French Lick
Donald Ross Course at French Lick
Classic Donald Ross resort golf
The Ross course is the round many groups enjoy more. The fairways are not trying to embarrass you, but the approaches are a different conversation: sidehill lies, uphill lies, downhill lies, elevated greens, deep-faced bunkers, and enough contour to make flat putting surfaces feel like a rumor.
Course gallery
2 photos
The take
The Ross course is the round many groups enjoy more. The fairways are not trying to embarrass you, but the approaches are a different conversation: sidehill lies, uphill lies, downhill lies, elevated greens, deep-faced bunkers, and enough contour to make flat putting surfaces feel like a rumor.
It is the older, smarter, more playable half of the trip. If Dye is the headline, Ross is the reason French Lick has balance.
Best for
The soul of the trip, architecture-minded players, better replay value
Watch out
Groups underrating it because it has fewer aerial photos
How to play it
Do not treat this as the warm-up. It is essential.
Course intelligence
What you need to know
Strengths
- Historic architecture
- Better rhythm than Dye
- Strong greens
- Uneven-lie approach shots
- Essential contrast
Watch-outs
- Less dramatic visually
- No driving range on site
- Can still bite around greens
Signature holes
2, 8, 13, 18
Book it right
Cost, access, and timing
Green fees
2026 published in-season rate: $175; shoulder rates: $100 opening-April 15 and $125 October 26-closing.
Best season
Best window: May through October.
Caddies / walking
Carts are mandatory for Dye and Ross unless arranged in advance.
Replay priority
High
Booking move
Book Dye and Ross first, then lodging.
Weather read
Pick the right window.
Best window: May through October.
Jan
45F / 25F
Sun Mixed; rain Medium
Feb
50F / 29F
Sun Mixed; rain Medium
Mar
60F / 38F
Sun Good; rain Medium
Apr
70F / 48F
Sun Good; rain High
May
78F / 58F
Sun Good; rain High
Jun
86F / 67F
Sun Hot; rain Medium
Google review
5/5 - 9 months ago
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
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
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Google review
4/5 - 9 months ago
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 ev
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 ev
Read full reviewClose review
Google review
5/5 - a year ago
What an amazing course. One of my favorite Donald Ross courses I’ve ever played. Very challenging but , extremely rewarding as well. Layout is amazing. Pristine conditions, staff is super friendly. Can’t wait to go back.
What an amazing course. One of my favorite Donald Ross courses I’ve ever played. Very challenging but , extremely rewarding as well. Layout is amazing. Pristine conditions, staff is super friendly. Can’t wait to go back.
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