Sand Valley or French Lick

[mci711]

Trying to decide where I am going to go this year for my birthday. Narrowed it down to Sand Valley or French Lick. Anyone played both and have an opinion?

 

I have never cared for short courses/par 3s so the Sandbox kind of cancels out. The way I am looking at it is Dye course Vs Mammoth and Ross Vs SV.

 

My biggest reasoning for French Lick is I can play the Dye course 3 times in 1 day and it is closer to St Louis so I can meet some friends there (I live in Chicago). And the Dye course looks just unreal. Con - I don't know a ton about the Ross course and if it is any good.

 

Sand Valley has good perks too, closer to CHI for me. Mammoth Dunes looks like it may be one of the best public courses in the country. I loved Bandon Dunes (another Kaiser property) and Streamsong (they seem similar to me).

 

Thoughts? The best course of the 4?

[mckennwa]

The Ross course at French Lick is very good. It’s a lot of traditional holes, so get used to slopey fast elevated greens, but if you’re a fan of traditional golf, it’s a great little brother course for the Dye.

[Phreddy]

I've never played French Lick, although I would certainly like to give it a go. SV/Mammoth is to me much more like Streamsong than Bandon. I think that is because it is inland and not subject to the wind/weather that makes Bandon feel more truly linksy.

 

The staff, accommodations and food at SV are top shelf.

[Lefty.Golfer]

To each there own, obviously, but i bet the Sandbox is not going to be your run of the mill short course. Im headed out to Bandon in 6 weeks and I’m very excited to play the Preserve out there.

 

That being said, the chance to play a Ross course would be enough for me to choose French Lick. The pics of it on the website look pretty great.

[mci711]

To each there own, obviously, but i bet the Sandbox is not going to be your run of the mill short course. Im headed out to Bandon in 6 weeks and I’m very excited to play the Preserve out there.

 

That being said, the chance to play a Ross course would be enough for me to choose French Lick. The pics of it on the website look pretty great.

 

I don't disagree. I have played the Preserve. But for me, I would much rather be on 1 of the 4 world class courses there. Same with Sand Valley. They are fun, and good for getting an extra couple hours in during the evening or if you have time to kill, but this is a short (2 days of golf) trip that I don't plan on needing a "break" or having a ton of extra time.

 

If it is your first time at bandon, I do recommend playing the punchbowl though. That is a good way to have some drinks and make some bets to end a day.

[Argonne69]

I've been to both and played all four courses, and for me I would tend to lean towards Sand Valley only because of the "natural" aspect of the design. That said, you can't go wrong with either. I'd say go to French Lick and meet up with your friends. I hope they like to gamble, because there is basically nothing else to do in French Lick. If you have an extra day or two stop in Lafayette or Indianapolis for an extra round or two.

 

Since you're closer to Sand Valley, you can easily head up there any weekend during the summer months.

[mci711]

I've been to both and played all four courses, and for me I would tend to lean towards Sand Valley only because of the "natural" aspect of the design. That said, you can't go wrong with either. I'd say go to French Lick and meet up with your friends. I hope they like to gamble, because there is basically nothing else to do in French Lick. If you have an extra day or two stop in Lafayette or Indianapolis for an extra round or two.

 

Since you're closer to Sand Valley, you can easily head up there any weekend during the summer months.

 

That is kind of my thought. May try to jump up there the first warm days of May and play at a discounted rate. Thanks!

[Bob Cat]

I can only speak to FL... have played the Ross course maybe four times and caddied there once. Have not played the Dye course but walked it in a tourney once.

 

I believe you're still required to have a fore caddie on the Dye course so you'll get plenty of help traversing a difficult but lovely course with great views from the top of a pretty good elevation for Indiana. I'll get there "on the man" very soon.

 

Ross course is good - Dye course is an event.

 

My favorite spots...

Breakfast: The Promonade in the lower level of the FL hotel (buffet).

Lunch: Ribs or Fish & Chips at Hagen's (Ross course).

Dinner: 33 Brick Street then cocktails on Hagen's deck facing West over the Ross course at sundown.

