The Kentucky State Parks system consists of over 45 parks, with a dozen golf courses sprinkled throughout the parks across the state. The Cullan is one of the newest and was designed by renowned golf course architects Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry (who also designed Erin Hills, site of the 2017 U.S. Open and 2025 U.S. Women's Open).

The par-72 layout measures 6,561 yards from the back tees, up to 4,411 yards from the most forward tees. The 600-yard gap between 1 Tees and 2 Tees is a bit large, making the decision about where to play tricky. Because the course is hewn out of dense hardwood forests, and several holes on the front side include carries over the waters of Lake Barkley, there are a fair number of "target golf" holes, along with plentiful blind landing areas. The best advice, then, is for even longer hitters to play the 5,964-yard 2 Tees. In the words of the starter, "Big and strong is not your friend here. Leave your driver in the bag on a lot of holes. Just find that 150-yard marker and hit the club that will get you there."

Although it is very true that precision is more important here than power, this advice doesn't hold for every hole - prudent use of the long-ball will serve players well, as long as the ball stays in play (which is easier said than done).

Playing The Cullan at Mineral Mound

I'm going to be brutally honest here: I shot my worst score in two years on The Cullan. This is a course where local knowledge REALLY pays off. As mentioned, there are blind landing areas off the tee, blind landing areas for second shots on par 5s, blind approaches to greens, blind hazards. Toss in the blinding rainstorm we finished our round in, and it felt like about a dozen more rounds would've been needed before the scales could fall from my eyes.

Despite the advice above that power isn't paramount here, the opening nine actually do demand some muscle. Hole 1 is a short par 5, but there is a rocky ditch cutting across the fairway, so if you lay too far back off the tee, the ditch becomes an issue on your second. Holes 2, 4, and 5 likewise require some controlled strength. All are cape holes, with elevated tees, carries across water or valleys, and fairways angled from right to left about 90-degrees from the teeing grounds. So long draws off the tee will put you in great position-flare your tee shots to the right, or hit them dead straight, and you'll end up in fairway bunkers or woods; don't take enough club, and you'll be wet.

The advice to find the 150-yard marker also misleads at the short par-4 18^th. I followed the advice, hitting a hybrid basically next to the 150-yard marker. When I arrived at my ball, I realized the 90-degree dogleg right required a tee shot 40 yards past the 150-yard stake just to see the green. Again, local knowledge is critical here.

The 452-yard, par-4 17^th Hole is the longest par 4 on the course, but it is literally the first comfortable driving hole for first-timers. There's finally enough room to feel like you can freely swing your driver, rather than aiming it.

Despite the difficulty of play associated with such a hilly, woodsy, target-y design, the land and waters of Lake Barkley are quite lovely. The Bermuda fairways and bentgrass greens were in good early-season shape, and the white-sand bunkers were well maintained. And several holes are truly memorable.

The aforementioned Hole 2 is just 306 yards from the tips, but a strong, controlled draw will get you around the trees to the blind landing area just short of the green. As noted though, a big straight ball will sail over those bunkers across the fairway.

The 389-yard, par-4 5^th is another cape hole where a powerful draw really helps. Blind tee shots even continue at the downhill par-3 7^th, where the green might be occluded by the end of the tee elevated tee box, depending on which tees you play.

The par-5 13^th consists of one blind shot after another. My layup over a hill to what I thought was the center of the fairway, apparently found a steep hillside and ran into the woods. The longest of the par 5s, this triple-dogleg is practically unplayable on your first visit here - you simply can't tell where to aim from tee to green.

The par-3 16^th plays over water to a wide, shallow green, capping off a nice, varied collection of one-shotters. And again, the long 17^th is really the first and only tee shot where newbies are likely to feel comfortable, because even though the fairway is lined on both sides by thick woods, it is wider than the other fairways on the course-you'll probably even see your ball land!

The Cullan at Mineral Mound State Park: The Verdict

The Cullan is a scenic course that demands control off the tee. Length will be rewarded, but selectively. Greens are often elevated, and going long at most of them usually results in a lost ball. This layout was carved out of the state park forest, and most holes are isolated from their neighbors, with long drives between greens and tees. Given these distances and the extremely hilly topography, it is not walkable, unfortunately. Because familiarity with the course will undoubtedly help scoring, I would recommend booking two rounds here - you'll probably enjoy your second one much more (and lose far fewer balls!). If you want to play more, or are looking for nearby alternatives, I recommend Kentucky Dam Village State Park Golf Course in Calvert City (about 30 min. away). This course was laid out by the legendary golf course architect Perry Maxwell, and it requires considerably less local knowledge, as most of the holes are right in front of you. The cabins at Kentucky Dam Village are comfortable and affordable, too.

Finally, a word about the course's moniker, "The Cullan." The course at Mineral Mound was renamed posthumously after Cullan Brown, who had a distinguished amateur career nationally, internationally, and at the University of Kentucky. A posthumous inductee into the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame, Cullan grew up playing at Mineral Mound. As his playing career was really taking off, he was diagnosed with cancer in his leg, and he died shortly thereafter. By all accounts, the young man was not only a fantastic player, but also a fantastic person, with a heart as big as The Ritz.

