Dye Course at French Lick Resort Named 2017 Indiana Golf Course of the Year

By Leonard Finkel

The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort, an award winning golf destination in Southern Indiana, has been named the 2017 Indiana Golf Course of the Year by the Indiana Golf Course Owners Association, a chapter of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA).

The Course of the Year Award honors a member meeting four criteria: exceptional quality of the course, exceptional quality of ownership and management, outstanding contribution to its community, and significant contribution to the game.

“The Pete Dye Course at French Link is not only one of the most breathtaking courses in the country to play, it is also among the best overall golf operations with sincere dedication to the game and community, it is truly one of Indiana’s crown jewels,” said Linda Rogers, Past President of the National Golf Course Owners Association, as well as a Past President of the Indiana Golf Course Owners Association, and owner of Juday Creek Golf Course.

The course, which opened in 2009, burst on to the national scene by receiving America’s best new course accolades by the two leading golf publications in the country, Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine.

It has been recognized for its many contributions to the community including millions of dollars of economic impact from major golf championships and job creation, as well as raising thousands of dollars through charity events including the Riley Children’s Foundation and Hospital at the Legends Championship.

The Dye Course has also benefitted a number of students through the Evans Scholarship and caddie program the course provides, which was founded by the Western Golf Association (WGA) and specifically famed golfer Chick Evans Jr. in 1929. Today, more than 840 caddies are attending one of 19 universities on a Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship. The scholarship covers full tuition and housing costs for up to four years. A wonderful opportunity for youth.

The course was also a major factor in the $600 million restoration and casino development project lead by its founder and chief visionary, Bill Cook, whose corporate philanthropy changed lives and communities around the world including the small town of French Lick, Indiana.

The Pete Dye course was carefully carved into a dramatic site upon a hilltop – one of the highest points in the state – offering panoramic views in all directions that stretch for 30-40 miles. The course features a variety of elevation changes, rugged and dramatic terrain, narrow fairways, and challenging bunkers, along with spectacular views from every hole.

The Dye course has already gained recognition as a leading national tournament site by hosting the 2015 Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, 2014 USGA State Team Championship, 2010 PGA Professional National Championship, 2012 Indiana Open, 2012-2014 Big Ten Men’s Championship, 2014 Big Ten Women’s Championship, and 2013-2016 LPGA Legends Championship.

Leonard Finkel is the author of The Secrets to the Game of Golf & Life and former editor in chief of Golf Journeys Magazine. His work has been featured in almost 200 publications including Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Golf Illustrated, Golf Tips and Player Magazine. He has written more than a dozen cover stories for Golf Today Magazine. He has written extensively about golf and travel and has added poker to his writing repertoire. Finkel also works as a marketing and public relations consultant. His specialty niche is writing advertorial copy. Prior to his career in golf, Finkel owned a chain of retail stores and a consulting and import company based in Asia. He attended the University of Utah.