Ross on Horseback
Legend holds that Donald Ross rode the property on horseback to plot out the course, maximizing the use of natural contours and hilltop vistas. His hands-on approach still defines the strategic feel and visual drama of each hole.
The verdict
A Detour-Worthy Ross Classic
The French Lick Ross Course pairs championship pedigree with a rugged, historic challenge. Restored to Donald Ross’s exacting intent, it offers a step back in time and a test that’s more demanding than most resort play—unforgettable for architecture devotees and Midwest golf explorers alike.
Course DNA
Difficulty
82
Scenery74
Conditioning78
Shot Variety83
Walkability64
Green Complexity89
Wow Factor80
Design Quality88
From golfers who've played it
At a glance
Quick facts
Original Ross blueprint year
1917
Major restoration completed
2005–2006
Highest point elevation
Over 880 feet above sea level
Longest hole
No. 15, Par 5, 665 yards (Gold)
Championship history
Host—1924 PGA, '59 & '60 LPGA
One-shot holes
Four par 3s, each unique in length and defense
Signature heather
Tall heather frames fairways, punishing wayward drives
Caddie program
Available for classic walking experience
The design
The architecture
The Donald Ross Course at French Lick is a pure expression of Ross’s philosophy—using terrain rather than overpowering it. The routing follows the ridge lines and hilltops, offering a brisk walk through open windswept fairways framed by heather and mature trees. Restoration work carefully revived crowned greens, deep bunkers, and the subtle angles Ross demanded, making the course a living museum of strategic golf. With immense shot variety, especially on the brutally long par 3s, this is architecture that demands respect and offers rich rewards for creative play.
Ross’s minimalist approach let the Indiana hills dictate each hole’s challenge and flow; the restoration’s faithfulness is now studied as a model for classic course revivals.
Defining features
- Severely contoured, multi-tiered greens with false fronts
- Tall heather rough lining fairways
- Dramatic elevation changes on both nines
- Classic doglegs—especially sharp at the 8th
- Mix of brute par 3s and driveable short par 4s
- Restored bunkers following Ross's original blueprints
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 1
The Opener
PAR
4
YARDAGE
422 yds (Gold)
A downhill introduction that immediately showcases the scale and grandeur of the site. The generous landing area invites confidence, but the thick heather sets the tone for accuracy.
Play it smart
Favor position over distance—anything astray brings heather and awkward lines into play on the approach.
Where it bites
Miss left and you're in unforgiving heather; deep bunkers guard a green that runs away.
Course management
Shots to think about
Long iron approach into crowned par 3
Trust safe center targets—don't chase pins or the run-off will punish you.
Uphill par-4 approach with wind
Club up and focus on trajectory; it's better to be slightly long than face the false front again.
Drive on a sharp dogleg
Resist cutting the corner—lay back for the right angle and keep it out of the heather.
Short-sided greenside pitch
Use the contours—run a bump-and-run if possible; lofted chips rarely check on these slopes.
Second shot into a par 5
Lay up short of trouble to set up an uphill approach; going for it brings deep rough and gnarly lies into play.
Approach into severely sloped green
Favor the fat part—par is good; three-putts are lurking if you get greedy.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Firm turf, pure greens, and lush fairways—classic resort standards with rugged natural rough.
Pace
Moderate—busy weekends and peak seasons can see slower resort rounds, especially with searching for balls in the heather.
Vibe
Relaxed but serious—steeped in history, with a welcoming resort atmosphere that doesn’t skimp on tradition.
Dress code
Collared shirt and standard golf attire; neat resort wear strongly encouraged
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Practice chipping from tight lies
Bring your best short game—Ross surrounds demand creativity and nerve.
02
Play conservatively off the tee
Prioritize accuracy over length, especially on doglegs and into narrow landings.
03
Prepare for tough walks
Steep elevation makes this a physically demanding round—hydration and good shoes are a must.
04
Read every green twice
Subtle slopes and crowned surfaces reward careful, deliberate pre-putt reads.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1917
Course opens as the Hill Course, designed by Donald Ross
- 1924
Hosts the PGA Championship—Walter Hagen wins
- 1959
Hosts the LPGA Championship—won by Betsy Rawls
- 1960
Hosts the LPGA Championship—won by Mickey Wright
- 2005
Begins $5 million restoration led by Lee Schmidt
- 2006
Restoration completed and original Ross design intent revived
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Crowned Greens—A Tour Pro’s Test
Even tour-level players have struggled with the Ross Course's infamous crowned greens, which repel weak approaches and make chipping a nerve-wracking art. The par 3s in particular are notorious for demanding aerial precision.
From Disrepair to Renaissance
By the late 20th century, the Ross Course had faded into neglect—until a major restoration revived its golden-age bones. Today, it stands as a showcase of how classic design can be reclaimed and celebrated.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Donald Ross is said to have surveyed the routing on horseback to harness the property’s natural movement.
2
The course features one of the longest par 5s in Indiana at 665 yards.
3
Both the 1924 PGA and early LPGA Championships were staged here, giving it true major pedigree.
4
After a long period of decline, the $5 million restoration meticulously revived Ross’s hidden details.
5
The clubhouse patio offers one of the best sunset views in Midwest golf.
Build the trip
If you’re making a French Lick golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
French Lick Resort – Pete Dye Course
Resort
Modern, visually epic design—nationally ranked and a perfect complement to the Ross classic
Sultan’s Run Golf Club
Public
Popular championship public track—regional gem about an hour away
Paoli Country Club
Public
Fun, regional value round for a laid-back afternoon 9 or 18
French Lick Resort or neighboring West Baden Springs—walk to both resort courses and enjoy full amenities
Course DNA
If You Like French Lick Resort Donald Ross Course
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.8
Streamsong Black
Bowling Green, FloridaGreen Complexity
Why it matches: Streamsong Black is a natural next stop after French Lick Resort Donald Ross Course: it makes the greens a central strategic puzzle.
Strong DNA Match9.0
The Country Club
Brookline, MassachusettsWhy it matches: If French Lick Resort Donald Ross Course is your kind of course, The Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match8.9
Boston Golf Club
Hingham, MassachusettsShot Variety
Why it matches: If French Lick Resort Donald Ross Course is your kind of course, Boston Golf Club is worth a look because it rewards imagination from tee to green.
Community Sentiment
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