French Lick: Classic Golf Set in Scenic Southern Indiana.
Southern Indiana’s rolling hills and wooded valleys create a picturesque setting for golf that blends strategy with natural beauty. Courses in the French Lick region showcase thoughtful routing and varied elevation, rewarding careful planning and precision. Architectural designs emphasize a classic yet engaging style that harmonizes with the region’s scenic landscapes. The overall experience is both inviting and memorable, offering a destination that appeals to golfers of all skill levels.
Featured Golf Courses
The Pete Dye Course – French Lick, IN
Architect: Pete Dye & Alice Dye (2009)
This championship layout winds through rolling Southern Indiana terrain, blending dramatic elevation changes with strategic bunkering. The routing demands thoughtful shot placement and offers a mix of risk-reward opportunities. Natural contours and water features enhance both the visual and strategic character. The design exemplifies Pete Dye’s signature boldness and precision-focused philosophy.
Sultans Run – Jasper, IN
Architect: Tim Liddy (1992)
Nestled in Southern Indiana’s rolling hills, the course combines wide fairways with strategic hazards. Designed by Tim Liddy, a protégé of Pete Dye, the routing flows through natural valleys and wooded corridors, offering varied challenges on every hole. Bunkers and water features are positioned to reward thoughtful shot-making. The architectural feel blends elegance, playability, and Southern Indiana’s scenic beauty.
The Donald Ross Course – French Lick, IN
Architect: Donald Ross (1917); Restored by Lee Schmidt
Set amid the gentle hills and mature woodlands of Southern Indiana, the course showcases Donald Ross’s timeless design philosophy. Thoughtful routing emphasizes strategic angles and natural contours, with each hole presenting a unique challenge. Bunkers and green complexes are carefully positioned to reward precision and intelligent play. The layout blends elegance with subtle complexity, offering a classic Ross experience.
Plan Your Next Trip the Right Way
See how the courses, hotels, and areas sit relative to each other in French Lick Area.
Insider Notes:
Sultan’s Run: Start your trip with a round at Sultan’s Run for the smoothest airport-arrival logistics before settling into the French Lick courses.
Aerification & Overseeding Schedules: It varies, call ahead to confirm course conditions before booking.
The French Lick Scenic Railway: Is especially atmospheric near sunset, when the hills glow gold across the valleys and forests.
The French Lick Casino: Offers dining, gaming, and entertainment for groups looking to unwind after golf.
Dining: Ranges from casual pub spots to upscale steakhouses, so it’s easy to plan meals that fit your group’s style.
Airport Access:
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
The Donald Ross Course at French Lick: ~1 hour 25 minutes
The Pete Dye Course at French Lick: ~1 hour 25 minutes
Sultan’s Run: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Driving Times:
Louisville, KY: ~1 hour 20 minutes
Indianapolis, IN: ~2 hours 20 minutes
Cincinnati, OH: ~2 hours 50 minutes
Nashville, TN: ~3 hours 20 minutes
St. Louis, MO: ~3 hours 30 minutes
Chicago, IL: ~5 hours
Columbus, OH: ~5 hours 50 minutes
The Pete Dye Course – French Lick, IN Reviews
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“Excellent condition, views are excellent, our forecaddie Colton was extremely helpful choosing where to aim and distance to rely on.”
-Jeff
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"What an amazing experience! The course was phenomenal - amazing views, lush layout, challenging. The staff was great too. Especially our forecaddie Mr. Cassidy! Hope to come back in the future."
-Avid
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"Spectacular layout. Greens rolled pure and fair. Caddy Randy was our Sensei .... And proved to be invaluable reading the contours. Truly a world-class experience all the way around"
-B Smith
Sultans Run – Jasper, IN Reviews
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"Amazing course with some tricky tee shots that will have you pulling less than driver. Scenic views on so many holes, with nice elevation changes that proved challenging but fair."
-Chris
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"Great course, beautiful condition. it was a girls trip the weather was very hot, humid and it was cart path only but we all had a good time.”
-Lisa
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"The course is in great shape! Very pretty golf course. The staff is awesome and very helpful. This was my first time here. I already want to play here again. A great challenge!"
-Russel
The Donald Ross Course – French Lick, IN Reviews
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"This course is gorgeous. The greens are immaculate. The sand traps are also picturesque. Everything about this course is top notch.”
-Crystal
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"You will find very gracious hosts, a splendidly designed, and beautifully manicured course. If you play well, that's a plus. But you're in for a great experience either way."
-Mark
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"Incredible experience and amazing views. The course was challenging with plenty of pot bunkers and undulating fairways."
-TJ
