French Lick, Indiana – The accolades continue to pour in for French Lick Resort, Southern Indiana’s iconic golf and vacation destination. The historic resort has been recognized by Golf Digest among the best resorts and courses in America.
French Lick Resort was selected among the Editors’ Choice Award by Golf Digest as one of the Best Golf Resorts in the Midwest and most recently its Pete Dye and Donald Ross courses were ranked among the publication’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses.
The Pete Dye Course moved up two spots to No. 17 on the list and the Donald Ross Course was ranked No. 99.
The publication’s annual review of “The Best Things in Golf” by its editors appears online at Golfdigest.com featuring the Best Resorts in the Americas. The listing recognizes resorts throughout the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Canada.
In addition, the publication’s biennial review of America’s top public courses can also be found on Golfdigest.com. Golf Digest uses nearly 1,000 low-handicap male and female golfers on its Course Ranking Panel and asked each to submit ballots based on eight criteria including shot options, challenge, layout variety, distinctiveness, aesthetics, conditioning, character, and fun.
Thanks in large part to Indiana natives and philanthropists Bill and Gayle Cook and Cook Medical, a $600 million investment revitalized the region and created a modern luxury experience with historic charm. Today, the resort spreads across 3,000 acres, boasts two world-class hotels, French Lick Springs and the West Baden Springs, which have been fully restored to their original sophistication and luxury.
Since the early 1900’s, golf has been an integral part of this resort area. Tom Bendelow designed the first course here in 1907 followed by the great Donald Ross ten years later. In 2009, Pete Dye created a visually stunning masterpiece, which has quickly become one of the most highly acclaimed courses in the country. Both courses are ranked among the Top 100 in America’s Greatest Public Courses and are currently ranked as the No. 1 and 2 Courses You Can Play in Indiana.
The Pete Dye course achieved a rare double honor in 2009 by being selected as America’s best new course by the two leading golf publications in the country – Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine. It is located on a dramatic hilltop, which is one of the highest points in the state of Indiana and offers panoramic views of the Hoosier National Forest that stretch as far as 40 miles.
As for the historic Donald Ross course, it underwent a $4.6 million restoration project in recent years that brought the course back to Ross’s original genius plans. It is a parkland gem that meanders up and down the rolling hills a few miles from the main resort. It was site of the 1924 PGA Championship won by the legendary Walter Hagen and has hosted other golf greats and celebrities including Gene Sarazen, Chick Evans, and Bing Crosby.
Some of the resort’s popular travel packages can be found online and includes The Hall of Fame package which is the best way to experience the award-winning golf destination. It includes playing the resort’s two legendary courses designed by Hall of Fame architects – Pete Dye and Donald Ross. The package includes a one-night stay at either resort hotel, a day of unlimited golf on The Pete Dye Course, a day of unlimited golf at The Donald Ross Course, unlimited use of the driving range and practice facility, bag storage, and shuttle service. Package prices start at $559 at French Lick Springs Hotel, and $589 at West Baden Springs Hotel based on double occupancy.
Whether it’s a buddy trip, couples retreat, girls-getaway, or improving your game, booking a French lick golf package is easy.
http://www.frenchlick.com/golf/packages
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