Golf Course Overview: Pennyrile Forest State Park

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 Jeffery Jennings 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?
Our course consist of two different layouts. Our bottom nine is cut through the valley and has a creek running throughout several of the holes. It is a bit more narrow also but shorter than the top nine. Accuracy on holes 1 - 9 is most important.

Our Back or Upper nine holes is cut through the forest on the property above the lower nine. Built almost 20 years ago, it is the newer nine holes. It plays a little longer than the bottom, but is wider. The holes also seem to roll along through the forest. The two par fives are beautifully laid out and the closing hole (#18) is a picture of beauty.

So to answer the original question. Our course differs as the two nines are completely different, as one is tighter and flat while the other is more rolling and wider.

For someone who has not played the course in awhile, has there been any new changes/renovations to the course or property?
For those who haven't been to Pennyrile sine before the year 2000 or so, we have built a back nine. We also welcomed a brand new fleet of carts in October of 2020.

What is your course's answer to Amen Corner? (Describe your best/hardest 3 back/back/back holes)
From the 1 or 2 tees, Numbers 13, 14, 15 provide a test.

13 is a par 3 that plays 198 from the 1's or 168 from the 2's. The layout of the hole sometimes makes it difficult to line up your tee shot. The green is quite large and being around the hole will of course make this one easier.

14 is a long par 4 but gives the golfer plenty of room off the tee. There is some trouble to the right if a tee shot strays that direction. While it plays mostly straight away, a longer second shot into a smaller green that is all carry over a low area in front plus a bunker. If you are going to miss, miss right and rely on your short game to get up and down.

15 is a beautiful par 5 that dog legs right from the tee box and gently slopes down a gradual grade until the final approach shot will be up to a raised green. There is forest to the right if you try and take off to much of the corner. A tee ball pulled long can also make this hole play tough. Reaching in 2 shots requires 2 well hit balls and laying up to the bottom of the slope is usually the safer play. The green is large and reaching in regulation makes par much easier.

What is your course's claim to fame, or is there a little known fact that golfers should know about the property?
While it isn't talked about as much anymore, LPGA Pro Golfer, Emma Talley played several rounds of golf out here at Pennyrile when she was in high school.

What tournaments/events have you (recently) hosted or will be hosting? Or any recent awards?
We usually host the local high schools tournament in early August with 16 to 20 teams attending. We also have a Senior scramble every Tuesday morning and a Two Person Scramble on Thursday afternoon.

Besides golf, what other amenities do you offer if a golfer wants to spend most of the day at your facility?
Our park offers one of the best beaches in Kentucky. We also have a dining room at the lodge for the hungry golfer after their round.

For the traveling golfer, do you have lodging onsite or partner with any area hotels?
We do offer lodging here at the park. Our front desk staff would be happy to set golfers up with a stay and play package. We offer both cottages and rooms.

What is your signature dish, sandwich or drink at the turn or restaurant?
Our dining room and kitchen offers the world famous Kentucky Hot Brown and they also grill a pretty good Burger also!

Contact Course
Pennyrile Forest State Park
20781 Pennyrile Lodge Rd
Dawson Springs, Kentucky, 42408
270-797-7888