Looking to have an amazing weekend away, one that’s both relaxing and fun? Golfing is a great way to relax and have fun; whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned pro, a golf getaway will leave you feeling relaxed and ready for your week ahead.
Why are golfers looking for opportunities in Kentucky? The best answer is, “This state is bounded by the Ohio River in the north, which looks historical, and the Appalachian Mountains in the east.” Frankfort is the state’s capital, and Kentucky has more than 300 golf courses, public and private.
I have sorted out 9 Best Golf Destinations in Kentucky out of 300+, with significant opportunities for golfers. Check out some of the best golf resorts in Kentucky listed below.
Also Read: Top 4 Golf Courses in Brownsville, Tx
1) Grayson Lake State Park, Olive Hill
Hidden Cove golf course is where you want to tee off on a sunny Saturday in Kentucky! This 18-hole championship golf course is nestled in Grayson Lake State Park and boasts sizeable white sand bunkers and beautiful green that will challenge and delight golfers of all skill levels.
Hidden Cove is rated 4.5/5 and offers four tees at 72 par. You’ll have to bring your own clubs to play, but carts are available for rent, and they have a putting green, driving range, and teaching pro for extra practice. Appropriate golf attire is required.
Immerse yourself in a beautiful forest scene as you golf with picturesque views of Grayson Lake. Often, you will feel like you have this golf course to yourself, so grab a few friends and check out this hidden gem for yourself!
Services
- Championship 18-hole course with large sand bunkers and lush greens.
- Facilities include putting green, driving range, and cart rentals.
- Rated 4.5/5, four tee options at 72 par.
- Scenic views of Grayson Lake, offers a picturesque and serene environment.
- Teaching pro available for lessons; proper golf attire required.
2) Bright Leaf Golf Resort, Harrodsburg
Are you looking for a stay-and-play in Kentucky that feels like living in the lap of luxury? According to Fidis Travel, this is one of the top resorts for a stay-and-play vacation. Enjoy their Southern Hospitality and plenty of relaxing amenities like a fitness centre, outdoor pool, and the 19th Hole Restaurant.
Three courses at this top-notch golf resort all rate over 4/5 and have three tees, two at par 36 and one at 38. Carts, clubs, GPS, and pull carts are all available for rent, and the dress code is quite relaxed, only requiring that players not wear cut-offs or tank tops.
They offer three brilliantly challenging courses: an 18-hole course, a 9-hole course, and a lighted 9-hole par 3. There is no need to quit the game when the sun goes down! Enjoy the sweet Kentucky bluegrass greens and challenging water hazards on each course. A game at Bright Leaf can’t be beat.
Services
- Three diverse golf courses: 18-hole, 9-hole, and lighted 9-hole par 3.
- Amenities include a fitness center, outdoor pool, and the 19th Hole Restaurant.
- Relaxed dress code, with carts, clubs, and GPS available for rent.
- Highly rated courses over 4/5, with par 36 and 38 options.
- Stay-and-play luxury with Southern Hospitality at its best.
3) Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, Lexington
Enjoy a four-star golf getaway that feels like five at Lexington Griffin Gate Resort. This year-round, 18-hole golf course is the jewel of the resort, and tee times book up fast. The course, designed by Rees Jones, is a great way to spend your Saturday.
This stellar course is a 4.6/5 and has ten tees that are all 72 par. Clubs and carts are available to rent, with the carts being included in the green fee. This course has a slightly more lenient dress code, only requiring collared shirts and pants or shorts. Denim is allowed in the off-season between Nov 31 and March 1.
The resort also offers lessons, a golf school, a putting green, and a clubhouse to really make a day of golf easy and fun. Kids can golf for free, so feel free to bring them along on your weekend trip!
Services
- 18-hole course designed by Rees Jones, open year-round.
- Features ten tees, all 72 par; carts included in the green fee.
- Resort facilities: golf school, lessons, putting green, clubhouse.
- Kids golf for free; the lenient dress code includes denim in the off-season.
- Rated 4.6/5, ideal for a luxurious golf weekend.
4) General Burnside Island State Park, Burnside
General Burnside Island State Park is a unique island destination right here in Kentucky. In addition to other activities like camping and waterfalls, this stunning island also boasts an 18-hole public golf course.
This course is a whopping 4.6/5 and is the star of the show. They have carts and clubs as well as pull carts to rent, and full golf attire is required.
Each hole is uniquely designed by KY. Brian Ault and the course has been recognized many times over by Golf Digest and golfing magazines as one of the best places to golf. Beautiful boulders dot the tree-lined courses for aesthetics and an added challenge. You’ll surely enjoy a round on this course!
Services
- 18-hole public course uniquely designed by KY Brian Ault.
- Rated 4.6/5, features challenging boulder-laden, tree-lined holes.
- Full golf attire is required; carts and clubs are available for rent.
- Recognized by Golf Digest as a top place to golf.
- The island setting offers additional activities like camping and exploring waterfalls.
5) Perry Park Golf Resort, Perry Park
Play like a pro at the Perry Park Golf Resort! This 27-hole championship golf course captivates players of all skill levels. The course is divided into three nine-hole loops. Watch out for water hazards and enjoy the beautiful view as you play.
At Perry Park, their three courses, Antlers, Whitetail, and Buckskin, are all highly rated and over 4.1/5. Clubs are available for rent, and carts are included in the green fee to make playing a breeze. Golf attire is mandatory, and there’s a delectable restaurant onsite for a post-game snack!
The resort itself is the cherry on top of an already perfect golf weekend. With luxurious rooms, a bed and breakfast, and other small cottages available, you’re spoilt for choice. The colonial-style architecture and antique furniture create the perfect cosy weekend stay.
Services
- 27-hole championship course divided into three 9-hole loops.
