West Baden Springs Hotel Among Top 125 Golf Resorts
by Condé Nast Traveler
Renovated historic hotel combines with award winning Pete Dye course
to create one of the America’s top golf vacation destinations
FRENCH LICK, IN– Condé Nast Traveler has selected the West Baden Springs Hotel at French Lick Resort in southern Indiana among the Top 125 Golf Resorts in the United States and beyond. West Baden, which was ranked No. 2 among the Top 10 Northern U.S. Golf Resorts, was the only resort in Indiana recognized.
The Top 125 Golf Resorts in Condé Nast Traveler, published in the April 2011 issue, provides travelers with a best of guide to the top destinations across the country, as selected by thousands of readers who vote on overall lodging, dining, service and of course, golf amenities. Stretching from Scottsdale to St. Andrews, the list includes the world’s best places to stay and play for both the avid and casual golfer.
This latest national recognition for West Baden combined with the spectacular award winning Pete Dye golf course further solidifies French Lick Resort as one of the premier luxury golf destinations in the country. West Baden joined other elite golf resort destinations in the north including Stowe Mountain Lodge (Vermont), American Club (Wisconsin), Grand Hotel (Michigan), Inn at Bay Harbor (Michigan), and Grand View Lodge (Minnesota) to name a few.
“We are very excited about the combination of West Baden, with its luxurious amenities and national recognition together with the highly acclaimed Pete Dye golf course,” explained Dave Harner, director of golf at French Lick Resort. “It is also an honor and a tribute to the vision of our owners that we are recognized by the top travelers of Condé Nast to be among the elite resort destinations in the United States and beyond.”
Originally built in 1902, the West Baden Springs Hotel re-opened in May 2007 following a 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.
West Baden is a part of the French Lick Resort, which as a whole has undergone a $500 million restoration and development project. In one of the largest such private projects in the U.S., the owners saved two turn-of-the-century grand hotels, added a casino and new golf course, thus bringing resort life back to Indiana. The National Trust has also recognized their work for Historic Preservation.
The Pete Dye course, which was named America’s Best New Public Course in 2009 by Golf Digest, is regarded as one of the most breathtaking and exciting 18 holes of golf in the country. The 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 historic Donald Ross course, which was restored to its original early 20th century design in 2006, is a parkland gem meandering up and down the rolling hills a few miles from the main resort. The wonderful routing of the holes take full advantage of the many elevation points for the classic Ross greens which slope dramatically from back to front. It is one of only two public Ross courses in the state of Indiana.
French Lick Resort is the only resort 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 golfers to experience two of the best designers who ever shaped beautiful landscapes into golf courses.
Golfers can experience this premier golf resort destination at some affordable spring rates. For more information or to book one of the early season spring golf packages, please visit www.frenchlick.com or call our reservation specialists at (888) 936-9360.
Media Contacts:
French Lick Resort
Dyan Welsh Duncan
(812) 936-5926
dduncan@frenchlick.com
Fusion Media Strategies
Kevin Frisch
(989) 614-0241
kevin@fusionmediastrategies.com
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; 45 holes of golf, including the fully restored 1917-designed Donald Ross Course at French Lick and the new, 18-hole Pete Dye Course at French Lick; 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.
