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by Ken Paul Mink
Kentucky has for eons had beautiful mountains, lakes, rivers and forestland.
Not to mention oodles of bluegrass, bourbon, fast horses and scads of limestone.
And Kentucky's state parks have long been considered among the finest in the nation.
But in recent years Kentucky decided to take even further advantage of its natural assets by adding a series of championship golf courses to many of its state park layouts.
The results have been nothing short of fantastic as the Bluegrass State now has a series of courses that compare favorably to such notable golf developments as the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama and the Jack Nicklaus Bear Trace courses in Tennessee.
In the last few years Kentucky has spent tens of millions of dollars in carving out championship modern courses at half a dozen state parks from one end of the state to the other.
I had the pleasure of playing all six of the state's Signature Series coures during July/August 2005 and found they are all gems, well worthy of ranking among the nation's best courses.
The scenery alone at these courses makes them worth playing, with holes winding through pristine mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes.
The six courses comprise perhaps the best of the best of the state park courses, but there are seven more state parks championship courses that when added to the mix create a Kentucky State Parks Golf Trail of 13 championship courses. The state has created what they call a "Tees and Zees" program in which combination lodge/golf packages (including two meals a day) are offered at all 13 courses, ranging from about $89 to $109 daily. Golfers can book a package by calling 1-800-255-PARK or by filling out an on-line form at the department’s website at this web address: http://www.kystateparks.ky.gov/TZpackage.htm
Golf Digest magazine named two of the state park golf courses, Hidden Cove at Grayson Lake State Park, and Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park course, among the nation’s best new affordable public courses. Hidden Cove ranked fourth, and Dale Hollow Lake sixth. Both courses opened in 2003.
“We couldn’t be more delighted by this . . . ” said Parks Commissioner George Ward. “This honor confirms our belief that our Signature Series courses offer outstanding play comparable to any state golf trail in the country.”
The Signature Series comprises the two ranked courses, two other new courses – Eagle Ridge at Yatesville Lake and Mineral Mound State Park -- along with Kentucky Dam Village SRP and Wasioto Winds at Pine Mountain SRP. The Pine Mountain course received the same honor from Golf Digest in 2003.
The courses are generally playable about 10 months a year (with January-February the only consistent weather trouble times).
The rankings appeared in the January 2005 issue of the magazine, the world’s largest golf publication.
Here is one duffer's thumbnail view of these top six layouts:
WASIOTO WINDS, Pine Mountain State Park, Pineville, Ky.: This links-style course in southeastern Kentucky near the Tennesseee border opened in 2001 and quickly established itself as a favorite throughout the region. In fact, it was recognized by Golf Digest magazine as one of the best public courses opened that year. Water is a prominent feature of this par-72 course, with three lakes and numerous wetlands dotting the landscape. Wasioto is a Shawnee Indian word which means "Valley of the Deer." The course offers golfers a chance to play in a very picturesque setting. The course includes wide cart paths, practice range, two practice putting greens and an indoor-use training center. Miniature golf is also available. This course is open to the public and is located within Pine Mountain State Resort Park. They take Mastercard and Visa. Proper golf attire required. Walking is allowed. No beer and no caddies. Wasioto Winds has bent grass tees and fairways, leading to medium to large sized bent grass greens. Wasioto Winds is mostly flat terrain with some mature trees in play. Water is a very prominent feature. Creeks, ponds and wetland areas are frequently in play. About 35 sand bunkers. From the back tees: 7,037 yard, 18 hole, par 72. Slope 137 Rating 73.9. They have four other tee positions to accommodate all levels of play. Wasioto Winds is as beautiful a golf course as there is in Kentucky, situated on the lower edge of Pine Mountain near Cumberland Gap on the state's eastern border, where Daniel Boone led early settlers across the Appalachian Mountains. The park offers areas for fishing, camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. It also features a rustic lodge built in 1963 that includes a restaurant and several on-site family activities. If you have time, drive up the mountain past the lodge and take the short hike down to the famed Chained Rock (where a huge chain holds back a multi-ton boulder to keep it from tumbling down the mountain onto the town). The $10 million course includes five par 5s and five par 3s, rolls gently and features six rustic bridges that crisscross the waterways. Wasioto Winds is the home of Kentucky's only active First Tee program, and about 450 local youngsters participate regularly. There is a well-kept, four-hole short course for First Tee participants. Fees: Green fees are $25 during weekdays, $30 on weekends. Cart fees are $11. For information, reservations or tee times: 800-814-8002 or 800-325-1712.
