French Lick and Jasper are a Southern Indiana golfer’s paradise! Few things get the blood pumping like the mention of Donald Ross, Pete Dye and Tom Benedelow in the same sentence. Nowhere else in the world can a golfer play courses designed by each of these noted and prolific designers at one resort destination. During your time in southern Indiana, we are recommending the Donald Ross Golf Course at French Lick, Sultan’s Run Golf Club, and Buffalo Trace Municipal Golf Course. Challenging and rich in history, these courses offer the perfect French Lick golf trip for any enthusiast.
Visit Indiana Golf has mapped out road trips around the state of Indiana for you to enjoy the game of golf, eat delicious food, and make unforgettable memories! Known as Indiana’s Fairway Drives, each trip is a perfect getaway for golfers of any skill level who are looking for a new adventure. Click here to see all 9 of Indiana's Fairway Drives.
The Courses
Donald Ross Golf Course at French Lick
Considered one of Donald Ross’ most challenging designs, the Donald Ross Golf Course at French Lick is also one of the most classic and iconic courses. The course went through a restoration in 2007 where 80 of Ross’ trademark bunkers with flat bottoms and deep, gnarly faces were restored along with expanded, square, or rectangular-shaped greens that severely undulate. Thirty-five of these bunkers are original to the course that Ross constructed back in 1917. The course is a par 70 and plays to 7,000 yards. The Donald Ross Golf Course was the site of the 1924 PGA Championship won by the legendary Walter Hagen and has hosted other golf greats and celebrities such as Gene Sarazen, Chick Evans, and Bing Crosby.
Sultan's Run Golf Course
Nestled in the heart of beautiful Southern Indiana and stretching over 224 acres of rolling hills is another popular golf spot, Sultan’s Run Golf Club. Located just 30 minutes outside of French Lick, this course is a must during your trip. On the 18-hole course, the zoysia tee, fairways, and greens offer a world-class playing surface. The roughs are a Bermuda and fescue blend, while the green surfaces are made of bentgrass. The course’s namesake is Supreme Sultan, a show horse of history and a legend of his time. It was over these same Southern Indiana rolling hills that Supreme Sultan claimed title to a record number of World Championship American Saddlebred horse shows.
Buffalo Trace Golf Course
The third golf stop we recommend making during your trip is Buffalo Trace Municipal Golf Course. This challenging, 18-hole course is also located in Jasper, Indiana. Buffalo Trace has been an important part of the Jasper community since 1970, playing 5,985 yards with a par 71 and featuring beautiful zoysia fairways.The Attractions
French Lick Casino
In addition to world-class golf, a French Lick golf trip also provides a perfect getaway. Whether you’re relaxing at the spa or sipping on a glass of wine and enjoying the beautiful Southern Indiana scenery, there are so many different ways to enjoy the French Lick West Baden area. Play to win at the French Lick Casino, a 51,000 square-foot, single-level gaming venue, located on the grounds of the resort. Whether you are shooting for 21 at blackjack, taking a spin on the roulette wheel, or going on a roll at the craps table, you are sure to experience a great deal of Southern Indiana hospitality.
French Lick Wine & Spirits
We also recommend stopping into French Lick Wine & Spirits during your stay. This family-owned business began making and selling wine in 1995 and has been growing ever since. The winery and distillery are located in the town of West Baden Springs, not far from the West Baden Springs Resort. French Lick Wine & Spirits feature over 30 different wines to sample, ranging from dry to sweet, sparkling, and fortified. Go and enjoy the tasting bar, or simply grab a cold beer or glass of wine and just relax.The Eats
33 Brick Street
Just as Southern Indiana is home to world-class golf, it is also home to delicious eats. While you’re in town, we recommend stopping in at 33 Brick Street to grab a bite. 33 Brick Street provides a unique restaurant experience that includes a showcase of sports memorabilia, including personal awards owned by Larry Bird. A wide range of beer chilled to 22 degrees, plus a large selection of local and craft beers are available on tap. You can’t go wrong with any choice from the menu, but the burgers are to die for!
Schnitz Pub - Jasper
Another popular spot for grab some grub is Schnitz Pub in Jasper. Sporting a unique atmosphere and an outdoor dining patio that overlooks Jasper Parklands, this local favorite can’t be missed. Try the famous “Rosie’s Pizza,” created from Rosie and Ed Rees’s original 1950s recipe and inspired by the very first slice they ever tasted.Overnight Stay
French Lick Resort
There’s a lot to do on a French Lick golf trip, so consider making your road trip a multi-day getaway! Plan your Fairway Drive Road Trip to French Lick and stay at either French Lick Springs Hotel or West Baden Springs Hotel, both located at the French Lick Resort.If you’re interested in other golf courses in Indiana, check out Visit Indiana Golf on social media. To see all of Indiana’s Fairway Drives, click here.
