The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort Named 2012 Indiana Golf Course of the Year

(French Lick, IN) - French Lick Resort, the award winning golf destination in Southern Indiana, has been named the 2012 Indiana Golf Course of the Year by the Indiana Golf Course Owners Association, a chapter of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA). The award was presented during the 2011 Golf Business Conference at French Lick Resort on November 3.

The Course of the Year Award honors a member meeting four criteria: exceptional quality of the course, exceptional quality of ownership and management, outstanding contribution to its community, and significant contribution to the game.

"To be recognized by our peers in the state of Indiana is very exciting and we are certainly proud to receive the award," said Dave Harner, French Lick Resort's director of golf. "The Pete Dye Course is not only a special golf venue, but the course and resort have become a symbol of excellence and a life changing economic driver for the region."

The Pete Dye course, which opened in 2009, burst on to the national scene by receiving America's best new course accolades by the two leading golf publications in the country, Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine.

The course was also a major factor in the $500 million dollar restoration and casino development project lead by its founder and chief visionary, Bill Cook, whose corporate philanthropy changed lives and communities around the world including the small town of French Lick, Indiana. The development of the Pete Dye course and the reclamation of French Lick Resort continue to have an enormous economic impact on the small town of French Lick. Cook's generosity and vision still provides jobs for nearly 1,700 of the counties 3,000 residents.

"This award is also a testament to the vision of Mr. Cook and long time friend and Chairman of the Board of Cook Group, Inc., Steve Ferguson, who both recognized the impact that this project would have on the community and the thousands of lives who live in the region," said Harner.

The Pete Dye course was carefully carved into a dramatic site upon a hilltop - one of the highest points in the state - offering panoramic views in all directions that stretch for 30-40 miles. The course features a variety of elevation changes, rugged and dramatic terrain, narrow fairways, and challenging bunkers, along with spectacular views from every hole.

Pete Dye said the property was as good for golf as any he has worked on.

"I have spent the past five decades designing golf courses all over the world, including courses on great coastal sites," Dye explains. "This course at French Lick Resort has brought great excitement to Alice and me because the course is on arguably the best inland site I have ever worked on."

The Dye course has already gained recognition as a leading tournament site by hosting the 2010 and 2014 PGA Professional National Championship, and will play host to the Big Ten Championship in 2012 and the LPGA Legends Championship in 2013.

The Pete Dye Course now qualifies to be one of 50 courses competing for the 2012 NGCOA National Golf Course of the Year. The national winner will be announced at the NGCOA National Conference held in Las Vegas in February 2012.

For more information visit www.frenchlick.com.

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