RIGHT : Kearney Hill Golf Links BELOW : Heritage Hill Golf Club
The Kentucky Distillers Association established the Kentucky Bourbon Trail ® in 1991 , describing it as “ a road-trip-style experience for bourbon lovers to visit the Bluegrass State ’ s signature distilleries .”
And while there are too many distilleries to list here , Virginia Golfer will help get you started with some satisfying and challenging Kentucky golf courses , along with some suggested stops at such popular distilleries as Buffalo Trace ( makers of the coveted Pappy Van Winkle bourbon ), Jim Beam , Maker ’ s Mark and Woodford Reserve .
Fans of professional golf may find themselves at Valhalla Golf Club this year for the 2024 PGA Championship , but the private 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed gem is a difficult tee time to get . The good news is , there are numerous other solid golf courses throughout the state where you can play .
If Kentucky is on your mind for your next golf travel destination , there are plenty of links and libations to make this a unique and memorable journey to the Bluegrass State .
Check out these courses and distilleries :
Griffin Gate Golf Club ( pictured here ) is one of many courses to check out in Lexington and offers a resort and spa .
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COURSES , THE KENTUCKY DISTILLERS ASSOCIATION
M ARCH / A PRIL 2024 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 31