The Kentucky State Parks have a lot to offer golfers with challenging and scenic golf courses all over the state. Many offer lodging and several are within easy driving distance of each other. The Kentucky State Parks website has made it easy for you to plan your next round of golf at one of these facilities or even book a cabin and make it a buddies or couples golf trip. They have separated the parks into three regions, East, Central, and West.

The Central region is home to four fantastic golf courses, Dale Hollow in Burkesville, My Old Kentucky Home in Bardstown, Barren River Lake in Lucas, and Lincoln Homestead in Springfield. While Dale Hollow seems to grab most of the spotlight, the other three are definite considerations when putting together a multi-round trip.

If you're going to indulge in such an excursion why not start at the top? My Old Kentucky Home State Park is located in Bardstown, KY which is considered by many to be the heart of the Bourbon Trail. The golf course underwent a complete reconstruction and redesign several years ago, and the results are quite impressive. In 2008-09, My Old Kentucky Home Golf Course was recognized by Golf Digest, receiving four stars as a "Best Places to Play." The scenery, playability, and challenge make it well worth a visit.

Senior golfers seem to favor My Old Kentucky Home because from Tee 3, the course plays 5,008 yards with a slope of 109. From the back tees, it plays 6,413 yards with a course rating of 71.2 and a slope of 129. Move up to Tee 2 and the yardage drops significantly but the slope remains relatively high (5,749/122).

According to Andrew Wolfe from the Kentucky Department of Parks, they are nearing completion of the Better Billy Bunkering project that the Parks Department started several years ago. The Bentgrass greens are in incredible condition, they are well-undulated and roll true.

The front nine at My Old Kentucky Home Golf Course is a perfect blend of bomb it off the tee, target golf, and finesse shots. Several holes are wide open off the tee, but as you get closer to the green, the fairways narrow, putting an emphasis on accuracy.

The back nine is amazing; especially the par 3, 14th and par 3 16th holes. From the back tees, they play 171 and 210 yards, respectively. Don't let the length intimidate you, each hole plays straight downhill, making it considerably shorter. Par is still a great score on either one.

Now for the good news: There are several large and small distilleries within a 25-minute drive of My Old Kentucky Home Golf Club including Heaven Hill, Barton, Jim Beam, Makers Mark, Bardstown Distilling Company, Lux Row, Preservation, and Willet. Hit a big slice on the 5th hole and you're in the parking lot of Heaven Hill!

My Old Kentucky Home offers bourbon tastings throughout the year. The 1792 Guided Bourbon Tasting includes 4 of Barton Distilleries' finest selections from the 1792 lineup. Other tasting experiences can be found at the park in a beautiful and historical setting. The nearby Volstead Bourbon Lounge and the famous Talbot Tavern are wonderful places to sample several select bourbons, all in one location.

Lincoln Homestead Golf Course may be slightly off the beaten path but it's still only 30 minutes away from My Old Kentucky Home. The course was designed by world-renowned architect Perry Maxwell and his son, J. Press Maxwell. As you make your way around the course you'll encounter rolling fairways with modest elevation changes, beautiful lakes, an abundance of wildlife, and terrific views. The small, Bentgrass greens are incredible with subtle undulations and roll smooth and true.

There are five par 3 holes on this par 71 golf course and are all challenging. The 5th hole plays 195 yards from Tee #2 and is all carry over a grassy valley. Number 8 is a carbon copy of the 5th, although it plays about 35 yards shorter. The back nine starts with another par 3 that plays 205 yards and at 204 yards, the 14th hole is a mirror image, that plays in the opposite direction. It's dead straight so pick the right club and swing away.

A couple of holes had alternate greens, which was an interesting twist. No matter your skill level, the course is fun and challenging, and with extremely affordable - some might say downright cheap - greens fees Monday - Friday it's one of the best golf bargains around!

Bourbon enthusiasts will find several famous distilleries near the golf course: Four Roses, Wild Turkey, and Buffalo Trace, the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. Lincoln Homestead is an ideal stopping point between the Frankfort/Lawrenceburg area and Bardstown, KY.

With two State Park golf courses within an easy drive of each other, they make for a great weekend getaway with the guys, gals, or significant others. Although neither Lincoln Homestead nor My Old Kentucky Home State Parks offer accommodations (other than campsites), there are a myriad of hotel options, VRBOs, and quaint bed and breakfasts.

Even though Barren River Lake State Resort Park in Lucas, KY is a water lovers' paradise, the golf course offers a great challenge in a relaxing setting. The course winds its way around forests and rolling hills and through valleys near the shore of Barren River Lake. Although the course doesn't have nearly the elevation changes you'll find at My Old Kentucky Home, it more than makes up for in sloping fairways. Holes 3 - 8 offer fantastic views of the lake and the back nine is carved out of the surrounding forest. Head Golf Professional Cody Goodwin refers to the first three holes as qualifying holes, preparing him to take on his favorite hole, the par 5, 4th. At 464 yards from the back tees, it's a short par 5 by today's standards. The fairway slopes severely from right to left so a good drive down the right side will leave the best angle into the green and the chance to play the same ball again. It becomes a moot point if you can carry your tee shot 260 yards. The green sits about 30 feet above the lowest point of the fairway with a huge mound just to the left, which can wreak havoc should you hit it on your approach shot. Double bogeys are more common than birdies on this "short" par 5!

