By Mike May
It might be fair to say that two of Scotland’s greatest exports are rock singer Rod Stewart and golf course architect Donald Ross. While Stewart is still entertaining audiences worldwide, Ross has since passed away, but his legacy is as alive and vibrant as ever. The hundreds of golf courses, which he designed in the U.S. continue to entertain and humble every golfer.
Ross’s most famous course design in this country may be at the “Home of American Golf,” Pinehurst #2 in North Carolina, but one of his classic pieces embraces the rolling hills in the Hoosier State, The Donald Ross Course at the French Lick Resort, which opened for play in 1917, has stood the test of time and continues to host top-flight tournaments today. 
The course hosted the 1924 PGA Championship with Walter Hagen hoisting the Wanamaker Trophy. It also hosted two women’s majors, the 1959 LPGA Championship won by Betsy Rawls, plus Mickey Wright won the 1960 LPGA Championship.
Today it welcomes the Symetra Tour for the Donald Ross Classic and is as relevant for the top players’ games today, as it was when Hagen won the PGA in 1924.
When Ross designed this layout, originally called The Hill Course, he didn’t have access to machines, which could dig and move dirt. Instead, he made the most of what Mother Nature provided. In laymen’s terms, he created golf’s equivalent of the Hope Diamond from a rough-cut gem! This masterpiece can be challenging for the less skilled golfer, but there are five sets of tees to give every player the best option, for their skill set.
When visiting this course, be willing and prepared to play a forward set of tees. What this course lacks in distance is compensated by a steady breeze, Draconian rough, strategically placed sand traps, and slick, rolling greens. If you can ‘drive for show’ and ‘putt for dough,’ you will do well at The Donald Ross Course. Always be aware, the evil four-putt is always lurking!
Make plans to play The Donald Ross Course at the French Lick Resort. Guests of the resort receive preferred tee times.
When you walk off the 18th green, head to Hagen’s, in the clubhouse, to enjoy a snack and libation. Let me suggest the Hole-in-One Hot Brown.
At Hagen’s, you will be welcomed with open arms, just as ‘Sir’ Walter was when he won the Wanamaker Trophy back in 1924.
Would you expect anything else from the place where champions have played and won?
