Pitch Shots - French Lick

It only took ten years but I finally made the trip to French Lick! These are my observations and opinions about the Dye course, the new Sand Creek pitch and putt, and West Baden Springs Hotel.

Pete Dye Course

Pete Dye designed the French Lick course after finishing Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. Coming off that massively successful project, he opted to create an inland version in the hills of Indiana. Many would concur that he did a fantastic job as it is rated as the number one public course in the state, and it even made Golf World’s top 100 resort courses, however, they charge $500 plus caddy fees! That’s a lot of money! We’re talking Ocean Course and Whistling Straits prices! In my mind, the value isn’t there, and judging by the empty parking lot when I visited, it’s in many other people minds too. They’d be much better off comparing themselves to Bulle Rock, a Pete Dye design ranked as the #1 Maryland public course.

(If they lowered the price to $250-300, I think the place would be packed. It has cool long range views and many of Pete’s volcano bunkers.)

(The view of the first hole from the stone terrace at clubhouse.)

(The par five ending hole is super cool as it curves around a massive valley.)

Sand Creek Short Course

The short course phenomenon got another boost in the arm this week when it was revealed that Tobacco Road would design one between the 12th and 13th hole. At French Lick, Sand Creek fills that role with holes ranging from 41 - 90 yards. It was an in-house project designed by the agronomy team from the Dye course. Cool concept but once again, I’m opposed to the cost as it’s $50 to play it twice (18 holes). I feel these places are like driving ranges, a practice themed short game area, and the price should reflect that ($15-18). I saw bachelor parties playing it in their bare feet, having a great time extending their group game. It should be noted that once the Valley course expands to eighteen holes then this will be the only opportunity for beginners to learn the game.

(This is the 77 yard opening pitch shot)

(This pitch n putt course uses short flags as their pins.)

West Baden Springs Hotel

There’s two places to stay in French Lick, either West Baden Springs or French Lick Springs. We stayed in West Baden. Now this place is on the National Register of Historical Places, once being called the eighth wonder of the world as the largest domed building on the planet. Everything is inside including the hotel rooms which overlook the circular atrium of the domed canopy. It’s a really cool experience!

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