After your round, take a tour of the Dueling Grounds Distillery in nearby Franklin, KY. Car enthusiasts can make the short drive to Bowling Green, KY, and visit the Corvette Museum. There's always Mammoth Cave National Park, the world's longest cave system.

Barren River Lake State Park offers both lodge rooms and cottages that are perfect for foursomes and smaller groups. There is also a full-service bar and restaurant in the main lodge building making it a great place to stay, play golf, enjoy the lake, and commune with nature!

For more information on these or any other Kentucky State Park golf facility, visit their website at www.parks.ky.gov/golf.

The Kentucky State Parks have a lot to offer golfers with challenging and scenic golf courses all over the state. Many offer lodging and several are within easy driving distance of each other. The Kentucky State Parks website has made it easy for you to plan your next round of golf at one of these facilities or even book a cabin and make it a buddies or couples golf trip. They have separated the parks into three regions, East, Central, and West.

The Central region is home to four fantastic golf courses, Dale Hollow in Burkesville, My Old Kentucky Home in Bardstown, Barren River Lake in Lucas, and Lincoln Homestead in Springfield. While Dale Hollow seems to grab most of the spotlight, the other three are definite considerations when putting together a multi-round trip.

If you're going to indulge in such an excursion why not start at the top? My Old Kentucky Home State Park is located in Bardstown, KY which is considered by many to be the heart of the Bourbon Trail. The golf course underwent a complete reconstruction and redesign several years ago, and the results are quite impressive. In 2008-09, My Old Kentucky Home Golf Course was recognized by Golf Digest, receiving four stars as a "Best Places to Play." The scenery, playability, and challenge make it well worth a visit.

Senior golfers seem to favor My Old Kentucky Home because from Tee 3, the course plays 5,008 yards with a slope of 109. From the back tees, it plays 6,413 yards with a course rating of 71.2 and a slope of 129. Move up to Tee 2 and the yardage drops significantly but the slope remains relatively high (5,749/122).

According to Andrew Wolfe from the Kentucky Department of Parks, they are nearing completion of the Better Billy Bunkering project that the Parks Department started several years ago. The Bentgrass greens are in incredible condition, they are well-undulated and roll true.

The front nine at My Old Kentucky Home Golf Course is a perfect blend of bomb it off the tee, target golf, and finesse shots. Several holes are wide open off the tee, but as you get closer to the green, the fairways narrow, putting an emphasis on accuracy.

The back nine is amazing; especially the par 3, 14th and par 3 16th holes. From the back tees, they play 171 and 210 yards, respectively. Don't let the length intimidate you, each hole plays straight downhill, making it considerably shorter. Par is still a great score on either one.

Now for the good news: There are several large and small distilleries within a 25-minute drive of My Old Kentucky Home Golf Club including Heaven Hill, Barton, Jim Beam, Makers Mark, Bardstown Distilling Company, Lux Row, Preservation, and Willet.  Hit a big slice on the 5th hole and you're in the parking lot of Heaven Hill!

My Old Kentucky Home offers bourbon tastings throughout the year. The 1792 Guided Bourbon Tasting includes 4 of Barton Distilleries' finest selections from the 1792 lineup. Other tasting experiences can be found at the park in a beautiful and historical setting. The nearby Volstead Bourbon Lounge and the famous Talbot Tavern are wonderful places to sample several select bourbons, all in one location. 

Lincoln Homestead Golf Course may be slightly off the beaten path but it's still only 30 minutes away from My Old Kentucky Home. The course was designed by world-renowned architect Perry Maxwell and his son, J. Press Maxwell. As you make your way around the course you'll encounter rolling fairways with modest elevation changes, beautiful lakes, an abundance of wildlife, and terrific views. The small, Bentgrass greens are incredible with subtle undulations and roll smooth and true.

There are five par 3 holes on this par 71 golf course and are all challenging. The 5th hole plays 195 yards from Tee #2 and is all carry over a grassy valley. Number 8 is a carbon copy of the 5th, although it plays about 35 yards shorter. The back nine starts with another par 3 that plays 205 yards and at 204 yards, the 14th hole is a mirror image, that plays in the opposite direction. It's dead straight so pick the right club and swing away.

A couple of holes had alternate greens, which was an interesting twist. No matter your skill level, the course is fun and challenging, and with extremely affordable - some might say downright cheap - greens fees Monday - Friday it's one of the best golf bargains around!

Bourbon enthusiasts will find several famous distilleries near the golf course: Four Roses, Wild Turkey, and Buffalo Trace, the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. Lincoln Homestead is an ideal stopping point between the Frankfort/Lawrenceburg area and Bardstown, KY.

With two State Park golf courses within an easy drive of each other, they make for a great weekend getaway with the guys, gals, or significant others. Although neither Lincoln Homestead nor My Old Kentucky Home State Parks offer accommodations (other than campsites), there are a myriad of hotel options, VRBOs, and quaint bed and breakfasts.

