What do you get when you mix golf and bourbon? For most players, it’s a forgettable score, but in Kentucky, it’s a winning combination for tourists! Here, you can mix the golf courses at several Kentucky State Parks with nearby members of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and create memorable results. 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.
Great course, great lay out. Everything was in great shape. Front nine greens were just aerified but rolled well. Very sceneic, priced great. Would recommend this place to any one. A lot of improvements are still going on there, so looking forward to going back.
One of the most scenic courses in the state, and in immaculate condition... especially impressive considering we played towards the end of the season in late September and the near-drought conditions of this summer. The fairways were full and lush and the greens rolled as straight and true (if a bit slow) as any I've played. The course is equally divided between long and short holes, giving those of us high handicappers a fair chance at a decent-scoring round. Only three water holes (with the drought just dry creek beds on 16 and 17- but deep enough for real trouble on 17-forget it on 16- it's gone) and not overly bunkered.One quirky thing about the course you either love or hate is the carillon. As the course name indicates, it's next to the historic house, which has a carillon that can be heard throughout much of the course, playing Stephen Foster-composed songs including the park's namesake tune. I don't find it intrusive- adds character to the course, in my view- but be aware of its presence.Also FYI if you're not from the area- as a state park, don't expect to find adult beverages sold. However, personal coolers are not prohibited... just use discretion. (A great stop if you're in the area for the bourbon trail. It's next to Heaven Hill distillery and on the road to Maker's Mark.)
