I
t was back in 2010 that then Indiana governor
Mitch Daniels triggered the creation of the
Pete Dye Golf Trail. The following year Joy
and I became among the first to play all seven
courses on it. Back then I wrote that Dye was the
most innovative golf course architect of our time.
Dye passed away in January of 2020 at age 94
but nothing has changed in my assessment of
his talents. No disrespect to Tom Fazio, Jack
Nicklaus, Rees Jones, Robert Trent Jones, Bill
Coore-Ben Crenshaw, Tom Doak, Gil Hanse or
any of the other celebrated architects of my
generation, but I maintain that Dye was the best.
Though he didn't do much work in Illinois, Dye was
prominent in Wisconsin (Blackwolf Run, Whistling
Straits) and his native Indiana (Crooked Stick). And,
one layout that bears his name—The Pete Dye
Course at French Lick Resort in the southern part of
the Hoosier State—may be the best of his creations
even though Harbour Town and TPC Sawgrass,
as annual PGA Tour sites, have higher profiles.
French Lick was a big golf destination before
The Pete Dye Course opened for play in 2009.
Its companion Donald Ross Course is over 100
years old and hosted major championships
on both the PGA and LPGA tours.
"I think of Pete like Picasso,
somebody that has
created a nontraditional
design, whether it's a
painting, a sculpture or
a golf course…he was so
innovative in a profession
that is very traditional."
– Prominent course designer
Arthur Hills quoted by ESPN
GOLF NOW! Chicago 65