Even though Barren River Lake State Resort Park in Lucas, KY is a water lovers' paradise, the golf course offers a great challenge in a relaxing setting. The course winds its way around forests and rolling hills and through valleys near the shore of Barren River Lake. Although the course doesn't have nearly the elevation changes you'll find at My Old Kentucky Home, it more than makes up for in sloping fairways. Holes 3 - 8 offer fantastic views of the lake and the back nine is carved out of the surrounding forest. Head Golf Professional Cody Goodwin refers to the first three holes as qualifying holes, preparing him to take on his favorite hole, the par 5, 4th. At 464 yards from the back tees, it's a short par 5 by today's standards. The fairway slopes severely from right to left so a good drive down the right side will leave the best angle into the green and the chance to play the same ball again. It becomes a moot point if you can carry your tee shot 260 yards. The green sits about 30 feet above the lowest point of the fairway with a huge mound just to the left, which can wreak havoc should you hit it on your approach shot. Double bogeys are more common than birdies on this "short" par 5!

After your round, take a tour of the Dueling Grounds Distillery in nearby Franklin, KY. Car enthusiasts can make the short drive to Bowling Green, KY, and visit the Corvette Museum. There's always Mammoth Cave National Park, the world's longest cave system.

Barren River Lake State Park offers both lodge rooms and cottages that are perfect for foursomes and smaller groups. There is also a full-service bar and restaurant in the main lodge building making it a great place to stay, play golf, enjoy the lake, and commune with nature!

For more information on these or any other Kentucky State Park golf facility, visit their website at www.parks.ky.gov/golf.

The par-72 championship layout which has been one of the most respected golf properties in the region since 1992, delivers an unforgettable golfing and social experience. It boasts 400 acres of unspoiled natural terrain, challenging elevation changes, and native forests with abundant wildlife.

Now, BJL, which manages more than 30 properties in 12 states, will employ its unrivaled expertise to manage an already-vibrant club and infuse the member experience with elevated service and outside-the-box event and operational programming. BJL will also oversee daily operations and hire employees who will have access to its comprehensive library of proprietary tools, best management practices and expertly developed leadership training program.

"We have the opportunity to bring the Traditions team together and really establish a special common mission," said Doug Hellman, Chief Development Officer for Bobby Jones Links. "The other essential step is refining the member journey from beginning to end, from how members engage with staff when they come on property, until they leave. All of that enhances the value proposition of being a member at Traditions."

Traditions has been managed under the same private ownership group since it was acquired by local entrepreneurs David Brooks and Chris Penn in 1996. After an exhaustive search, the ownership selected BJL's expert team to lead Traditions into a proud next chapter. "We provided ownership assurances and peace of mind that we were aligned with their vision for the coming years and that the legacy of this club is in the right hands," Hellman continued. "There was a very strong understanding of their goals and trust in BJL to develop a dynamic working plan to achieve those goals as we run the day-to-day business in the most efficient ways possible."

The mission of Traditions has always been to respect the time-honored standards of the game while presenting golf as it should be to golfers in the metropolitan Cincinnati area. The club has also received numerous awards and hosted many of the state's biggest amateur and professional championships over the past three decades.

"We're excited to partner with Bobby Jones Links and to take advantage of their team's expertise in club operations to raise the club to even higher standards. We want the members, staff and ownership to continue to be proud of the operation," said Chris Penn. "Bobby Jones Links understands that our legacy is critical and the better the member experience, the stronger that legacy will become. We trust Bobby Jones Links to maintain the reputation of Traditions as one of the very best clubs in the region."

Traditions is perennially ranked inside the top 10 on Golf Digest's Best Clubs in Kentucky and has hosted Kentucky PGA Section championships, Greater Cincinnati Golf Association championships, the Kentucky Amateur, Kentucky Open and U.S. Amateur and U.S. Mid-Amateur qualifiers.

"If you're a golfer in that market, it's one of the top clubs to belong to," Hellman said. "It's not stuffy, it's not pretentious. It's a very welcoming environment focused on enjoying the game of golf. It's a great place to be."

The golf course plays around a very large quarry and has wide fairways lined with prairie grasses that lead to well-manicured greens and give the course an open, links-like feel. This once-scarred property has become a model of sustained development that will last for generations to come. Compared to other courses in the area, the greens are very small and therefore don't need a lot of protection. You can almost count the total number of bunkers on both hands; there are maybe ten sand traps on the entire course and a few of them are fairway bunkers.

Even though the course is short by today's standards, don't let that fool you. From the back (Black) tees, the course plays 6,160 yards with a rating of 69.8 and a slope of 131, which translates to a good test of golf. Members typically play from the Whites Tees (5545/67.3/118), while most ladies enjoy the Red Tees (4546/65.7/117). Pick the set that best suits your game and you're sure to have a great time.

Your round starts with a par 3; one of three on the front nine. Number 1 plays slightly downhill, about 150 yards from the White Tees. It's virtually all carry over thick ugly rough into a small green that slopes back to front. Hit a good tee shot and get your round off to a great start!

Number 2 is a dogleg right, par 4 that plays 363 yards from the Blue Tees. Tee off from an elevated tee box over a ravine to a fairway with native rough and woods on the right. From the tee, the pine tree on the left side is a good aiming point. Trying to cut the dogleg can land you in one of the two fairway bunkers at the corner. Your approach shot is going to play uphill into a green with a lot of mounding around

Number 5 is the second par 3 on the front nine and confirms the fact that a golf hole doesn't have to be long to be a challenge! From the Black Tees, the hole plays a mere 127 yards, however, a small grove of trees creates a blind tee shot for right-hand pin placements. The small green is almost an island and leaves little room for error.

