Historic hotel combined with Dye and Ross courses among the best in the northern US
FRENCH LICK, IN -The historic West Baden Springs Hotel at French Lick Resort, located in southern Indiana, has been recognized once again by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler as one of the “Top 121 Golf Resorts in the World.” West Baden was also ranked No. 2 among the top golf resorts in the Northern U.S.
“We are very excited about the combination of West Baden, with its luxurious amenities and award winning golf courses, being among the top 121 golf resorts in the world,” explained Dave Harner, director of golf at French Lick Resort. “It is also an honor and a tribute to the vision of our owners and the hard work of our employees to be recognized by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top resorts in the world and the Midwest.”
The 16th annual Condé Nast Traveler’s Golf Poll, published in the April 2012 issue, was derived from a Readers’ Choice survey of nearly 29,000 readers of the leading travel publication. Golf resorts were rated on eight criteria: Course Design & Access, Golf Staff & Services, Rooms, Service, Food/Dining, Location, Overall Design, and Activities/Facilities. The magazine claimed, “121 properties promise gorgeous golf for all skill levels coupled with unrivaled lodgings, food, and service. Great memories, if not a great score, are all but guaranteed.”
West Baden, which was the top ranked Midwest resort, joins an elite group from the region listed among the “Top 10 Northern U.S. Golf Resorts”. The other resorts include American Club in Wisconsin, Grandview Lodge in Minnesota, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Wisconsin, and Shanty Creek Resorts and Treetops Resort from Michigan.
This popular Midwest resort destination earns its second Condé Nast Traveler ranking since the completion of its $500 million historic restoration and casino development project in 2008. The renovation included the restoration of West Baden Springs Hotel, French Lick Springs Hotel, and the new French Lick Casino. A new Pete Dye Course, world-class spa and vast improvements to the dining and cultural experiences with the Pluto mineral springs also helped in earning the recognition.
Originally built in 1902, the West Baden Springs Hotel re-opened in May 2007 following the meticulous restoration. Nearly $100 million was spent in an effort that maintained the historic integrity of the building but upgraded its amenities to that of a four-star property. The work was also recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Complimenting the beautiful West Baden hotel is the nationally acclaimed Pete Dye Course and the historic Donald Ross Course, ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the State of Indiana respectively.
Regarded as one of the most breathtaking and exciting 18 holes of golf in the country the Dye course was carefully carved on a dramatic hilltop offering a variety of elevation changes, rugged and dramatic terrain, narrow fairways and challenging bunkers. There are spectacular views from every hole, some that stretch for over 40 miles.
The Ross course, which also undertook a $4.6 million restoration, was site of the 1924 PGA Championship won by the legendary Walter Hagen and hosted other golf greats and celebrities such as Gene Sarazen, Chick Evans, and Bing Crosby. The course is a parkland gem, which meanders up and down the rolling hills a few miles from the main resort.
The West Baden Springs Hotel at French Lick Resort is the only resort destination in the world that combines the classic history of Donald Ross and the modern day design of the legendary Pete Dye. This combination is a spectacular opportunity for golf travelers to experience historic hotels combined with two of the best golf course designers in history.
About French Lick Resort
French Lick Resort is a $500 million historic restoration and casino development project that includes the West Baden Springs Hotel, French Lick Springs Hotel and the new French Lick Casino. This premier resort and casino destination in Southern Indiana features 686 guest rooms and suites; a 51,000-square-foot, single-level casino; 63 holes of golf, including the fully restored 1917-designed Donald Ross Course at French Lick, the Pete Dye Course at French Lick, ranked the No. 1 new course in the country by both Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine in 2009, the 9-hole Valley Links, and Sultan’s Run Golf Club, two full-service spas with a combined 36 treatment rooms totaling 42,000 square feet; meeting and event space totaling 115,000 square feet and an array of dining and entertainment options.
For more information or to book a stay, please visit www.frenchlick.com or call our reservation specialists at (888) 936-9360.
Contact:
French Lick Resort
Dyan Welsh Duncan
(812) 936-5926
dduncan@frenchlick.com
Fusion Media Strategies
Kevin Frisch
(989) 614-0241
Kevin@fusionmediastrategies.com
