March 29, 2011

PARK RIDGE, Ill. -- The Big Ten Conference announced today (Tuesday, March 29) the French Lick Resort in French Lick, Ind., has been awarded the Big Ten Men's and Women's Golf Championships in 2012, 2013 and 2014. This marks the first time that both the men and women will compete at the same time and on a neutral site.

"We are really excited to have such a quality championship golf course serve as the host of our Big Ten Championships," said U-M head men's golf coach Andrew Sapp. "The French Lick Golf Course and Resort is a wonderful venue and challenging set up. More importantly, by having our championship decided at a neutral site now, it takes away any home course advantage a team would have and really square the field. That will only help create an exciting championship."

"I am very excited to have the Big Ten Championship being played at such a great venue as the French Lick Resort," said U-M head women's golf coach Cheryl Stacy. "Having a neutral site will give the Championship consistency and increase the fan base. A more southern location within the Big Ten footprint will improve the chance for optimal weather providing a more enjoyable experience for the student-athlete."

The French Lick Resort is the only resort in the world that combines the classic history of Donald Ross and the modern day design of the legendary Pete Dye. The men's championships will be contested on the award-winning Dye course, and the women's event will be held on the historic Ross Course. Golfweek Magazine recently ranked the Dye course Indiana's "Best Courses You Can Play," and the Ross course No. 2 among the "Best Courses You Can Play" rankings in the state.

Since the inception of the Big Ten Men's Golf Championships in 1920, 10 different teams have taken home a conference title, while seven different women's teams have won the conference title since it began holding its championship in 1982.

The U-M men's program has claimed 12 Big Ten titles in its history, which is the second most of any Big Ten team, while the women's program produced its best finish with a runner-up finish in 2005 championships at the U-M Golf Course.

• Big Ten Release

About French Lick Resort
French Lick Resort is a $500 million historic restoration and casino development project that includes the West Baden Springs Hotel, French Lick Springs Hotel and the new French Lick Casino. This premier resort and casino destination in Southern Indiana features 686 guest rooms and suites; a 51,000-square-foot, single-level casino; 45 holes of golf, including the fully restored 1917-designed Donald Ross Course at French Lick and the new, 18-hole Pete Dye Course at French Lick; two full-service spas with a combined 36 treatment rooms totaling 42,000 square feet; meeting and event space totaling 115,000 square feet and an array of dining and entertainment options.

Contact: Tom Wywrot (734) 763-4423