Number 6 is a risk-reward par 4 that plays 301 yards from the White Tees, but that's if you make it a dogleg right, and hit the ball out to the fairway on the left. Longball hitters can take a shot at the green and the 240-yard carry over the quarry. Either way, you're playing into a small green protected with a bunker back left.

The 14th hole may well be the prettiest hole on the golf course. Playing 394 yards from the White Tees, this dogleg left, par 4 requires something less than a driver off the tee. Play your tee shot no more than 195 yards into a landlocked "island" fairway. Anything longer than that and you're not likely to find it. A good tee shot will leave a long, downhill approach shot over a ravine into a small, elevated green that slopes left to right. Miss the green and you'll need a good short game to salvage par!

From the back two sets of tees, "blind shot" does not begin to describe your tee shot on Number 15. You tee off high above the tree line, over a small forest, and need at least 200 yards of carry. Successfully finding the fairway off the tee will leave a short iron into an elevated green.

On June 4th, 2023, a week before my arrival, tragedy struck one of Eastern Kentucky's most scenic and challenging public golf courses when the Raven Rock clubhouse burned to the ground. They lost everything including the restaurant which was known to draw a lot of non-golfers, and the entire contents of the pro shop. Luckily, the golf carts were stored in a separate building.

To their credit, Golf Operations Manager Todd Combs and his staff never missed a beat. They worked out of a makeshift pro shop set up in a gazebo and within 72 hours, had golfers out on the course. A large golf tournament that was scheduled for the following weekend went off without a hitch - other than dinner which was catered. Raven Rock is currently working out of a temporary pro shop and other than no food service, it's business as usual. Plans are to start the construction of a new clubhouse in the spring of 2024.

Raven Rock Golf Course is the perfect choice for a round of golf or as a new destination for you and your golf buddies when visiting the Jenkins, KY area. Todd Combs and his staff can offer tips and tricks for playing your best round on this scenic and challenging golf course. To book your next round at Raven Rock, give them a call at (606) 219-4499 or visit them online at www.ravenrockgolfcourse.com.

Randy's next order of business was to make The Woodford Club - a golf course he had just purchased - profitable. These days, that is not easily done in the golf industry these days.

When I first met Randy in 2020, his vision was to make The Woodford Club a totally private club. However, with 26 courses within a 20-mile radius of Versailles, KY, it would not be an easy task. These days The Woodford Club is a semi-private facility with a lot to offer those who seek membership. There's a beautiful swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts, fishing, and a full-service restaurant. But the biggest draw to the club is the 18-hole, par 71 championship golf course that is always well-groomed and challenging.

Randy Clay is determined to take his golf product to the next level and earlier this year hired Bob Baldassari, a longtime member of the PGA and founder of Reimagine Golf, whose expertise in player development will help bring about the next generation of young golfers and potential members to The Woodford Club.

The golf course originally opened in 1967 as Woodford Hills Country Club. A few years later it was sold and became known as Moss Hill Golf Course. Kentucky Golf Hall of Famer Buck Blakenship designed and built the golf course which is set amid the rolling pastures of thoroughbred horse country just outside Versailles. The Woodford Club hosted the Women's Kentucky Senior State Amateur Tournament in 2020 and 2021. Aside from golf, the Club has a couple of things going for it. For starters, it's situated in the middle of the Horse Capital of the World. Second, it's right on the Bourbon Trail.

This tight, parkland-style course features narrow, tree-lined fairways carpeted in plush Zoysia grass leading to lush Bentgrass greens that roll true and at just the right speeds. With deceptive angles and constant, sometimes subtle, elevation changes which lead to a number of blind tee shots, both off the tee and in the fairway. Many of the greens are guarded by bunkers although sometimes the elevation changes around the green complexes are simply enough.

The Woodford Club may not be the longest course in the area, but what it will provide you with is a challenge and the need to think your way around the layout. From the back (Blue) tees the course plays 6,119 yards to a par of 71 with a course rating of 70.1 and a slope of 129. Move up a set to the Whites and the yardage drops to slightly less than 5,900 yards however the course rating drops only slightly to 69.2 with a slope of 126. Two other sets of tees, the Gold (5,331/66.0/117) and the Red (4,870/68.3/113) provide yardages and challenges that will make the round exciting and memorable for all levels of golfers.

The holes I seem to remember the most from my last visit to The Woodford Club are the par 3s, they play long and challenging. There is one on the front side and three on the back. The first, Number 2, is 184 yards from the Blue Tees and plays slightly uphill with trees that dot the landscape from tee to green. Pay particular attention to the two trees on the right side near the green. A tee shot slightly offline can easily find one of them or the bunker. Either one presents a tricky up-and-down.

Number 11 is a pretty straightforward, 180-yard par 3 into a small green with trees back left and bunkers on the right side. The green is a lot deeper than it is wide and can easily be a one or two-club difference depending on pin placement.

The 13th hole plays 168 yards from the Blue Tees and is one of the few water holes on the golf course. Your tee shot is all carry over water into a green less than 20 yards deep with a large tree on the right. Par is a good score here.

The final par 3, Number 15, plays 174 yards. With a small pot bunker directly in the middle of the front of the green, most golfers will need to carry their tee shot onto the putting surface in order to have a fair shot at par or better.