DALE HOLLOW, Dale Hollow State Park, Burkesville, Ky.: Situated in south-central Kentucky, this course is a par 72. Hilly terrain promises tricky play. The course opened in 2003. There are some tough holes to negotiate, including the third hole, a 230-yard elevated par 3, where the landing area can‘t be seen. The fairways are zoysia with bent greens and more sand traps than an Iraqui desert. If you're long you can play it from about 7,300 yards. If you like to play in the sand you could spend quite a while in one trap covering more than half an acre. The natural environment and hilly terrain frames the course in a very scenic setting. The wildlife is abundant. Note that Dale Hollow is in the Central Time Zone. They take Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. No denim. Collared shirts required. No caddies. Rated eighth best course in Kentucky by Golf Digest magazine. No homes on the course. Walking is restricted to weekdays. Snack bar. No beer. Temporary clubhouse (new one due in 2006). L-93 bent grass greens with moderate to severe undulation. Many holes were cut through mature trees and offer scenic elevation changes. Water is in play in the form of a lake, a pond and three streams. 61 sand bunkers also add to difficulty. Nominated for Golf Digest's top ten new courses in 2003. Site of 2004 Tri-State Junior tournament. Designed by Ault, Clark & Associates. Weekdays ($25 to walk), $41 on the weekends with cart.6,870 yards from the tips. 18 holes, par 72. Slope 136, Rating 72.9. Info: 800-325-2282.
HIDDEN COVE, Grayson Lake State Park, Grayson/Olive Hill, Ky.: This $5.8 million course encircles scenic Grayson Lake on rolling terrain in northeastern Kentucky near the Ohio-West Virginia borders. Rated the sixth best golf course in Kentucky by Golf Digest magazine. One of state park's most popular courses. Opening is 320 yards but is located on on some of the gentlest topography of the site, this hole includes no real hazards to speak of, and should lets you start round in good frame of mind. But No. 2 is 405 yard par 4 that has a slight dog-leg left and require golfers to carry two small streams. You start to get a real feel and appreciation for the topography on the 375-yard, Par 4, number 3. that sits atop the ridge-line. The 515-yard par 5 number 5 offers a great view of the lake. The par 5, No. 9 hole at Hidden Cove demands precise shots, and at 647-yards, is the longest in the state park system. If you are a long knocker you might be able to reach the 340-yard, par 4 number 6 with a driver. But the green is adjacent to a pond, neither of which of is visible from the tee. If you like tough par threes, then the 225-yard number 16 is right up your alley. Tthe farther forward tee you play, the more uphill the shot becomes. The No. 17 hole is a tough par 4, measuring 448 yards from the back tee. The second shot is blind to the tee. Info: (606) 474-2553 or toll-free (866) 905-7888 or 800-325-0059. Par: 72. Yardage: Back tees 7,123.
EAGLE RIDGE, Yatesville Lake State Park, Louisa, Ky.: Located near the West Virginia border in Eastern Kentucky, this course ranks as the toughest of the courses we played in Kentucky (with a slope rating of 144, one of the toughest in the nation). The course wends its way along a series of mountaintops and valleys and includes ravines at almost every turn. Many of the ravine holes require relatively long, accurate tee shots. This is not a duffer's course. I lost about 10 balls in 18 holes. If your handicap is above about a 10 you probably will have a lot of trouble here, even from the shortest tees. Many good golfers (handicaps about six and lower) love the place because they can handle the must-carry disances with ease. Few women can play the course because of its difficulty. But it does offer some spectacular panoramic views and the scenery alone makes the course worth taking a shot at. Fortunately, many of the holes play downhill, with elevation drops of 100-200 feet. One of the course's designers, Steve Forrest of the famed Arthur Hills golf course design company told reporters at the time of the course's opening in 2004: "The site was one of the most challenging pieces of property on which we have ever worked because of the severity of the topography. We were scratching our heads trying to come up with a playable 18-hole routing in the early planning stages. The only suitable land was generally on the ridge tops and sooner or later we ran into dead-ends up there. There were two key holes, number 4 and number 13, that ultimately proved to be the vital links in making the entire layout work. Although the site was difficult, the rewards came in the form of very dramatic and unique golf holes that will provide a scenic and challenging golf experience for visitors and residents of the region alike." Bent grass tees and fairways lead to large bent grass greens with moderate to severe undulation. About 57 sand bunkers, streams and mature trees also add to difficulty. 6,630 yard, par 72 course. Slope 144, Rating 70.8 Info: 800-325-0142
KENTUCKY DAM VILLAGE, Kentucky Dam Village State Park, Gilbertsville, Ky: This course, located at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park in the lake country of Western Kentucky, is called the "The Granddaddy" of the Signature Series. This par 72 course plays 6,704 yards from the back tees and provides a challenging, yet enjoyable outing for golfers of all skill levels. This course offers expansive fairways and moderate rough, with room to hit shots which stray into tree areas. Many holes offer pleasant views of the big lake. Fairways are lined with various trees, mostly pine. You need to drive reasonably well or risk laying out. Greens are usually good, but some low-lying greens suffered from pythia invasion in August 2005. Each has sand traps. The course is generally mature in nature and is pleasing to the eye. Slope rating 131 from white tees. Info: 800-325-0146.
