Designer is longtime Pete Dye associate
FRENCH LICK, Ind. – There’s a new star on the horizon at French Lick Resort.
Already known for its two-course rota of the Donald Ross Course (1917) and its more famous counterpart the Pete Dye Course (2009), director of golf operations Dave Harner said recently just wait until the general public sees what’s on tap at French Lick Resort.
Gone is the nine-hole Valley Links course, built in 1907 by Tom Bendelow. Under construction is a new 18-hole course tentatively named RidgeView Links. One nine is being dubbed the “Creek Nine” and the other being dubbed the “Monon Ridge Nine.”
The Monon Ridge Nine is expected to open in July or August of 2027. The Creek Nine will consist of nine new holes spread over what used to be the Valley Links course and is set to open in 2028. And Harner, who has nearly 50 years at French Lick Resort, says the new 18-hole course will be the equal of the resort’s other two acclaimed courses.
According to Harner, the total cost of the project is approximately $15 million.
“It just gives us a third championship golf course,” Harner said. “It’ll be right up there with the other courses, maybe even better than them in some ways. The views (on the Monon Ridge Nine) are spectacular up there.”
The RidgeView Links nines are distinct, and contrast each other. The Monon Ridge Nine will tower over the Creek Nine and features approximately 140 feet of elevation change.
Longtime Pete Dye associate Chris Lutzke designed the new 18.
- The Monon Ridge Nine: Located on the higher ground, this portion of the course will feature dramatic elevation changes, rugged terrain, and spectacular panoramic views.
- The Creek Nine: Situated on lower ground, this nine will offer a contrasting experience, with a more traditional, lowland feel. Harner said the Creek Nine will have more of a coastal or Carolina golf course feel when complete.
The contrast between the two nines is expected to give the course a character all its own.
One of the featured holes on the Monon Ridge Nine will be No. 11, a par 3 consisting of an island-style green similar to No. 17 at TPC Sawgrass. Instead of Pete Dye’s traditional railroad ties, it will be surrounded by limestone boulders.
The name Monon Ridge Nine is a nod to the area’s railroad history. Adjacent to the resort is a railroad museum and the new nine-hole short course will also incorporate a railroad theme. Tee markers and the new logo will reflect on the railroad theme. Old rail cars will be used as bridges throughout the new nine holes.
Because of the rugged terrain, construction of the Monon Ridge Nine involves extensive earthmoving.
The new course is just the latest addition to French Lick Resort, which consists of two hotels, a casino and a variety of restaurants. The Sand Creek short course opened in 2023. It’sa nine-hole par 3 course with no hole longer than 100 yards and is meant to be played in less than hour.
Harner said the idea of adding a third 18-hole course has been talked about for about 15 years. The demand for golf has soared since Covid, and the new course will alleviate overcrowding on the Ross and Dye courses which host nearly a combined 40,000 rounds annually. The addition of the third course will entice visitors to stay for more than one night.
“We’re going from a two-and a half-course destination to a three-course destination, plus the short course,” Harner said. “You can’t play them all in one day.”
French Lick Resort is a relatively easy 7-hour drive from north Alabama. Louisville’s airport is about 65 miles from the resort.
For more information about the resort and its courses, go to frenchlick.com.
All photos courtesy of the French Lick Resort
Gregg Dewalt is the editor of Alabama Golf News
Have a story idea or a news item to report to Alabama Golf News? Email gregg@alabamagolfnews.com