During our round, I spoke with a number of members and regular players at The Woodford Club about the golf course. All mentioned how much they like the golf course as well as all of the changes Randy Clay and his staff have made. They also unanimously decided that the 14th hole was the most challenging. This 434-yard par 4 requires (at least) two well-struck shots to get on - or in close proximity to - the green. It's a gentle dogleg right with a fairway that slopes right to left. The length is what stigmatizes most players, there are no bunkers or greenside hazards. The green is long and narrow and can easily be a two-club difference between a front and back pin placement. It's not hard to see why it is considered the toughest hole on the golf course.

The Woodford Club also has a full-length driving range just beyond the clubhouse where you can hit all of the clubs in your bag. Multiple targets give you something to shoot for. There's also a short game area and a practice putting green will help you get the speed of the greens down before heading to the first tee.

The pool at The Woodford Club seems to be a family gathering place, especially on weekends. It's open from Memorial Day to just after Labor Day, weather permitting. There's also a baby pool and an active youth swim team. The outdoor Conch Bar is a great place to grab a bite to eat, drink, and catch the game on TV with friends.

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, the Jack Jouett Tavern offers some of the best cuisine in Woodford County. The Tavern gets its name from an American farmer and politician best known for his "all night ride" in which he rescued Governor Thomas Jefferson from British capture. It really says a lot when non-golfers are filling the dining room! Randy Clay kept the kitchen open for carryout during COVID and that popularity has continued ever since. The Tavern is open from 11 am to 9 pm Monday-Saturday and 10 am to 9 pm Sunday. There's a Sunday Brunch from 11 am - 2 pm. The Tavern is best known for its selection of over 50 small-batch bourbons and The Tater Bomb - a fried concoction of bacon, cheese & potato balls served with red-eye ranch dip. They are a must-try!

If you're interested in becoming a member of The Woodford Club, you're in luck. They are currently accepting applications. Several membership levels are available. The Full Membership includes everything the club has to offer including golf, tennis, pickleball, and fishing. You have the choice of being a weekday-only member or a 7-day member. Looking at the membership rates on their website, it's quite a bargain. Pool memberships and social memberships are also available.

If you need any more information about the Woodford Club, you can probably find it on their website, www.thewoodfordclub.com. If you can't find it there, give them a call at (859) 495-2582.

My advice is to play your first round at Hidden Cove. It's located in Olive Hill, KY, and has won numerous awards over the year including a rating of #4 Best New Affordable Public Courses by Golf Digest in 2004 and a 6th place in KY ranking by the same magazine in 2006. The course offers some good elevation changes and generous Bermuda grass fairways. The Bentgrass greens are incredible and are surrounded by challenging bunkers.

Number 8 is the course's #1 handicap hole. It's a 394-yard par 4 that plays nearly completely uphill. A good drive will still leave a long approach shot into a small, well-undulated green with very little trouble around it. A par on this hole is something to be celebrated!

Eagle Ridge, the 18-hole championship golf course at Yatesville Lake State Park in Louisa, KY, is one of the most challenging state park golf courses I have ever played. The course was designed by renowned golf course architects Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest who incorporated the rugged beauty of the region to create a one-of-a-kind golf masterpiece. The ball sits up beautifully on the well-manicured Bermuda fairways and the immaculate Bentgrass greens roll true with a lot of subtle undulations.

The tee-to-green elevation changes are significant with the 14th hole being a prime example. According to the scorecard, the hole plays 300 yards from Tee 2. When checked with a rangefinder, it plays about 250 yards, straight downhill with trees on either side. It's drivable, even for us short knockers! Before your round, be sure to pick up a "tip sheet" in the pro shop that is filled with valuable information on how to play each hole. I'm not one to follow the crowd, but it really proved to be a valuable, stroke-saving asset.

The Lodge at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park in Greenup, KY is a great place to bed down for a couple of nights. The Jesse Stuart Lodge has comfortable rooms at a reasonable rate and the Angler's Cove restaurant has good food as well.

Two other Kentucky State Park courses that are close enough to make a quick, two-day trip are Wasioto Winds Golf Course at Pine Mountain State Resort Park and General Burnside Island Golf Course in Burnside Kentucky. The courses are less than two hours apart. Include a stay at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and your drive to each course is about an hour.

At Wasioto Winds, the front nine is a lot tighter and requires several target golf shots. It's especially challenging if you've never played the course before. There is a lot of roll and undulation in many of the fairways and several greens too. Over the first several holes, you get the idea that most of the trouble is on the left side. The water short of the green on the left on the first hole is reachable off the tee and the creek all down the left side on the second hole will help you keep the ball right. The 5th hole is a short par 5 - 434 yards from Tee 2 - but requires accuracy off the tee with water and wetlands on either side and an accurate layup shot into a narrow fairway with water left and the mountain on the right. Two good shots will leave a short pitch shot into a green that slopes right to left towards the water.

The back nine is more open and considerably longer than the front - over 400 yards from Tee 2. A lot of the difference in distance is made up on the par 5s, which both play in excess of 500 yards. Wasioto Winds Golf Club offers some beautiful views from the elevated 12th tee box and the front tees of the 13th hole. The front nine is also a little different in that there are three par 5s, 3 par 4s, and 3 par threes.