MINERAL MOUND, Mineral Mound State Park, Eddyville, Ky.: This course is located beside Lake Barkley at Mineral Mound State Park in the boundless Western Kentucky lake country. The front 9 holes are situated in a wooded area. The No. 4 offers long uphill shot making, The back 9 offers lake views with several holes flanked by water. The No. 11 plays over a lake inlet. This 6,930-yard layout was designed by Hurdzan-Fry Golf Course Design, Inc., and built by Wadsworth. The $5-million course opened with a temporary clubhouse; a permanent, $1.3-million structure will be built since the state legislature reently okayed the expenditure. The course occupies a 200-acre peninsula that juts into Lake Barkley. The 541-acre Mineral Mound State Park was developed by Willis Machen, the grandfather of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, author F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wife. They accept Visa, MC, AE and Discover. Collared shirts and no jeans. Walking is permitted anytime. No range. No beer. Snack bar and pro shop in temporary clubhouse. Bermuda tees and fairways lead to medium and large bent grass greens of moderate undulation. Numerous water hazards exist but are not frequently in play. 59 sand bunkers. Many mature trees and scenic elevation changes add to difficulty. Design by Hurdzan/Frye. Mineral Mound opened July of 2003. Yardage, 6,930 yard par 72 course. Info: 800-325-0146.
Kentucky Parks Boost
Attraction With Top
New Golf Course Program
By Ken Paul Mink
Kentucky has for eons had beautiful mountains, lakes, rivers and forestland.
Not to mention oodles of bluegrass, bourbon, fast horses and scads of limestone.
And Kentucky's state parks have long been considered among the finest in the nation.
But in recent years Kentucky decided to take even further advantage of its natural assets by adding a series of championship golf courses to many of its state park layouts.
The results have been nothing short of fantastic as the Bluegrass State now has a series of courses that compare favorably to such notable golf developments as the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama and the Jack Nicklaus Bear Trace courses in Tennessee.
In the last few years Kentucky has spent tens of millions of dollars in carving out championship modern courses at half a dozen state parks from one end of the state to the other.
I had the pleasure of playing all six of the state's Signature Series coures during July/August 2005 and found they are all gems, well worthy of ranking among the nation's best courses.
The scenery alone at these courses makes them worth playing, with holes winding through pristine mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes.
The six courses comprise perhaps the best of the best of the state park courses, but there are seven more state parks championship courses that when added to the mix create a Kentucky State Parks Golf Trail of 13 championship courses. The state has created what they call a "Tees and Zees" program in which combination lodge/golf packages (including two meals a day) are offered at all 13 courses, ranging from about $89 to $109 daily. Golfers can book a package by calling 1-800-255-PARK or by filling out an on-line form at the department’s website at this web address: http://www.kystateparks.ky.gov/TZpackage.htm
Golf Digest magazine named two of the state park golf courses, Hidden Cove at Grayson Lake State Park, and Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park course, among the nation’s best new affordable public courses. Hidden Cove ranked fourth, and Dale Hollow Lake sixth. Both courses opened in 2003.
“We couldn’t be more delighted by this . . . ” said Parks Commissioner George Ward. “This honor confirms our belief that our Signature Series courses offer outstanding play comparable to any state golf trail in the country.”
The Signature Series comprises the two ranked courses, two other new courses – Eagle Ridge at Yatesville Lake and Mineral Mound State Park -- along with Kentucky Dam Village SRP and Wasioto Winds at Pine Mountain SRP. The Pine Mountain course received the same honor from Golf Digest in 2003.
The courses are generally playable about 10 months a year (with January-February the only consistent weather trouble times).
