Donald Ross Course French Lick
A historic Donald Ross gem in French Lick, Indiana, offering a challenging and picturesque round with immaculate conditions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better rates
Donald Ross Course French Lick
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better rates
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Donald Ross gem in French Lick, Indiana, offering a challenging and picturesque round with immaculate conditions.
"This course is gorgeous. The greens are immaculate. The sand traps are also picturesque."
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Secure your spot on this popular course by booking in advance, especially for weekend play.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The course is very hilly with blind shots; good footwear is essential for navigating the terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Donald Ross Design
Entire Course
Experience a classic layout from a legendary architect, host to the 1924 PGA Championship.
Immaculate Greens and Bunkers
Greens and Sand Traps
The course boasts pristine greens and picturesque, deep-faced bunkers that are both beautiful and challenging.
Hole 8's Scenic Challenge
Hole 8
A visually stunning and demanding hole, often highlighted for its challenging tee shot and picturesque setting.
Par 3s with Stunning Views
All Par 3 Holes
Each par 3 offers unique challenges and breathtaking views, making them memorable holes on the course.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Tee Times
Prepare for a Challenging, Hilly Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Secure your spot on this popular course by booking in advance, especially for weekend play.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The course is very hilly with blind shots; good footwear is essential for navigating the terrain.
💰 Be Prepared for Higher Rates
This is a premium golf experience with corresponding green fees. Budget accordingly.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Ice and water stations are available on the course, but bring extra water, especially in warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Secure your spot on this popular course by booking in advance, especially for weekend play.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The course is very hilly with blind shots; good footwear is essential for navigating the terrain.
💰 Be Prepared for Higher Rates
This is a premium golf experience with corresponding green fees. Budget accordingly.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Ice and water stations are available on the course, but bring extra water, especially in warmer months.
🍽️ Plan for Lunch
Service in the grill room can be slow; consider packing a lunch or dining before/after your round.
🏌️♂️ Practice Your Putting
The greens are notoriously challenging. Expect to three-putt if you're not prepared!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Donald Ross Course for its immaculate condition, challenging yet rewarding layout, and the sheer beauty of its historic design. The greens and bunkers are particularly noted for their pristine quality. However, some find the course excessively hilly and the greens extremely difficult to putt, while the lack of a traditional driving range and slow grill room service are minor drawbacks.
"This course is gorgeous. The greens are immaculate. The sand traps are also picturesque. Everything about this course is top notch. The carts have nice GPS trackers that show you where the cart is in front of you. I also enjoyed the bathroom / ice and water station at the halfway point on the course. We stopped there a couple of times where other greens were close as well. We will be back!!!"
Crystal Southern
"Classic layout, over 100 years old, extremely hilly not a flat lie on the golf course. Every hole has a blind shot somewhere on it. The greens are unputable unless your a single digit handicap; It's a challenge just not to three putt. No one in our group didn't at least 3 putt every hole and we play golf every week. "No driving range" you have to hit into a structure that has nets and range balls... seems odd for $150 per round golf course not to find somewhere to put a driving range on the property out here in the country. Staff at the pro shops very pleasant, well stocked with many, many souvenirs. Service in the grill room is probably the slowest I've ever seen at any golf course. We ordered lunch and then left before it came because it took so long. Definitely an excellent experience all things considered but warm up in your hotel room and bring your wallet and a lunch..."
David White
"Frenk Lick Donald Ross has some of the best golf staff around in every department. Course is tough with lots of elevation. Some of my best memories are out on this course over the years."
Tim McSwain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The closest major airports are Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) and Indianapolis International Airport (IND), both about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive away. Evansville Regional Airport (EVV) is also an option, roughly a 1.5-hour drive.
Yes, French Lick Resort is accessible by car. It's located in southern Indiana and is a scenic drive from major cities like Indianapolis and Louisville.
While specific shuttle services for the golf courses might vary, the resort itself offers amenities. It's best to check with the resort directly for any on-site transportation options between accommodations and the golf courses.
From Indianapolis, it's approximately a 2.5-hour drive. From Louisville, it's about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive.
Yes, GPS navigation systems will easily guide you to the French Lick Resort and its golf courses. The resort is well-marked.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees for the Donald Ross Course can vary significantly based on the season, day of the week, and time of day. Expect rates to be in the range of $100-$200+, especially during peak season. It's recommended to check the official French Lick Resort website for current rates and packages.
