens can also give digital tours of the course, and help golfers determine their play strategy, making it one of the first golf courses in the country to utilize such technology.

Rentals & Lessons

The Golf Shop offers everything a golfer could need, from shoes, socks, tees, and golf balls to clothing and accessories, club bags, and so much more. Clubs are available for rent, as well as golf carts, and golfing lessons can be enjoyed at the nearby Valley Links course, which is another highly acclaimed golf course in Indiana.

Dining

Named for the third most decorated golfer in American History, who won the 1922 British Open at the Donald Ross Course, Hagen’s Club House is the perfect spot to grab lunch after a round of golf. Serving everything from soups and sandwiches to ribs, seafood, salads, and burgers, there’s something for everyone at this Trip Advisor favorite restaurant.

Setting Up a Tee Time

To schedule a tee time, speak with the front desk at either West Baden Springs Hotel or French Lick Resort, or call (812) 936-5523 to speak to someone at the golf course for a reservation.

We had an excellent time playing this award winning course, and while we aren’t professional golfers by any means, we were still able to enjoy a round on the lush green grass under the beautiful blue skies in a way that was quintessentially Indiana.