FRENCH LICK, Indiana — Golf season is about to be in full swing at French Lick Resort with two championship courses reopening for the season.
The Donald Ross Course at French Lick will kick off its 2026 season starting Friday, March 13. The Pete Dye Course at French Lick gets rolling two weeks later, opening Friday, March 27.
Both courses are coming off a record-setting 2025 as French Lick Resort continues solidifying itself as one of the premier golf destinations in the country. During the 7-month golf season in 2025, more than 50,000 rounds were played at French Lick’s Pete Dye, Donald Ross and 9-hole Valley Links courses. That number has doubled just since 2022.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the tremendous uptick in business we have seen,” said Dave Harner, Director of Golf at French Lick Resort. “It is a great credit to our team. They provide an exceptional golf experience and do it consistently, day after day.”
The golf world is taking notice, as The Pete Dye Course at French Lick earned high honors in LINKS Magazine’s recently released “Top 100 Golf Courses in America” for 2026. Dye’s 2009-designed course came in at No. 50, marking French Lick’s highest ranking in any publication that combines both public and private courses.
Additionally, 2025 marked the 15th straight year that French Lick’s Pete Dye and Donald Ross Courses have been No. 1 and No. 2 in Indiana on Golfweek’s “Best You Can Play” rankings.
“Certainly, the championships that have been played here — from the Epson Tour to LPGA Legends Tour to the Senior PGA Championship and most recently the Korn Ferry Tour Championship — have provided tremendous exposure and puts us in the minds of the traveling golfer all over the world,” Harner said.
There’s plenty more in store for the 2026 golf experience at French Lick Resort, including:
RidgeView Cottages: The newest way to stay at French Lick Resort will be opening in March 2026. Located one mile from French Lick Springs Hotel, RidgeView Cottages provide the comfort of home for parties of up to 8 or 16 — perfect for golf groups.
Lights at The Sand Creek Course: French Lick Resort’s short course, which debuted in 2025, now offers golfers the chance to play after the sun goes down. New lights at the 9-hole, 700-yard course will make Sand Creek a hot spot for nighttime summer fun.
New golf carts with FAIRWAY IQ: 180 new Yamaha Quiet Tech golf carts are ready to roll at the Pete Dye and Donald Ross courses. These carts are equipped with FAIRWAY IQ technology, delivering GPS yardages, pace-of-play guidance and real-time course information.