The rankings appeared in the January 2005 issue of the magazine, the world’s largest golf publication.
Here is one duffer's thumbnail view of these top six layouts:
WASIOTO WINDS, Pine Mountain State Park, Pineville, Ky.: This links-style course in southeastern Kentucky near the Tennesseee border opened in 2001 and quickly established itself as a favorite throughout the region. In fact, it was recognized by Golf Digest magazine as one of the best public courses opened that year. Water is a prominent feature of this par-72 course, with three lakes and numerous wetlands dotting the landscape. Wasioto is a Shawnee Indian word which means "Valley of the Deer." The course offers golfers a chance to play in a very picturesque setting. The course includes wide cart paths, practice range, two practice putting greens and an indoor-use training center. Miniature golf is also available. This course is open to the public and is located within Pine Mountain State Resort Park. They take Mastercard and Visa. Proper golf attire required. Walking is allowed. No beer and no caddies. Wasioto Winds has bent grass tees and fairways, leading to medium to large sized bent grass greens. Wasioto Winds is mostly flat terrain with some mature trees in play. Water is a very prominent feature. Creeks, ponds and wetland areas are frequently in play. About 35 sand bunkers. From the back tees: 7,037 yard, 18 hole, par 72. Slope 137 Rating 73.9. They have four other tee positions to accommodate all levels of play. Wasioto Winds is as beautiful a golf course as there is in Kentucky, situated on the lower edge of Pine Mountain near Cumberland Gap on the state's eastern border, where Daniel Boone led early settlers across the Appalachian Mountains. The park offers areas for fishing, camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. It also features a rustic lodge built in 1963 that includes a restaurant and several on-site family activities. If you have time, drive up the mountain past the lodge and take the short hike down to the famed Chained Rock (where a huge chain holds back a multi-ton boulder to keep it from tumbling down the mountain onto the town). The $10 million course includes five par 5s and five par 3s, rolls gently and features six rustic bridges that crisscross the waterways. Wasioto Winds is the home of Kentucky's only active First Tee program, and about 450 local youngsters participate regularly. There is a well-kept, four-hole short course for First Tee participants. Fees: Green fees are $25 during weekdays, $30 on weekends. Cart fees are $11. For information, reservations or tee times: 800-814-8002 or 800-325-1712.
DALE HOLLOW, Dale Hollow State Park, Burkesville, Ky.: Situated in south-central Kentucky, this course is a par 72. Hilly terrain promises tricky play. The course opened in 2003. There are some tough holes to negotiate, including the third hole, a 230-yard elevated par 3, where the landing area can‘t be seen. The fairways are zoysia with bent greens and more sand traps than an Iraqui desert. If you're long you can play it from about 7,300 yards. If you like to play in the sand you could spend quite a while in one trap covering more than half an acre. The natural environment and hilly terrain frames the course in a very scenic setting. The wildlife is abundant. Note that Dale Hollow is in the Central Time Zone. They take Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. No denim. Collared shirts required. No caddies. Rated eighth best course in Kentucky by Golf Digest magazine. No homes on the course. Walking is restricted to weekdays. Snack bar. No beer. Temporary clubhouse (new one due in 2006). L-93 bent grass greens with moderate to severe undulation. Many holes were cut through mature trees and offer scenic elevation changes. Water is in play in the form of a lake, a pond and three streams. 61 sand bunkers also add to difficulty. Nominated for Golf Digest's top ten new courses in 2003. Site of 2004 Tri-State Junior tournament. Designed by Ault, Clark & Associates. Weekdays ($25 to walk), $41 on the weekends with cart.6,870 yards from the tips. 18 holes, par 72. Slope 136, Rating 72.9. Info: 800-325-2282.
HIDDEN COVE, Grayson Lake State Park, Grayson/Olive Hill, Ky.: This $5.8 million course encircles scenic Grayson Lake on rolling terrain in northeastern Kentucky near the Ohio-West Virginia borders. Rated the sixth best golf course in Kentucky by Golf Digest magazine. One of state park's most popular courses. Opening is 320 yards but is located on on some of the gentlest topography of the site, this hole includes no real hazards to speak of, and should lets you start round in good frame of mind. But No. 2 is 405 yard par 4 that has a slight dog-leg left and require golfers to carry two small streams. You start to get a real feel and appreciation for the topography on the 375-yard, Par 4, number 3. that sits atop the ridge-line. The 515-yard par 5 number 5 offers a great view of the lake. The par 5, No. 9 hole at Hidden Cove demands precise shots, and at 647-yards, is the longest in the state park system. If you are a long knocker you might be able to reach the 340-yard, par 4 number 6 with a driver. But the green is adjacent to a pond, neither of which of is visible from the tee. If you like tough par threes, then the 225-yard number 16 is right up your alley. Tthe farther forward tee you play, the more uphill the shot becomes. The No. 17 hole is a tough par 4, measuring 448 yards from the back tee. The second shot is blind to the tee. Info: (606) 474-2553 or toll-free (866) 905-7888 or 800-325-0059. Par: 72. Yardage: Back tees 7,123.