Nightcap: Dirty Belvedere martini with bluecheese olives in the West Baden atrium.

Just one more: The Colonial next to 33 Brick St (pool, shuffleboard, karaoke? CHEAP).

Last call: Casino bar (don't do it - go to bed - you're drunkk).

[maleman000]

Don't be so quick to count out the Sandbox course. Very fun and definitely not a normal par 3 course. Sand valley makes such great use of the landscape

[DavePelz4]

Would you like filet or prime rib? Not sure you can lose Sir.

[BG5]

Great Post! I plan to play both of these this year as I have never had a chance to play any. My plan was to hopefully make it to SV in May and take advantage of their cheap rates. Heck you can play 36 holes in SV for $150 so you clearly cannot beat that price.

 

Does French Lick still have the rate of $350 for unlimited golf on the Dye course???? If so I will wait to early July and will likely drive down and play 36 holes in prime conditions

[Argonne69]

I played FL in late May of 2013, and at the time it was unlimited play on the Dye course. Actually, I believe I was on the Hall of Fame package that allowed for unlimited play on both courses. I played the Ross course the afternoon of arrival, and two rounds on Dye the following day. 'Definitely get your money's worth by teeing off early on Dye, and allowing enough time for the 2nd round.

[zer0]

If food is important to you don't pick FL. The food at all the restaurants affiliated with the resort is god awful, easily the worst I've ever had on a vacation. There's a couple places in town that are ok, but nothing special.

[stringbean502001]

No question that different course "tastes" would apply for your question...and get vastly different recommendations

 

Having played FL a couple times, and SV and MD once, I would strongly place one vote for the Wisconsin gems. My preference for more natural golf, the almost unreal landscapes at SV/MD, and the "fun" aspect that the two Wisc courses bring makes it easy for me.

 

I love Ross courses and the FL course is good, but not one of the best of his I have played. The Dye course, in my humble opinion, is too manufactured. And, for my game frankly, too penal. The two rounds I have played there have been the worst $400 investments I can remember.

 

Just my opinion...others will love the huge challenge of Dye I would expect

 

My course ranking

Mammoth

Sand Valley (maybe tie with Ross)

FL Ross

FL Dye

 

[games]

Nightcap: Dirty Belvedere martini with bluecheese olives in the West Baden atrium.

 

IMO (former commercial real estate appraiser) the West Baden Springs Hotel is the most beautiful building in the Midwest that no one talks about.

 

I used to appraise all types of properties, including several Vegas casino hotels. The West Baden building is stunning. It was the largest open span ("dome") building in the US until the Astrodome. MUST SEE if going to French Lick.

[DaddyCaddieIU]

I went on a two day golf trip to French Lick two years ago. Dye course views are awesome. First time around you’re like a kid in the candy store, you won’t believe the elevation changes and how it looks. 2nd time around you think this golf Course is just so-so. Ross course is a better golf course with more memorable holes golf wise and makes you think more. Some of the greens are ridiculous. If you are a good golfer both are fine, if you are a bad golfer Dye course will suck. We had a guy lose 46 balls that weekend....

[mci711]

Thanks for the advice/tips/opinions! I think I am going to play FL in July and find time to hit Sand Valley in May.

[tiderider]

Nightcap: Dirty Belvedere martini with bluecheese olives in the West Baden atrium.

 

IMO (former commercial real estate appraiser) the West Baden Springs Hotel is the most beautiful building in the Midwest that no one talks about.

 

I used to appraise all types of properties, including several Vegas casino hotels. The West Baden building is stunning. It was the largest open span ("dome") building in the US until the Astrodome. MUST SEE if going to French Lick.

 

good stuff, games ...

[hoosier84]

Nightcap: Dirty Belvedere martini with bluecheese olives in the West Baden atrium.

 

IMO (former commercial real estate appraiser) the West Baden Springs Hotel is the most beautiful building in the Midwest that no one talks about.

