Bourbon, Horses & Golf: Where to Play in Kentucky

May 1, 2014

Every year, the horse racing and sports world turns its attention to Louisville for the annual Kentucky Derby.

The pomp and circumstance is terrific with betting, wild hats, mint juleps and parties ruling much of the weekend. The Bluegrass State, though, is known for much more, including fine bourbon, rich history, folk music and of course, amazing golf.

For those visiting Churchill Downs this weekend that have an extra day to tee it up or those contemplating a trip to Kentucky anytime soon, here’s a list of seven fantastic GolfNow courses to play.

Heritage Hill Golf Club (Shepherdsville, Ky.) – One of Golf Digest’s best new courses when it opened in 2008, Heritage Hill is located just minutes from Louisville and features bent grass greens and zoysia tees and fairways. The course was designed by former Jack Nicklaus design associate Doug Beach.

Quail Chase Golf Club (Louisville, Ky.) – With 27 holes located in the heart of Louisville and just 20 minutes from the racetrack, Quail Chase is the ultimate country club for the public golfer. The facility offers a private club quality atmosphere without the high price of initiation fees or annual dues.

Old Silo Golf Course (Mount Sterling, Ky.) – Considered the No. 1-ranked public golf course in the state of Kentucky in 2012 by Golf Magazine, Old Silo was designed by Champions Tour player Graham Marsh and opened in 2000. It was the top-ranked new course in the state in 2003, according to Golf Digest and is just 30 minutes east of Lexington and an hour and a half from Louisville.

 

Lassing Pointe Golf Course (Union., Ky.) – In Union, Kentucky, Lassing Point at Boone County Golf measures in at 6,724 yards and is considered another one of the state’s best tracks. Weekend rates start at $51 for a course that will truly test your shot-making ability.

Cherry Blossom Golf Club (Georgetown, Ky.) – Located in Georgetown, Cherry Blossom is built on a beautify 427 acres of gently rolling Bluegrass. Designed by world-renowned architect Clyde Johnson, runs alongside beautiful Lane’s Run Creek, and has earned accolades for “best new course” and “No. 1 public course in Kentucky.”

Kearney Hill Links (Lexington, Ky.) – A premier links-style course, Kearney Hill continues to draw positive reviews. With rolling terrain, sand and grass bunkers, it’s a true Scottish links-style course and has multiple tee boxes to challenge any skill level.

 

Wasioto Winds Golf Course (Pineville, Ky.) – Located in Pine Mountain State Park in southern Kentucky, Wasioto – which means “Valley of the Deer” – is a captivatingly beautiful design accentuated by natural streams, valleys and mountain views. This must-play course is “difficult but friendly to the high handicapper.”

 

Featured image courtesy of Alexey Stiop / Shutterstock.com