Absolutely. The Donald Ross Course is very popular, and booking your tee time well in advance is highly recommended, especially if you plan to play during peak season or on weekends.
The course typically opens in the early morning and closes around dusk. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the French Lick Resort golf operations for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, French Lick Resort often offers golf packages that include rounds on multiple courses, such as the Donald Ross Course and the Pete Dye Course. These packages can provide good value. +1
Yes, golf club rentals are available at the pro shop. It's advisable to inquire about rental availability and pricing when booking your tee time.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
The Donald Ross Course is considered challenging due to its hilly terrain, blind shots, undulating fairways, and demanding greens. It's a true test of skill for golfers of all levels.
The course does not have a traditional driving range. Instead, there's a practice area with nets and range balls, which some find unusual for a course with its green fees.
The course is generally in immaculate condition, with well-maintained greens and picturesque sand traps.
Yes, the golf carts are equipped with GPS trackers that can show the location of the cart in front of you, aiding in pace of play.
There are bathroom and ice/water stations located on the course, often around the halfway point, providing convenient stops for players.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a grill room at the course for dining. Additionally, French Lick Resort offers several other dining options, including a highly recommended prime rib dinner.
Reviews suggest that service in the grill room can be quite slow, with some visitors experiencing long waits for their food.
Beyond the course grill, the resort itself offers various dining experiences. A prime rib dinner at one of the resort's restaurants is a popular recommendation.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages and snacks to a golf course. For meals, utilizing the resort's dining options or packing a lunch is advised due to potential slow service.
Yes, the resort offers excellent post-round dining. The prime rib dinner is a standout recommendation for a satisfying meal after a day on the links.
📸 📸 Photography
Many holes offer stunning views, but Hole 8 is frequently highlighted for its scenic beauty. The par 3s, in general, are also very picturesque and offer great photo opportunities. 
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – will provide the best light for photography, casting a warm glow on the course and highlighting its contours.
The elevated tee boxes on several holes offer panoramic views of the course and surrounding landscape, making them ideal spots for capturing memorable shots.
As long as you are not disrupting play or violating any course rules, you should be able to take photos from most areas. Be mindful of other golfers and the course's pristine condition.
A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most visitors, but a DSLR or mirrorless camera will allow for more creative control over lighting and composition, especially for capturing the dramatic elevation changes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family is keen on experiencing the resort's golf offerings, consider booking a tee time on the Donald Ross Course during a less busy period, perhaps a weekday morning. Focus on the enjoyment of the walk and the beautiful scenery rather than the score. The resort also offers other family-friendly activities, making it a well-rounded destination.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider playing during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) when rates might be slightly lower. Alternatively, explore other golf courses in the wider Indiana region that offer a more budget-friendly green fee while still providing a quality golfing experience.
couples
After a round, enjoy a fine dining experience at the resort, perhaps the highly recommended prime rib dinner, or explore the nearby attractions. The combination of a challenging round of golf and the resort's amenities makes for a perfect couples' retreat.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Donald Ross
+1In the early 2000s, the course underwent significant renovations to restore and enhance Ross's original design principles. These efforts focused on bringing back the strategic bunkering and contouring of the greens that are hallmarks of Ross's work. The result is a course that feels both historic and modern, offering a pure golfing experience that honors its past.
Playing the Donald Ross Course is like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into the strategic thinking and artistry that defined early 20th-century golf course design. It's a must-play for any golf aficionado interested in the game's rich heritage.
Navigating the Hilly Terrain
Many holes feature blind shots, meaning you can't see your target from the tee box. This requires trust in your yardage and a good understanding of the course's contours. The greens are also known for their undulations, making putting a significant challenge. Even short putts can break in unexpected ways, so patience and careful reading are key.
To best enjoy the course, wear comfortable, supportive footwear. Walking the course is a rewarding experience but can be strenuous. The GPS systems on the carts can help with visualizing the course, but understanding how the hills affect your ball's roll and bounce is crucial for scoring well.
The Challenge of the Greens and Bunkers
The course features numerous 'flat-bottom, deep-face' bunkers, a signature of Donald Ross's design. These bunkers are not only aesthetically pleasing but also add a layer of difficulty, requiring precise shots to escape. They are often positioned to guard the greens or penalize errant drives, demanding respect from players.
Mastering the greens and bunkers requires a solid short game. Practicing your chipping and putting before your round is highly recommended. The pristine condition of these features contributes to the overall high-quality golfing experience, making every shot feel important.
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