ARCHITECTS
Course info
Score
Difficulty
Weather
Price
Course Report
Donald Ross himself scouted the land for the course on horseback alongside the resort’s owner, personally ensuring the course would highlight the region’s dramatic hills, undulating greens, and stunning views. Many of those original design features are still a challenge for golfers over 100 years later.
About
The Donald Ross Course at French Lick Resort, designed in 1917 by the legendary Donald Ross and painstakingly restored, offers a classic parkland golf experience. Distinguished by bold bunkering and radically contoured greens, this par-70 layout runs through the rolling hills of southern Indiana and has hosted events including the 1924 PGA Championship. It provides a superb throwback test of golf for all abilities.
Caddie Tip
Approach shots demand precision: the original Ross greens are severely sloped from back to front and placing your ball below the hole is a must to avoid difficult downhill putts. Don’t let the moderate yardage fool you: smart course management and avoidance of the deep bunkers will save strokes.
The Main Challenge
The greatest test here is mastering the fiercely sloped, undulating greens—most slope from back to front and are well protected by deep, penal bunkers. Maintaining control over approach shots and mastering tricky putts is essential to posting a good score. The elevation changes and swirling winds can add further complexity, especially on the back nine.
The Good
Golfers rave about the classic, strategic design—Ross’s use of elevation, bold bunkering, and severely contoured greens create a fun, thoughtful challenge. Many consider the traditional parkland feel, impressive restoration, and historic atmosphere among the highlights, lending every round a sense of occasion and nostalgia.
The Not So Good
Guests often mention that the pronounced slopes and challenging green complexes can be daunting and sometimes lead to slow play or frustration, particularly for higher-handicap players. Improved signage and clearer cart path access across some blind areas could also assist first-timers in navigating the layout more effectively.
Signature Hole:
#
18
The par-4 18th is considered the Donald Ross Course’s signature hole, finishing dramatically in front of the clubhouse. The hole demands accuracy off the tee to a sloping fairway, followed by an approach to a raised, severely undulating green that captures the essence of Ross’s design philosophy—rewarding precision while punishing missteps.
Clubhouse
Hagen’s Clubhouse Grill features panoramic views and a full-service restaurant. Locker rooms, a well-stocked golf shop, spacious lounge areas, and event spaces are all available, providing a first-rate experience before and after your round.
Practice Facilities
Comprehensive practice amenities include a driving range, putting green, and short game area. The on-site pro shop offers rental clubs, lessons, and a wide variety of golf apparel and accessories. Practice facilities are well maintained and always open during main season hours.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
.avif)
.png)
.webp)
.png)
