Championship golf season is on the horizon at French Lick Resort, and we've got a couple ways in mind for you to experience it.
The Road to the LPGA will again pass through French Lick Resort from Tuesday, July 10 to Saturday, July 14 for the second annual Donald Ross Classic at the historic Donald Ross Course. Getting to watch (and possibly meet) a future pro golfer isn't an opportunity that pops up every day, so come and experience it with the top players on the Symetra Tour, the developmental circuit of the LPGA.
The Road to the LPGA will again pass through French Lick Resort from Tuesday, July 10 to Saturday, July 14 for the second annual Donald Ross Classic at the historic Donald Ross Course. Getting to watch (and possibly meet) a future pro golfer isn't an opportunity that pops up every day, so come and experience it with the top players on the Symetra Tour, the developmental circuit of the LPGA.
Spectators are welcome, and tickets will be $5 per day.
Spectators can park in the designated tournament lot across from the Donald
Ross building. For guests staying at French Lick Resort, you’ll still be able
to use our complimentary shuttle service between the hotels and the Ross
Course.
You can be a part of the action: Check out the top 5 things
to do and see while the Symetra Tour is here:
1. Youth clinic
On Tuesday, July 10, the Symetra Tour players will be
leading the Donald Ross Classic Youth Clinic at the Valley Links Course, from 3
to 4:30 p.m. It’s a perfect opportunity for kids to learn from golf
professionals on the rise. The clinic is free for children 17 and younger, and
if you have a child interested in learning more about the game, sign them up
today. Registration is required and limited to the first 100 players. For more
information, contact The Valley Links golf shop at (812) 936-8042.
2. Catch a hole-in-one?
The par-3 holes at The Donald Ross Course are no joke and
can present quite a challenge. However, Hole 16 is known to be a great
hole-in-one opportunity, with the proper pin placement.
At last year’s Donald Ross Classic, two players — Jenna
Peters and Kate Machado — made their first career aces. Peters achieved her ace
using a pitching wedge, and just two groups later Machado matched the feat
using her 50-degree wedge. There’s nothing quite like witnessing a hole-in one.
And most of us will never be lucky enough to fire an ace of our own, but the
16th hole is your best bet to live vicariously through someone who can.
3. Hang out by the
practice green before and after rounds
Looking for a chance to meet one of the players? Hang around
the practice putting green just behind the clubhouse. Symetra players are some
of the most personable and accessible professional players. Arrive early and
watch the players warm up before their rounds, or stay late and catch a quick
practice session, post-round. Either way, chances are good you can get a quick
chat and an autograph.
Also, take note of the flags representing home countries of
all the players in the field. They’ll be surrounding the practice putting green
to highlight the diversity of the women in the event.
 |
Symetra players rolling some putts to
get the speed of the greens before their early morning tee times.
|
4. Visit the 9th and 18th greens
These two greens are adjacent to each other, enabling
spectators to witness some nerve-wracking shots approaching two different
holes. The ladies will be teeing off both 1 and 10 the first two days, so play
will be wrapping up both on holes 9 and 18. These aren’t easy finishing holes,
with elevated shots into the greens and severe sloping greens. So watch how the
pros tackle these layouts, just behind the southwest side of the clubhouse.
 |
| Erynne Lee and August Kim battled out three intense playoff holes on Hole 18. Lee made a solid green in regulation and 2-putt par to secure the championship. |
5. Support a good cause
The golf portion of The Donald Ross Classic lasts only a few
days, but the community outreach has a more long-term imprint.
Resort Charity Events, the charitable arm of French Lick
Resort, has chosen Orange County Habitat for Humanity as this year’s
beneficiary. The Resort has guaranteed a $25,000 donation to Habitat for
Humanity, with hopes that fundraising efforts exceed expectation and allow
more. Proceeds from the tournament will directly benefit Habitat’s mission, so
come out and watch some competitive golf while supporting an excellent cause.
