French Lick – Pete Dye Course: An 8,100-Yard Mountaintop Test
Pete Dye’s mountaintop course at French Lick stretches across rugged Indiana terrain, with 40-mile views, volcano bunkers, narrow fairways and a championship length that can exceed 8,100 yards.
The Pete Dye Course at French Lick opened in April 2009 and was designed by Pete Dye on a steep hilltop property above the resort. The par-72 layout stretches to 8,102 yards from the Gold tees, with panoramic views across southern Indiana, narrow fairways, three man-made lakes and Dye’s trademark volcano bunkers. The course hosted the 2015 Senior PGA Championship.
A mountaintop course with sweeping views
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The elevation is central to the experience. Holes move across ridges and slopes, creating long sightlines across the countryside and demanding careful club selection from uneven lies. Dye used the terrain to make the course feel dramatic without depending on one signature feature; the combination of elevation, fairway shape and green placement keeps the strategy changing.
Volcano bunkers and a championship-scale test
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The volcano bunkers are among Dye’s most recognisable design signatures, but the course’s length and narrow fairways are equally important. At 8,102 yards from the Gold tees, it is a formidable test at the longest setup. Most visitors will find a more enjoyable round by selecting tees that match their carry distance rather than treating the back tees as a target.
Seasonal access and resort arrangements
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The Pete Dye Course is part of French Lick Resort’s golf offering and is booked through the resort. The resort has announced that November 15, 2026 is the final day of the current season. Visitors planning a trip later in the year should confirm the course’s reopening date for the next season, tee-time availability and any package conditions directly with French Lick.
The yardage is a headline; the elevation is the real experience.
The course’s 8,102-yard back tee setup attracts attention, yet the most memorable element is the way Dye uses the mountaintop property to create changing views and demanding shot angles.
Check the seasonal closing date before planning travel
French Lick Resort lists November 15, 2026 as the final day of the current Pete Dye Course season. Confirm the next opening date, tee times and current packages directly with the resort before booking a future visit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
When did the Pete Dye Course open?
It opened on April 24, 2009.
What are its par and length?
The course is par 72 and reaches 8,102 yards from the Gold tees.
What tournament has it hosted?
It hosted the 2015 Senior PGA Championship.
When does the 2026 season end?
French Lick Resort lists November 15, 2026 as the final day of the 2026 season.
