Golf Course Overview: My Old Kentucky Home Golf Course

Local and traveling golfers love to research courses before playing them, whether it is to gain some local knowledge or to set an expectation before their upcoming round. Below is an interview with Jonathan Earnest who shares some valuable insight about the property, its most talked about holes and the signature dish/drink to consume at the 19th hole.


How Does Your Course Differ From The Others In The Area?
It is located on the property once owned by the Rowan Family that is now known as My old Kentucky Home. The course has a nice mix of open and tree-lined holes on both nines.

For someone who has not played the course in awhile, has there been any new changes/renovations to the course or property?
Most bunkers have been recently transitioned to the drainage-friendly "Billy Bunkers".

What is your course's answer to Amen Corner? (Describe your best/hardest 3 back/back/back holes)
15, 16, & 17. #15 requires an accurate tee-shot with trees on the left and trees and a hillside falling away to the right. #16 is a long Par 3 (over 200 yds from the back tee) over a ravine from an elevated tee. It is the signature hole on the course. #17 is a dogleg right from another elevated tee, with a creek that you must cross twice, once from the tee, and again on your approach.

What is your course's claim to fame, or is there a little known fact that golfers should know about the property?
The Mansion from the Stephen Foster Song "My Old Kentucky Home", for which the Park and Golf Course are named, is visible as you play holes 12 & 13. The course winds through the old Rowan Estate, including behind the Mansion on those two holes.

What tournaments/events have you (recently) hosted or will be hosting? Or any recent awards?
We are the Home Site of the Bourbon Open, which has been played for over 75 years. Usually played in May, for the second year in a row, it will be played in September this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Besides golf, what other amenities do you offer if a golfer wants to spend most of the day at your facility?
A visit to the Mansion at My Old Kentucky Home State Park.

For the traveling golfer, do you have lodging onsite or partner with any area hotels?
We have a campground right next to the golf course.

What is your signature dish, sandwich or drink at the turn or restaurant?
Hot Dogs from Boone's Butcher Shop


Contact Course
My Old Kentucky Home Golf Course
668 Bardstown, Kentucky, 40004
502-349-6542
parks.ky.gov/golf