The beautiful thing about golf is you never know where it is going to take you. Before getting into golf, Indiana might not have been on the radar. French Lick changed that. French Lick Resort is a legendary Midwest golf destination nestled in the rolling hills of southern Indiana, with historic hotels, a casino, spa, and three standout courses (plus nearby access to more). Home to designs by golf architecture legends Pete Dye and Donald Ross, plus the classic Valley Links, it’s a perfect blend of modern challenge, timeless strategy, and stunning panoramic views over the Hoosier National Forest.

Quick Facts

  • Championship golf heritage: Courses by Pete Dye (2009), Donald Ross (1917, restored), and Tom Bendelow (1907 origins)
  • Dramatic terrain: Elevation changes (highest point in Indiana on the Dye course), volcano bunkers, contoured greens, and forest vistas
  • Year-round play: Great spring/fall conditions; mild summers; winter escape potential
  • Historic resort vibes: Two grand hotels (French Lick Springs & West Baden Springs), casino, spa, dining, and shuttles to courses
  • Top-ranked: Pete Dye course often #1 public in Indiana (Golfweek); Donald Ross consistently #2

It really is special that in every part of the United States there are absolutely beautiful courses. It provides people with a reason to go somewhere they may never have considered, to talk to people and see how folks in those parts of the world live.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round days mixing brutal Dye drama with classic Ross strategy, post-golf casino action, steaks, or beers, easy 36-hole potential
  • Families: Luxe historic hotels with pools, spa, kids’ activities, casino fun; shorter Valley Links for beginners or relaxed play

Top Standout Courses

Pete Dye Course

The modern masterpiece, sketched on a napkin and carved into hilltops at Indiana’s highest point. Over 8,100 yards from tips, volcano bunkers, massive elevation drops, three man-made lakes, and 40-mile panoramic views. Hosted the Senior PGA Championship (2015); pure adrenaline and bucket-list drama.

Donald Ross Course

Step back to 1917: a classic, rolling meadow layout with undulating fairways, contoured greens, and strategic genius. Hosted the 1924 PGA Championship (Walter Hagen win); restored beautifully. More playable yet nuanced, a joy for shot-makers and history buffs.

Valley Links (9-Hole)

Charming, walkable regulation nine (par-36) tracing back to Tom Bendelow’s 1907 original. Park-like feel, great for families, warm-ups, or quick rounds while enjoying the historic resort grounds.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • French Lick Springs Hotel: Classic historic vibe, near casino and Valley Links
  • West Baden Springs Hotel: Stunning dome architecture, luxury elegance
  • Valley Tower Hotel: Modern, convenient access
  • Packages include rounds on Dye/Ross, replays, breakfast, and resort perks

All Key French Lick Golf Courses at a Glance

  • Pete Dye Course (hilltop drama)
  • Donald Ross Course (classic strategy)
  • Valley Links (9-hole historic fun)
  • Nearby: Sultan’s Run (Pete Dye disciple design, 30 min away, often bundled in packages)
  • Plus short course options and massive practice areas

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via frenchlick.com or golf specialists; includes priority tees, replays ($200-$400 extra on Dye), and multi-course deals
  • Fly into Louisville (SDF) or Indianapolis (IND); drive 1 to 2 hours
  • Pair golf with resort classics: casino gaming, spa treatments, historic tours, or Indiana eats (steaks, bourbon)
  • Use shuttles everywhere; consider caddies on Dye for strategy; forward tees make it fun for all levels

Boston has a beautiful harbor, amazing food, epic history, and awesome golf. George Wright Golf Course is a hidden gem in the heart of Boston, a legendary Donald Ross-designed municipal course in the Hyde Park/Roslindale neighborhoods, offering classic strategic golf amid rolling terrain, rock outcroppings, elevation changes, blind shots, and small, tricky greens. Opened in 1938 after massive WPA engineering (60,000 pounds of dynamite!), it’s consistently ranked as one of America’s best munis, often called better than many private tracks in golf-rich Massachusetts, with superb conditions thanks to dedicated city management since 2004.

Quick Facts

  • Donald Ross masterpiece: Par 70, 6,440 yards, routed through dramatic natural features with no weak links
  • Urban escape: Surrounded by residential neighborhoods but feels secluded with old-growth trees, drained swamps, and panoramic views
  • Year-round potential: Prime spring/fall play; summer mornings beat the heat; affordable greens fees ($40-$60 walk/resident rates, slightly higher non-resident)
  • Top acclaim: Frequently Golf Digest’s Best Municipal in MA; top-30 U.S. muni by Golfweek; in GOLF’s Top 100 You Can Play
  • Public access: First-come, first-served tee times; season permits available; great value for Boston-area golfers

Boston is a great city to visit. Whether it’s for the party or the reset, Boston has it all. You can bring the boys, golf by day, bar hop by night, or bring the family, golf, and have a wonderful dinner by the harbor.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Challenging rounds with strategic depth (blind approaches, elevation drama), post-golf beers at the grill, easy access to Boston nightlife and breweries, and quick multi-round potential (pair with nearby Devine/Franklin Park)
  • Families: Affordable entry point for all levels; forgiving tees available; non-golfers explore Boston sights (Fenway, museums, seafood); short drive from city attractions

Top Standout Course

George Wright Golf Course (Main 18-Hole)

Pure Donald Ross genius with constant elevation changes, rock outcroppings, narrow fairways, unconventional greens, and blind shots that demand precision. A historic engineering feat (dynamite, topsoil, drainage) creates dramatic holes; course record 63; a “must-play” for New England golfers, often compared to Bethpage Black or Torrey Pines as a top municipal course. No additional on-site courses, but easy pairings with nearby Boston munis for extended trips.

 

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • No on-site resort (municipal setup), so stay nearby in Boston (hotels in Hyde Park, Dedham, or downtown)
  • Nearby options: Affordable hotels/Airbnbs in greater Boston; packages via sites like Your Golf Travel or custom Boston golf trips
  • Combine with William J. Devine (Franklin Park), another city muni nearby for multi-day play
  • Focus on value: low greens fees + city access make it budget-friendly for extended stays

All Key George Wright Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • George Wright (Donald Ross, strategic muni icon)
  • Nearby pairings: William J. Devine/Franklin Park (historic Ross redesign nearby)
  • Plus Boston-area gems: Granite Links (skyline views), Brookline GC, or Red Tail for variety

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times early via cityofbostongolf.com (first-come often, but online/non-permit options available); season permits for locals save big
  • Fly into Boston Logan (BOS), easy drive (20-30 minutes) to Hyde Park
  • Pair golf with Boston classics: clam chowder, Fenway Park, craft beer scene, or historic walks
  • Walk the course for the full experience (affordable rates); use forward tees if needed; embrace the challenge, it’s tough but rewarding

Time to tee it up on a Donald Ross classic, navigate the elevation drama, and reset with unbeatable value in the heart of Boston. George Wright is calling your escape.

The Caddy Shanks Team

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