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

Ultimate Caribbean Escapes: Why the Dominican Republic Should Be Your Next Golf Adventure (Boys Trip or Caribbean Paradise Adventure)

The Dominican Republic is the premier golf destination in the Caribbean, boasting stunning oceanfront courses, dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and world-class designs from legends like Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, and more. With over 26 courses along 800 miles of coastline, it’s a tropical playground of seaside drama, trade winds, and endless sunshine. Live your Pirates of The Caribbean dreams on the links in the Dominican Republic

Quick Facts

  • World-class Caribbean golf: Ocean holes, cliffside drama, coral reefs, and challenging layouts with year-round play
  • Resort & public access: Championship courses tied to luxury resorts; stay-and-play packages abundant
  • Best time: Dry season November-April (warm, sunny 70s-80s degrees F, low rain); shoulder months for value
  • Price range: Greens fees $100-$400+ (peak premium); all-inclusive resorts with golf perks save big
  • Home to PGA TOUR events like the Corales Puntacana Championship

The resorts down in the Dominican Republic are perfect for families with so many fun activities to do. Or you and your boys can get down there and see how many of the 26 courses you can cross off the list. Either way it’s perfect.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Epic multi-course days, post-round cocktails on beachfront patios, high-stakes bets on ocean holes, and vibrant nightlife or cigar lounges
  • Families: All-inclusive resorts with massive pools, beaches, kids’ clubs, spas; forgiving options and short courses; non-golfers enjoy snorkeling, excursions, or relaxation

Top Standout Courses

Dominican Republic golf course

Teeth of the Dog (Casa de Campo, La Romana)

The Caribbean icon, Pete Dye’s masterpiece with seven holes hugging the Caribbean Sea, coral formations, crashing waves, and trade-wind challenges. Ranked #1 in the Caribbean for years; pure drama and bucket-list status.

Punta Espada Golf Club (Cap Cana)

Jack Nicklaus Signature gem, often #1 in the Caribbean/Mexico, with eight holes along/over the sea, emerald fairways contrasting turquoise waters, and stunning peninsula greens. Top-100 global acclaim; breathtaking views everywhere.

Corales Golf Course (Puntacana Resort & Club)

Tom Fazio’s clifftop stunner, six oceanside holes, dramatic 18th “Devil’s Elbow” over rocky shores, and PGA TOUR host vibes. Scenic, strategic, and one of the most photogenic in the region.

La Cana Golf Club (Puntacana Resort & Club)

P.B. Dye’s sustainable masterpiece, 27 holes (three nines: Tortuga, Arrecife, Hacienda) with 14 ocean views, paspalum greens (seawater-tolerant), and creative hazards. Often compared to Pebble Beach for beauty and playability.

Dye Fore (Casa de Campo)

Pete Dye’s bold follow-up, elevation changes, water everywhere, and subtle historic nods; challenging yet rewarding with panoramic views and resort access.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Casa de Campo Resort & Villas: Legendary 7,000-acre oasis with three Pete Dye courses, villas, marina, spa, beaches
  • Puntacana Resort & Club: Home to Corales & La Cana; Tortuga Bay (Oscar de la Renta-designed luxury) or Westin options
  • Cap Cana resorts: Eden Roc, Secrets Cap Cana, Sanctuary. Luxury with Punta Espada access
  • Packages include unlimited golf, meals, transfers; all-inclusive vibes at many spots

All Key Dominican Republic Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Teeth of the Dog (Casa de Campo)
  • Punta Espada (Cap Cana)
  • Corales (Puntacana)
  • La Cana (Puntacana, 27 holes)
  • Dye Fore & The Links (Casa de Campo)
  • Iberostar Bavaro, Hard Rock at Cana Bay, Cocotal
  • Plus northern gems like Playa Grande (Rees Jones renovation)

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via resort sites (casadecampo.com.do, puntacana.com, capcana.com) or specialists like Golfbreaks, includes priority tees and multi-round deals
  • Fly into Punta Cana (PUJ) for east coast access or Santo Domingo for Casa de Campo (1.5-hour drive)
  • Pair golf with DR classics: fresh seafood, Presidente beer, rum tastings, ziplining, or beach days
  • Play mornings to beat heat/winds; use caddies for strategy on Dye/Nicklaus tracks; forward tees for enjoyment

Time to tee it up with Caribbean waves crashing below, hit the links in paradise, and reset island-style. The Dominican Republic is calling your escape.