Pete Dye's French Lick Course named course of the year

FRENCH LICK -- The National Golf Course Owners Association has named the Pete Dye Course its 2017 course of the year.

The honor is the latest for the course, which received best new course honors from Golf Digest and Golf Magazine when it opened in 2009.

The Dye Course beat out finalists Canoe Brook Country Club in New Jersey, Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Club in Florida and Poppy Hills Golf Course in California.

"We are thrilled and humbled to receive this honor from the NGCOA, and to be recognized alongside so many top facilities from around the country," said Dave Harner, director of golf at French Lick Resort.

"The Pete Dye Course has become a symbol of excellence in the industry being an economic driver that is changing the lives of so many people through jobs, major golf championships, and our many charitable events such as Riley Children's Foundation with our previous Legends and upcoming Senior LPGA Championships."

The finalists were selected based on four criteria; quality of golf course, quality of ownership and management, outstanding contributions to the local community, and significant contributions to the game of golf.

The course has hosted a number of events, including the 2015 Senior PGA Championship, the past three LPGA Legends Championships, the 2010 PGA club pro championships and the Big Ten men's and women's championships. This year, the course will host the inaugural Senior LPGA Championship.