EAGLE RIDGE, Yatesville Lake State Park, Louisa, Ky.: Located near the West Virginia border in Eastern Kentucky, this course ranks as the toughest of the courses we played in Kentucky (with a slope rating of 144, one of the toughest in the nation). The course wends its way along a series of mountaintops and valleys and includes ravines at almost every turn. Many of the ravine holes require relatively long, accurate tee shots. This is not a duffer's course. I lost about 10 balls in 18 holes. If your handicap is above about a 10 you probably will have a lot of trouble here, even from the shortest tees. Many good golfers (handicaps about six and lower) love the place because they can handle the must-carry disances with ease. Few women can play the course because of its difficulty. But it does offer some spectacular panoramic views and the scenery alone makes the course worth taking a shot at. Fortunately, many of the holes play downhill, with elevation drops of 100-200 feet. One of the course's designers, Steve Forrest of the famed Arthur Hills golf course design company told reporters at the time of the course's opening in 2004: "The site was one of the most challenging pieces of property on which we have ever worked because of the severity of the topography. We were scratching our heads trying to come up with a playable 18-hole routing in the early planning stages. The only suitable land was generally on the ridge tops and sooner or later we ran into dead-ends up there. There were two key holes, number 4 and number 13, that ultimately proved to be the vital links in making the entire layout work. Although the site was difficult, the rewards came in the form of very dramatic and unique golf holes that will provide a scenic and challenging golf experience for visitors and residents of the region alike." Bent grass tees and fairways lead to large bent grass greens with moderate to severe undulation. About 57 sand bunkers, streams and mature trees also add to difficulty. 6,630 yard, par 72 course. Slope 144, Rating 70.8 Info: 800-325-0142
KENTUCKY DAM VILLAGE, Kentucky Dam Village State Park, Gilbertsville, Ky: This course, located at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park in the lake country of Western Kentucky, is called the "The Granddaddy" of the Signature Series. This par 72 course plays 6,704 yards from the back tees and provides a challenging, yet enjoyable outing for golfers of all skill levels. This course offers expansive fairways and moderate rough, with room to hit shots which stray into tree areas. Many holes offer pleasant views of the big lake. Fairways are lined with various trees, mostly pine. You need to drive reasonably well or risk laying out. Greens are usually good, but some low-lying greens suffered from pythia invasion in August 2005. Each has sand traps. The course is generally mature in nature and is pleasing to the eye. Slope rating 131 from white tees. Info: 800-325-0146.
MINERAL MOUND, Mineral Mound State Park, Eddyville, Ky.: This course is located beside Lake Barkley at Mineral Mound State Park in the boundless Western Kentucky lake country. The front 9 holes are situated in a wooded area. The No. 4 offers long uphill shot making, The back 9 offers lake views with several holes flanked by water. The No. 11 plays over a lake inlet. This 6,930-yard layout was designed by Hurdzan-Fry Golf Course Design, Inc., and built by Wadsworth. The $5-million course opened with a temporary clubhouse; a permanent, $1.3-million structure will be built since the state legislature reently okayed the expenditure. The course occupies a 200-acre peninsula that juts into Lake Barkley. The 541-acre Mineral Mound State Park was developed by Willis Machen, the grandfather of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, author F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wife. They accept Visa, MC, AE and Discover. Collared shirts and no jeans. Walking is permitted anytime. No range. No beer. Snack bar and pro shop in temporary clubhouse. Bermuda tees and fairways lead to medium and large bent grass greens of moderate undulation. Numerous water hazards exist but are not frequently in play. 59 sand bunkers. Many mature trees and scenic elevation changes add to difficulty. Design by Hurdzan/Frye. Mineral Mound opened July of 2003. Yardage, 6,930 yard par 72 course. Info: 800-325-0146.
This story was published on 17 Aug 2005.
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