At General Burnside Island State Park, the golf course is located on an island surrounded by Lake Cumberland in Somerset, KY. Brian Ault, who designed two other Kentucky State Park golf courses - Dale Hollow and Hidden Cove - also designed this spectacular waterfront layout. General Burnside Island Golf Course was recognized by Kentucky Living Magazine in 2016 with a First Place Award for golf courses.

Although the course is situated on an island, the water that surrounds it does not come into play, although it does make for some amazing views! Three of the par 3s are worth mentioning. From Tee 2, the 5th hole plays 185 yards into an offset green with sand in the front right. The 14th hole is one of the signature holes; it plays 172, straight downhill into a tear-shaped green with a bunker front right. The only true water hazard on the course is the pond on the par 3, 16th hole. It plays 172 yards from Tee 2, slightly downhill with water and a beautiful rock wall to the right of the green.

Because the course is landlocked, it's comparatively short with only one par 4 in excess of 400 yards from the back tees, so longball hitters may be inclined to try and drive a few of the greens. Head Golf Professional Steve Lutz has some profound putting advice; "Because the course is located on an island, all putts break towards the water!"

All four of these courses are currently undergoing bunker renovations and are in the process of switching over to "Better Billy Bunker," the best-draining bunker system in the golf industry. It may take a while for the installation to be complete but it's well worth the wait.

For golfers that plan on playing multiple rounds of golf over the year at the Kentucky State Parks, you may want to consider purchasing a Trail Card which gives you access to many courses across the state within the Nation's Finest Park System. A lot of these courses have been recognized nationally by Golf Digest. The Trail Card can be purchased at any of the Kentucky State Park courses. For more information, visit them online at www.parks.ky.gov and click on the GOLF tab at the top of the page.

Perry literally grew up at Franklin Country Club; his family lived on the golf course. While it was great to have easy access to the course, it frustrated Kenny that it was a private club, which prevented him from inviting friends that weren't members. He vowed that if he ever made it as a professional golfer, he was going to build a public golf course in Franklin KY where everyone would be welcome.

Kenny spent his high school years golfing at Paxton Park in Paducah, KY, a local municipal course that he loved. When building Country Creek, his goal was to create a course like Paxton Park in Franklin, KY. Perry intentionally designed a friendly, enjoyable course that the average golfer could play in a reasonable amount of time.

Construction of the golf course began in 1992 and it officially opened for play in 1995. Country Creek is built on 300 acres of rolling Kentucky hillside in Franklin, KY. Fairways and greens are vibrant green, lush, and healthy. As Perry says, "There are some tough holes, some drivable holes, and some easy holes. The golf course won't beat you up; at least it's not designed to." Because it is designed for high handicappers in the 15 - 30 range, there is very little trouble on the right side of most holes, making it very slicer friendly. He accomplished his goal of making the course affordable and accessible to everyone with a weekend rate of only $42.00 and an average 18-hole play time of 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Country Creek offers golfers three sets of tees. From the Blue Tees, Country Creek plays 6,633 yards with a course rating of 71.3 and a slope of 122. The White Tees play 5,870 yards (67.8/116) and the Red Tees play 4,901 yards (67.7/113). No matter your level of talent, you're sure to find a yardage that will make your round enjoyable.

Kenny Perry's Country Creek Golf Couse has several memorable holes. If I were naming holes, Number 2 would be called "Deception." It's a short, 294-yard par 4. The thing about this hole is that the fairway slopes to the right and there are several trees in the landing area; trees that tend to keep golf balls. Keep your ball in play off the tee and you'll be looking at a short pitch shot into a well-elevated green. There are only a few bunkers on the entire course and two of them guard the right side of this green!

Number 7 is a short, 470-yard par 5 dogleg left. Most amateur golfers will be best suited to play their tee shot down the right side of the fairway. That will leave a downhill approach shot with a long to mid-iron into a green that slopes front to back. There is a lake behind the green so going long is not an option. From the White Tees, the hole is short and will give up low numbers.

Course knowledge is everything. When I finally caught up with Kenny Perry, he was heading to the 7th tee. To the left of the fairway are a lot of large trees and a barn that has been there since before he bought the property. For most players, your tee shot is a blind shot - unless you're the guy who built the course and knows where to hit it. Perry took a line directly over the barn and the trees and after he hit it, he knew it was somewhere up around the green. It was a line that the average golfer wouldn't consider - let alone try and pull off!

The par 3 8th hole plays 199 yards from the Blue Tees. From back here there doesn't seem to be anything between you and the green; it's just a long tee shot. Move up to the White Tees (137 yards) and the lake in front of the green comes into full view. Regardless of where you play from, hit a good tee shot and you'll be saying "What water?" The green is shallow, so distance control is important. Par is a good score here.

Number 10 is a legitimate par 5. This 473-yard (White Tees) dogleg left starts with a tee shot over a ravine, then it's two more shots straight away to the green. Hit it straight, keep the ball in play and you can score well.

Number 12 is an interesting tee shot from an elevated tee over a ravine and downhill to a wide-open fairway. From there it's a short chip shot to an elevated green.

The finishing hole is a 399-yard par 4 that's a slight dogleg left. Your tee shot plays slightly downhill and then your approach is slightly uphill into a large green that slopes back to front. It's a fitting end to a great day and also rated the toughest hole on the backside.

