We can’t think of a better way to soak in Louisville’s greenspace than spending some time on the links. Whether you’re looking to connect outdoors with friends or you’re honing in on the perfect swing, here are 24 golf courses to make a tee time around Derby City.
Public courses
Bobby Nichols Golf Course, 4301 E. Pages Lane, Louisville | This nine-hole course is named after Louisvillian + golf pro Bobby Nichols, who won the 1964 PGA Championship. The course winds around a water hazard, Nichols Creek, so your short game better be on point.
Charlie Vettiner Golf Course, 10207 Mary Dell Lane, Louisville | This course is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary — a designation of high environmental quality. Not only is it beautiful, it’s also rated as the seventh-most challenging course in the state, according to the Metro Department of Parks and Recreation.
Cherokee Golf Course, 2501 Alexander Rd., Louisville | Founded in 1895, this nine-hole course is the oldest in Louisville and one of the oldest municipal courses in the US. It’s also the shortest public course in Derby City — make sure you have plenty of irons in your bag.
Crescent Hill Golf Course, 3110 Brownsboro Rd., Louisville | If you’re a beginning golfer, this nine-hole course is right for you — it doesn’t have any bunkers or water hazards.
Iroquois Golf Course, 1501 Rundill Rd., Louisville | Playing a round here is almost like checking out two courses in one: the front nine features tree-lined fairways, while the back-nine features an open, links-style layout.
Long Run Golf Course, 1605 Flat Rock Rd., Louisville | Come ready to swing. As its name implies, this course packs some challenging long-distance holes, including two double dogleg par fives.
Seneca Golf Course, 2300 Pee Wee Reese Blvd., Louisville | Opened in 1934, this course has hosted several national events through its history, like the 1958 Kentucky Derby Open won by Gary Player — the first PGA Tour victory of his legendary career.
Shawnee Golf Course, 460 Northwestern Pkwy., Louisville | Shawnee is the perfect place to practice + develop as a golfer. It features the only complete driving range in the Metro Parks system, and is also home to the BellSouth Youth Golf Academy, a three-hole course free to anyone under the age of 18.
Sun Valley Golf Course, 6505 Bethany Lane, Louisville | This course, located in Valley Station, is home to men’s and women’s leagues, tournaments, and weekly games.
Quail Chase Golf Course, 7000 Cooper Chapel Rd., Louisville | Louisville’s only 27-hole, championship regulation golf course, Quail Chase was acquired by Metro Parks and became a public course in 2018.
Members Only
Valhalla Golf Club, 15503 Shelbyville Rd., Louisville | Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course opened in 1986 and has hosted numerous major events, including the 1996, 2000, and 2014 PGA Championship, the 2004 Senior PGA Championship, and the 2008 Ryder Cup. It’s set to host the PGA Championship once again in May.
Lake Forest Country Club, 14000 Landmark Dr., Louisville | Founded in 1991, this course is the only one in Kentucky designed by Arnold Palmer.
University of Louisville Golf Club, 401 Champions Way, Simpsonville | It’s home to the Cardinals golf teams, so birdies are welcome here. The course is accompanied by a 22-acre practice facility with a two-tiered range .
Persimmon Ridge Golf Club, 72 Persimmon Ridge Dr., Shelby County | Opened in 1989, Persimmon Ridge won the prestigious Golf Digest “Outstanding Design” award in 2007.
Hurstbourne Country Club, 9000 Hurstbourne Club Lane, Louisville | It’s the total package — Golf Digest has ranked Hurstbourne as a Top-5 course Kentucky since 2011.
Big Spring Country Club, 5901 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville | Founded in 1926, it hosted the PGA Championship in 1952, becoming the first course in Kentucky to host a major championship. It underwent a full redesign in 2004.
Louisville Country Club, 15 Mockingbird Valley Trail, Louisville | This club + course traces its roots to the Louisville Golf Club, which was organized in 1895. Over 14,000 rounds of golf are played there annually.
Standard Club, 8208 Standard Club Dr., Louisville | The second in the history of the Standard Club, this course opened in 1952 with nine-holes but added an additional nine holes in 1960.
Take it indoors
King Louie Indoor Golf, 592 N. English Station Rd., Louisville | If you’re looking for feedback on your swing, King Louie’s visual system can help pinpoint your strengths + weaknesses. It’s available to rent starting at $45 per hour and hosts evening golf leagues.
Full Swing Indoor Golf, 7100 Preston Hwy., Louisville | Want to tee-off, but don’t have all day? This virtual course takes just an hour to play, at $31 per person.
Topgolf, 301 Oxmoor Lane, Louisville | Okay, it’s not quite indoors, but this driving range experience boasts covered tees + heaters to keep you away from the elements while you take some hacks.
Just Puttin’ Around
Putt-Putt Fun Center, 5720 Bardstown Rd., Louisville | Grab a ball in your favorite color and compete against friends at this mini-golf course that’s been in business for 50+ years. It features all the classic obstacles, like a giraffe, plus arcade games inside.
Malibu Jack’s Louisville, 1915 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., Louisville | The putt-putt course here features a 11-ft waterfall, but that’s not all — Malibu Jack’s is also home to laser tag, go karts and carnival-style rides.
Puttshack Louisville, 7900 Shelbyville Rd., Louisville | This tech-infused mini golf experience features holes with interactive games, life-size beer pong + air hockey, and two full service bars. It’s set to open March 20.
Did we miss an un-fore-gettable golf course? Let us know using this survey.
