Michigan Golf Journal October 2021

Two Midwest Hotels Make Top 25 of America Most Historic Golf Courses List French Lick and Mackinac Island Earn the Two Midwest Selections by Historic Hotels of America French Lick Springs Hotel (1845) French Lick Springs, Indiana West Baden Springs Hotel (1902) West Baden, Indiana Golf and history enthusiasts are in for a treat at French Lick Resort in French Lick, Indiana, which boasts three courses designed by three greats of 20th century golf course design. Notably, the resort’s most historic golf course – on account of its age, closeness to the original form, and the distinction of its designer – is the Donald Ross Course. Designed in 1917 by Donald Ross, the course was an immediate success. It first hosted the PGA Championship in 1924, won by Walter Hagen. The course has hosted LPGA championships and Senior PGA events in the years since. Along with the greats of the game, world- class golf has attracted scores of celebrities to French Lick over the years, including singer Bing Crosby, comedian Bob Hope, business magnate Howard Hughes, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and professional football player Peyton Manning. French Lick native Larry Bird also worked and played on the French Lick golf course in his youth. The French Lick Resort encompasses two historic hotels, The French Lick Hotel (1845) and the West Baden Springs Hotel (1902), where guests have access to the Donald Ross Course as well as courses designed by Pete Dye (2009) and Tom Bendelow (1907). Michigan Golf Journal Historic Hotels and Golf