By: Greg and Beverly Wise
Golf the Wise Way
FRENCH LICK, Ind. — A unique fourth golf course is being added to French Lick Resort, opening in the fall of 2024.
Russ Apple and Brett Fleck, the head superintendents at French Lick’s Dye and Ross courses, are designing and building the new “Sand Creek” layout, borrowing features from the French Lick Resort’s two championship courses.
The resort’s Director of Golf, Dave Harner said, “Sand Creek will have a few miniature versions of The Dye volcano bunkers, and some of The Ross greens contours. Rock formation used around the lakes at The Dye course are also being used around the water retention area on Sand Creek.”
The Sand Creek course is located next to the Valley Links course and driving range, and will be open year-round, weather permitting.
In 2025, Sand Creek will be lit for play. Nothing like nighttime golf, with the addition of piped in music for an unbelievable experience.
The Sand Creek Course will feature nine holes, ranging between 35 and 90 yards. Perfect to grab a few clubs and enjoy the short walk… or even include the family and junior golfers for the complete experience.
Golfers can expect to complete the course in just over an hour. Clubs and golf balls will be provided with the greens fee, and guests may use their own clubs if they wish. I was already thinking about our hickory clubs and knickers to add a little nostalgia to our visit to French Lick.
French Lick Resort’s CEO Chuck Franz said, “The Pete Dye, The Donald Ross, and Valley Links courses have seen record numbers of rounds the last few years, so it’s time to add another course.
Keeping in touch with French Lick’s dedication to return this prestigious resort in Southern Indiana, back to its original roots, Franz also commented, “the Sand Creek course revives a piece of French Lick’s historical past — a short course existed at the resort in the early 1900s.”
Time to plan your visit to the French Lick Resort.
About the Authors
Greg and Beverly Wise have been traveling the world, playing and writing about their golf experiences as “Golf the Wise Way,” and submitting to numerous publications.
Greg has played golf for more than 60 years and truly believes that “a picture is worth a thousand words…” so, Beverly and Greg both excel in getting the right photos to enhance their stories.