Director of Golf Operations, Marty Sharer, is who Perry credits with resurrecting the golf course when they were going through some lean times. Sharer also serves on the County's Tourism board. The Franklin area is primarily known for three things: The Mint Gaming Hall, which also features a horse racing track, the Dueling Grounds Bourbon Distillery, and Kenny Perry's Country Creek Golf Course.

People come from all over to play this golf course and why not? It's a lot of fun for the average golfer. According to Sharer, they get a lot of play in the spring from northerners who are looking to get on a course after being cooped up for the winter without having to drive to Florida. And with gas prices the way they are these days, who can blame them? Sharer is often asked about the stay and play packages, but unfortunately, they are not aligned with any other courses or hotels at this time. But look for that to change in the future. Sharer's parents own The Arling, a wedding and event venue next door, and they plan on building a few cottages for their wedding business. Golf packages could help keep them occupied during the week.

The golf course is open year-round, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas, weather permitting. Winter golfers are typically Canadians and those from the northern states that drive south just far enough to play golf without making the pilgrimage to Florida. The course is right off Interstate 65 about 45 minutes from downtown Nashville.

For more information on Kenny Perry's Country Creek Golf Course or to book your next round of golf, visit them online at www.kpcountrycreek.com.

For someone who has not played the course in awhile, has there been any new changes/renovations to the course or property? In 2013 Fairways were converted to North Bridge Bermuda Grass.

What is your course's answer to Amen Corner? (Describe your best/hardest 3 back/back/back holes) Very difficult to finish off a good round with the difficulty of the closing holes #16, #17, and #18. Hole 16 is a 647 yard par 5 that usually plays into the wind, Hole #17 is a long par 4 with a small target area in-between two fairway bunkers, and Hole #18 is par 4 that forces you to layup off the tee shot short of a penalty area that leaves you over 150 yards to a green that plays uphill.

What is your course's claim to fame, or is there a little known fact that golfers should know about the property? The golf course is very spread out, most holes are very secluded with lots of trees, deer, and wild turkey. The property is located next to Grayson Lake, which makes for a great combination golfing/fishing trip.

What tournaments/events have you (recently) hosted or will be hosting? Or any recent awards? Kentucky Open Qualifier, Kentucky PGA Junior Tour, Bluegrass Junior Tour, Tri-State Junior Tour.

Besides golf, what other amenities do you offer if a golfer wants to spend most of the day at your facility? Club house with a small kitchen, driving range, chipping area with a bunker, large practice putting green, campground, 3-miles of hiking trails, and lake access to Grayson Lake

For the traveling golfer, do you have lodging onsite or partner with any area hotels? Campground on site, lodging accommodations offered thru Carter Caves and Greenbo Lake State Parks.

What is your signature dish, sandwich or drink at the turn or restaurant? Chicken Salad sandwich.

Contact Course Grayson Lake State Park Golf Course 314 Grayson Lake Park Road Olive Hill, KY, 41164 606-474-2553

www.parks.ky.gov

How Does Your Course Differ From The Others In The Area? Yatesville Lake Golf Course is built on a ridge. You go out for 9 holes and come in for 9 holes. You do not make the turn by the Golf Pro Shop. There is over 8 miles of cart path. A lot of elevation changes throughout the golf course.

For someone who has not played the course in awhile, has there been any new changes/renovations to the course or property? no

What is your course's answer to Amen Corner? (Describe your best/hardest 3 back/back/back holes) Hole 3, 4, 5 Hole 3 is a par 3 all carry over a ravine with the green tucked on top of a hill, with the entire back side surrounded by woods. You bail out to the right but get it up top or you will be at the bottom. Hole 4 is completely target golf. Par 5. Major elevation changes on first and second shot. Tee off you just want to place it out in fairway on top of ridge. Second shot is approximately 175 to 190 with a drop to the bottom and a creek running down the entire right side of fairway. Just get it to the bottom. Third shot into green is tight as the ridge coming down the left side of fairway and the creek down the right side makes for a narrow shot into a small green tucked in a wooded holler. Hole 5, par 4. dogleg right. Lay up to fairway and hit over a small ravine to green OR go for green ? risk reward and the ravine on right side of fairway to green comes into play.

What is your course's claim to fame, or is there a little known fact that golfers should know about the property? HOle #13, par 4 225 drop off from tee box to bottom....green sits next to lake.

What tournaments/events have you (recently) hosted or will be hosting? Or any recent awards? We host a lot of local charity scrambles. Harper's Hope is our big one, a fundraiser for Angelman Syndrome. 9 years at Yatesville Lake Golf Course and over $120,000 raised. https://www.facebook.com/harpershope12/

Besides golf, what other amenities do you offer if a golfer wants to spend most of the day at your facility? Yatesville Lake is a great fishing lake known for its bass.

For the traveling golfer, do you have lodging onsite or partner with any area hotels? We have a 27 site Campground with water and electric hook up. 20 primitive sites for tent camping.

What is your signature dish, sandwich or drink at the turn or restaurant? none

Contact Course Yatesville Lake Golf Course 1410 Golf Course Road Louisa, Kentucky, 41230 606-673-4300

https://parks.ky.gov/