- Courses named Antlers, Whitetail, and Buckskin, all rated over 4.1/5.
- Golf carts included in green fee, clubs available for rent.
- Luxurious accommodations including rooms and cottages.
- Onsite restaurant, perfect for post-game dining; proper golf attire required.
6) Lincoln Homestead State Park, Springfield
This lush 120-acre park features many amenities, such as golf, playgrounds, and museums. Grab your clubs and come check out their interesting 18-hole course. The rolling hills, beautiful lakes, and trees create the perfect scene for a round of golf. This pristine course was designed by world-renowned Perry Maxwell and J. Press Maxwell to be challenging and unique.
Although this course is only rated 3.5/5, it’s still a wonderful course for a quick weekend game or just a practice. It has four tees, three at 71 par and one at 72 par. Carts and clubs are available for rent, and there is a long-sleeved golf attire dress code in place for men and short sleeves for women.
It’s not often you get a golf course with a bit of history. After a fun day of golf, check out the nearby historic and reproduced homes of Abraham Lincoln’s family. A game at Lincoln Homestead State Park makes for a fun and relaxing weekend.
Services
- 18-hole course set among rolling hills and lakes.
- Designed by Perry Maxwell and J. Press Maxwell, rated 3.5/5.
- Historic site with replicas of Abraham Lincoln’s family homes.
- Carts and clubs available for rent; specific dress code for men and women.
- Four tees ranging from 71 to 72 par, suitable for quick games or practices.
7) Yatesville Lake Golf Course, Louisa
Another beautiful public golf course is Yatesville Lake Golf Course. The design architects Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest created a course with perfectly manicured green and rolling hills that are great for all skill levels. Multiple sets of tees and multiple elevation changes throughout the course create a golfing dynamic you wouldn’t expect to find on a public course.
This golf course is rated 4.2/5, and although it doesn’t have a clubhouse for a full meal, snacks are available onsite. Five tees are at 71 par. Proper golf attire is expected to start the game, and players can feel free to rent a cart or walk each hole.
This golf course is set in a beautiful lush green forest, so there’s a good chance you’ll see some wildlife like deer, foxes, and bobcats. The park itself also offers other activities like waterskiing, fishing, and hiking to make the perfect weekend trip!
Services
- Manicured greens and rolling hills designed by Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest.
- Five tees at 71 par; proper golf attire is required.
- Rated 4.2/5, offers carts for rent and allows walking each hole.
- Set in a lush forest, potential wildlife sightings.
- Additional activities like waterskiing, fishing, and hiking are available.
8) Stone Crest Golf Course, Prestonburg
The vast open landscape at Stone Crest Golf Course sets the stage for practising your swing. From the sand traps to the rolling hills and elevation changes, this course will challenge your skill level at every turn.
This course is highly rated and stands at a 4.4/5. There are four tees at par 72, ranging from 5137 yards to 7011 yards. Rent clubs at the course to leave your clubs at home and make your stay super convenient. After a great game, you can continue to practice at the putting green or driving range or grab a lovely meal from their clubhouse.
This beautiful course doesn’t just have to be for one afternoon! Their comprehensive stay-and-play packages make tailoring your weekend a breeze. They include a course gift card and free replays, with a great deal overall on accommodation and golf.
Services
- Wide-open landscape with sand traps and rolling hills.
- Four tees at 72 par, ranging from 5137 to 7011 yards.
- Rated 4.4/5; clubs available for rent, putting green and driving range on-site.
- Stay-and-play packages include free replays and course gift card.
- Clubhouse available for meals; comprehensive golfing amenities offered.
9) Dale Hollow State Resort Park, Burnsville
What better place to play an afternoon of golf than in a gorgeous state park surrounded by nature? Dale Hollow has the best of both worlds with a perfectly manicured 18-hole course, restaurant and bar, and beautiful surroundings. The course features a driving range, pro shop, and club and golf cart rentals to make your game a breeze.
Dale Hollow State Resort Park is a high-rated course, according to golfpass.com, and has five tees at par 72. Golf carts and clubs are available to rent and the course features a putting green and driving range for extra practice before or after your round! Golfers are expected to wear proper golf attire while playing.
On the green, you’ll have challenges like rock outcroppings, springs, gorges, and ponds. Five sets of tees help to accommodate players of all levels. Bring a camera because the mountain views are unparalleled, and you’ll see firsthand why it’s one of the most scenic courses in Kentucky.
Services
- 18-hole course within a scenic state park setting.
- Restaurant and bar onsite, with a pro shop and rental facilities.
- Five tees at 72 par, featuring a putting green and driving range.
- Challenges include rock outcroppings, springs, and ponds.
- Picturesque mountain views, rated highly for its scenic beauty and upkeep.
Sum Up
In summary, Kentucky boasts some of the finest golf destinations, each offering unique courses with varied challenges and scenic beauty. From the lush, forest-lined fairways of Hidden Cove at Grayson Lake State Park to the comprehensive luxury of Bright Leaf Golf Resort, and the rugged natural features at Dale Hollow State Resort Park, there is a course to satisfy every golfer’s preferences.
These destinations not only provide excellent golfing experiences but also include amenities such as resorts, restaurants, and additional recreational activities, making them perfect for weekend getaways or extended vacations. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned pro, Kentucky’s top golf courses promise memorable plays surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
FAQ
How many golf courses are in Kentucky?
Kentucky has over 300 golf courses, 143 public, 65 municipal, 59 private courses, and other including non-members
How many golf courses are in Lexington?
There are 12 golf courses in Lexington: 3 public, 5 municipal, and 4 private.
Can I golf year-round in Kentucky?
Yes, many of Kentucky’s golf courses are open year round. The hilly terrain of Kentucky’s landscape is perfect for golfing and a great year-round destination.