French Lick Resort's Pete Dye golf course is almost complete, with the opening scheduled for April 2009.

"There is nothing more dramatic then playing golf while observing spectacular views. Until now, my signature courses with spectacular views have involved water. This new project will allow golfers panoramic views that extend for over 30 miles of countryside in all directions," said Dye. "I have spent the past five decades designing golf courses all over the world, including courses on great coastal sites. This new project, however, brings great excitement to Alice and me because the course is on arguably the best inland site I have ever worked on."

Located on a hilltop behind the French Lick Springs Hotel in Indiana, USA, the course will feature rugged bunkers and fescue areas similar to Whistling Straits, along with large green complexes and narrow fairways. In addition, the first cut of rough will feature a new hybrid grass that allows the ball to sit up better when cut to one inch, making it easier for amateur players to hit from.

This article first appeared in issue 15 of Golf Course Architecture, published in January 2009.