About Kentucky Dam Village State Park Golf Course

Long before Kentucky Dam Village became known for lake vacations, conferences, cottages, and marina life, golf was already becoming part of the park’s identity. Kentucky Dam Village State Park Golf Course opened in 1950 and has since earned the nickname “The Grandaddy” of Kentucky State Park golf courses, making it one of the oldest courses in western Kentucky’s state park system.

The course was designed by Perry Maxwell, a prominent American golf architect known for working with the natural contours of the land. That philosophy is still visible across the Kentucky Dam Village layout. Rather than relying on dramatic terrain, the course moves through subtle elevation changes, generous Bermuda fairways, and strategically placed doglegs that ask golfers to think about position as much as distance. Ultradwarf Bermuda greens add their own challenge, with enough movement to keep approach shots and putting interesting throughout the round.

From the back tees, the 18-hole, par-72 course measures 6,554 yards. The layout has enough length and strategy for experienced players while remaining approachable from forward tees for golfers looking for a more relaxed round. A fully equipped pro shop supports the course, with riding carts, pull carts, and rental clubs available. Golf is offered throughout the year when weather allows.

Part of the appeal is everything surrounding the course. Kentucky Dam Village is one of the region’s largest state resort parks, with lodge rooms, cottages, Harbor Lights Restaurant, meeting facilities, Kentucky Lake recreation, and marina access all nearby. The Village Green Lodge sits beside the golf course and provides another connection between overnight stays and time on the fairways.

That combination has made golf trips a longstanding part of Kentucky Dam Village. A morning round can easily lead into lunch at the park, an afternoon around Kentucky Lake, or another night at the lodge without leaving the property.