By
Joy Neighbors
In
celebration of National Golf Month, we'll take an in-depth look at one of the three
courses at the French Lick Resort: Valley Links Golf Course and Activities
Center.
It
was 1907 when French Lick Springs Hotel owner Tom Taggart commissioned Scottish
American golf course architect Tom Bendelow to build a championship course for
the hotel.
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| Bendelow Course |
Known for his design style of utilizing natural terrain
to create a challenging course, Bendelow designed a course to be enjoyed
by all; beginners and advanced golfers. Boasting 18-holes and called The Valley
Course, it featured rolling fairways, well-placed bunkers and fescue grass
throughout. (During his lifetime, Bendelow designed more than 600 courses, most
located throughout the U.S.)
 |
| Laying Sod |
In
2005, the Valley Links Course was remodeled after the Cook Group, Inc.
purchased the hotel and grounds. It went from the original 18 holes to a
nine-hole family course with a driving range. This par 36-course was
developed through a partnership with US Kids Golf, the primary junior golf
company in the U.S., to create a kid-friendly course while still presenting a
challenge to more advanced players.
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| Alex Whiteman |
According
to Alex Whiteman, Golf Group Sales Manager for the resort, “All levels will
enjoy this course. We have USGA golf tees on the course, and it’s a
championship-like course that offers good distance. You can enjoy playing here
if you’re an avid golfer or if it’s just you and the kids, and we encourage family
play on Valley Links.”
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| FootGolf |
The
Valley Links Course also offers FootGolf, a creative game that combines the
components of soccer and golf. “FootGolf is the new craze that’s
sweeping the country,” Whiteman said. “It’s where kids can play golf along with
mom and dad, but instead of a golf ball, the kids are using a soccer ball that
they try to kick into a 21” round hole. The score is kept just like golf and we
have a FootGolf hole for each of our regular nine holes.” But don’t assume this is
a game just for kids; adults enjoy playing as well. In 2015, the American
FootGolf League (AFGL) was recognized as the governing body for the new sport
and the Valley Links Course is designated as an AFGL course.
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| Training Area |
The
Valley Links Golf and Activities Center offers several special training
programs throughout the year. “We have a First Tee program and PGA Jr League
for youth during the summer,” Whiteman said. “We also offer a ladies’ clinic in
the summer that includes training with a golf professional.”
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| Video Analysis |
The French Lick
Resort Golf Academy also provides golf instruction with PGA professionals available for
all level of golfers. Full swing and short game analysis is available along with
cutting-edge video analysis. The Activities Center is home to a 10-station
indoor driving range and indoor/outdoor putting greens. Outdoors, a short
game practice green and driving range lets golfers perfect their game. “I’d say
90% of all the (golf) training done at the resort is done here at Valley Links.
We have a long driving range and a course that’s great to fine-tune your skills
on,” Whiteman said.
Whiteman
handles numerous golfing groups each month; those looking to come “stay and
play” at the resort. “My job is more of a hybrid-golf position; I do sales,
planning and golf. Groups usually contact me by email or phone and we’ll
discuss what they want to do. I usually handle groups of 8 or more whose
purpose is to come and play, usually a golf trip for 2, 3 or 4 days; their
whole agenda is about golf. I handle all of the details from getting their
rooms reserved to where they would like to eat, to what course or courses they're
playing on what days. And once they arrive, I make sure they have a great
time.” |
| Valley Links Golf Course |
It’s
obvious that Whiteman enjoys it here and when asked what his favorite part of
the job is, he smiles, “It’s always busy. I love that I get to play all three
courses - that keeps me up-to-date on what’s happening and how to select
courses for my groups. I get to meet the people and watch how much fun they
have here. And, I get to share my passion for this property; I like that!”
With
a picturesque course like Valley Links, it’s easy to see why golfers of all
ages enjoy spending time here.
Information on the course:
Valley Links Golf Course
8670 W. State Road 56 (Behind French Lick Springs Hotel)
Open daily 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
(812) 936-8042
Course Accolades:
Top 50 Ranges in the U.S., Range.org, 2013