Best Golf Courses in Kentucky

I can tell you one thing.  If you’re a fan of bourbon, you need to go to Kentucky.  I don’t personally partake in the matter, but I have plenty of friends that do.  I mean, I’ve tried the stuff, but I’m more partial to the clear parchments in the form of a good martini. 

With that being said, I’m also a big fan of Kentucky basketball.  No, I don’t have any affiliation to Rick Patino or the Wildcats institution that is the University of Kentucky, I’ve just always rooted for them.  Call me a Bandwagon Fan in every sense of the word.  Guilty as charged.

While I’ve spent some time in the Bluegrass State, one thing I haven’t done much of is play golf.  I know you’re shocked, but it’s the truth.  However, I’m aware that there’s plenty of quality golf to be played so, as has become custom, I reached out to our readership for their input.  And you guessed it, they came through like always.

I’ll be honest, I’d never heard of California, Kentucky until our readers told me all about Hickory Sticks Golf Club.  With resounding flare, they said it’s one of the best public tracks in the state.

Yes, this course is short in terms of yardage.  However, what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in everything else.

Opened in 1998, Hickory Sticks is quintessential Kentucky golf.  Rolling hills, magnificent vistas, and plenty of chances for risk and reward await. 

Elevation changes, narrow fairways, and undulating greens will provide all the test you want here.

From what I’ve been told, this a round of golf you won’t soon forget.

 

When Heritage Hill opened its doors in 2008, Golf Digest ranked it as a “Top 10 New Golf Course.” 

Designed by Jack Nicklaus associate, Doug Beach, Heritage Hill is challenging and fun in the same breath.

Bent grass greens and Zoysia fairways are a golfer’s dream.  Our readers say this course is one of the best kept public facilities in Kentucky. 

Full of character, Heritage Hill’s generous fairways aren’t to be mistaken for its well protected and sloping greens.  This course demands your Sunday best as you approach the greens.

A great experience and worth the modest price of admission, don’t miss out on Heritage Hill.

 

Owned and operated by the city of Prestonburg, StoneCrest isn’t your typical town muni.  Far from it. 

Built on over 700 acres of mountaintop land, StoneCrest has views for days and elevation changes that will give someone like me vertigo.  This is truly golf at the top of the world in Kentucky.

If you’re looking to stay in one spot, the stay and play packages are more than reasonable here.  I’m told the amenities are second to none and the service undeniably over the top.

As a lover of city-owned tracks, this place sounds special.

Even though this course has the words “country” and “club” in its name, locals tell me Calvert City is one of the best values for golf you’re going to find anywhere. 

Designed by Harold England and opened in 1970, Calvert City is one of the premier public tracks in Western Kentucky. 

This old-style design features tree lined fairways and small, undulating greens that are sure to test your touch and precision.

Five tee boxes make Calvert City playable for anyone and challenging hazards throughout will keep you on your toes. 

I looked at the green fees here and I’ll be the first to tell you, this is one value round you won’t want to miss.

Located in the fine city of Somerset, Eagle’s Nest dates back to 1979. 

Considered one of the toughest courses in the state, this track meanders through wooded hills in a truly breathtaking setting.

Elevation changes throughout and some of the fastest greens around make for an exciting round here.  The locals say if you get above the hole, it’s the kiss of death.

For a memorable experience that will test your acumen from tee to green, Eagle’s Nest Country Club sounds like the place to be.

 

Western Kentucky is known as Lake Country.  Kentucky Dam Village is right in the middle of it all. 

Part of 1,700 acres of recreational heaven, this track is Perry Maxwell hidden gem.  If you aren’t familiar with his work, think Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas.  Pretty impressive resume.

Arguably the best value in Kentucky, you won’t forget a round here.  Sloping fairways, hardwood forests, and plenty of lakes keep you on your toes throughout the round. 

If you’re looking to get away from it all, this property has something for everyone in the family that likes to be outdoors.

 

I’ve heard nothing but good things about the city of Richmond and our readers say Boone’s Trace National is as good as it gets for golf.

Mountain country golf is what it’s all about here. 

Rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest, Boone’s Trace has recently undergone a major renovation that’s been met with nothing but praise.

The course is situated high on the bluffs that overlook the Kentucky River.  The vistas are breathtaking. 

While you’re here, be sure to take in all the other amenities this facility has to offer.  The clubhouse, practice facilities, and dining options can’t be beat.

 

With resounding support, Kentuckians rave about the network of golf courses involved with the State Parks.

There’s no exception at My Old Kentucky Home.  The name just sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?

This course isn’t long in yardage, but it’s more than long in the tooth when it comes to history.  It dates back all the way to 1933. 

Along with a remarkable round of golf, there’s so much to see and do at this State Park you’ll likely want to plan a few days for a visit.

Cherry Blossom is conveniently located just minutes from Lexington in the quaint community of Georgetown.    

This course was voted the “#1 Public Golf Course in the State of Kentucky” for seven years running by Golfweek Magazine.  To this day, it remains a staple in the rota for both locals and visitors. 

Even though it only measures 6,866 yards from the back tees, it’s a true test of shot making and managing your game throughout the bag. 

For a private club experience at a daily fee price, you can’t go wrong with Cherry Blossom.

Having recently undergone a renovation by Arthur Hills Golf, the 18 holes at the Big Blue Course are something to remember. 

Wall-to-wall bent grass makes for ideal playing conditions around this course that features numerous hazards and plenty of undulation to keep your attention. 

Die-hards say this is target golf at it’s best.  You need to be on your game from tee to green in order to score.

There are 36 holes at this facility and while the Wildcat Course is a great track, the consensus seems to be that the Big Blue is the better of the two.

As a Wildcat basketball fan (with no affiliation), you can bet I’ll don my finest blue and white golf shirt when I get the chance to play here.

Conclusion

Maybe someday I’ll get to like the taste of bourbon.  Time will tell.  Regardless, I’ve never been to a home Kentucky Wildcat basketball game.  That’s on the bucket list for sure.

While I’m at it, you can bet your bottom dollar that I’m going to bring my sticks and play some of the fantastic courses y’all have brought to light. 

I’m sure I’ve missed something and there’s other properties that need to be highlighted on this list.  Will you do me a favor and let me know in the comments? 

As always, thanks for your input, thanks for reading, and fairways and greens to each and every one of you.