 

I used to appraise all types of properties, including several Vegas casino hotels. The West Baden building is stunning. It was the largest open span ("dome") building in the US until the Astrodome. MUST SEE if going to French Lick.

 

good stuff, games ...

 

Amazing building. My wife and I spent our anniversary there in September.

 

Food choices around hotel are very limited. We went into town and found a couple okay spots and I think the food at the Donald Ross course isn't bad.

 

Went to see the Pete Dye course and it was quite memorable. Elevated so it is windy most of the time. It doesn't get played a lot because of the price and the fact French Lick is in the middle of nowhere.

 

They have shuttles from the hotels to the golf courses.

[Bob Cat]

I forgot to mention there's a very good German restaurant in town (FL). And, yes, you can shuttle just about anywhere.

[zer0]

If you do go to FL, you definitely want to play a round at Sultan's Run. Really fun course located in Jasper, about a half hour away from FL.

[mci711]

So I have read that you can call and book the daily fee without staying on the property. Has anyone done this?

[Bob Cat]

+1 on Sultans Run... and might as well hit the Schnitzelbank for a meal while you're in Jasper.

[CP_Circa62]

My two cents on FL is that the Ross course is very good, but the Dye course is very manufactured and not that much fun.

 

Ironically, I would compare the Ross course to the charm and appeal that Crooked Stick has and compare the Dye course to the contrived set up at the Purdue course.

 

I really enjoyed Dye’s older courses, but his newer designs are very busy looking but uninteresting.

 

 

 

My two cents on FL is that the Ross course is very good, but the Dye course is very manufactured and not that much fun.

 

Ironically, I would compare the Ross course to the charm and appeal that Crooked Stick has and compare the Dye course to the contrived set up at the Purdue course.

 

I really enjoyed Dye’s older courses, but his newer designs are very busy looking and uninteresting.

 

 

[DrOldSchool]

So I have read that you can call and book the daily fee without staying on the property. Has anyone done this?

 

A few of us went down and stayed at an AirBnB last July. We played the Ross course in the afternoon. It was a death march, 2-3 deep on every tee for the last 13-14 holes, and while I enjoyed the old school layout (no pun intended) the conditions of the course combined with the 5:30 round left a lot to be desired at the price point, even at twilight. If Chariot Run is an option add it too, there's a reason you see it at/near the top of most best of Indiana lists.

 

Also, I cannot echo enough what Bob Cat says below, about Sultans Run and the nearby Schnitzelbank.

 

+1 on Sultans Run... and might as well hit the Schnitzelbank for a meal while you're in Jasper.

[mci711]

So I have read that you can call and book the daily fee without staying on the property. Has anyone done this?

 

A few of us went down and stayed at an AirBnB last July. We played the Ross course in the afternoon. It was a death march, 2-3 deep on every tee for the last 13-14 holes, and while I enjoyed the old school layout (no pun intended) the conditions of the course combined with the 5:30 round left a lot to be desired at the price point, even at twilight. If Chariot Run is an option add it too, there's a reason you see it at/near the top of most best of Indiana lists.

 

Also, I cannot echo enough what Bob Cat says below, about Sultans Run and the nearby Schnitzelbank.

 

+1 on Sultans Run... and might as well hit the Schnitzelbank for a meal while you're in Jasper.

 

Were you unable to play the Dye course because you weren't staying on property?

[marmooskapaul]

I suggest you stay on Patoka Lake and rent a house boat...crappie fish all night and golf all day!!

[DrOldSchool]

 

 

Were you unable to play the Dye course because you weren't staying on property?

 

No, we didn't want to pony up for it.

[adamjstl]

French Lick is excellent. Dye is spectacular- 40 mile views, eye candy, wow factor, and exciting golf holes. Ross is a nice courses as well. Have your pro call Victoria National as well. It's about 90 minutes southwest of French Lick, and is widely considered the best course in Indiana.

 

The Dye Course and Victoria National are like nothing you will see in Chicago. Enjoy.

[Bob Cat]

Sad news... the Colonial (Wolfs Den) burnt down back in December (French Lick dive bar).