Whether you’re a golfer or simply a tourist, if it’s the idyllic countryside you’re yearning for, there’s not a better local getaway than a trip to the charming state of Kentucky. Located in the Eastern South Central region of the United States, it’s away from all the hustle and bustle of the big cities but remaining easily accessible at the same time. This scenic vacation spot is best known for its lively local scene of spirited horse racing, rustic farms and ranches, smooth locally-distilled bourbon, and bluegrass music. While most of the industrial urban areas congregate in its northern region, where the only two major cities in the state (Louisville and Lexington) reside, the rest of Kentucky is rural, boasting a beautiful landscape of lush green grasslands. Dubbed as the “Bluegrass State” for its abundance in bluegrass along its fertile pastures, Kentucky has a widely diverse topography with four distinct regions. First is the Cumberland Plateau, which sweeps across the east, a heavily forested area accented by hills and mountains. Next is the centrally situated Bluegrass Region of low-lying hills and thick meadows; then the Western Coal Field of the northwest, a rugged, hilly land marked by large coal deposits and bordered by the Ohio River. Lastly, the Jackson Purchase region to the southwest, which is marked by swampy lowlands lying along the Mississippi River flood plains.Avid golfers who come to Kentucky have much to look forward to than just the usual tourist attractions and the amazing natural scenery. With more than 200 golf courses scattered throughout the state, it’s a praiseworthy golfing destination in terms of both quantity and quality, as it boasts many top-quality tracks designed by some of the most skilled and most beloved architects in the industry. Among its best offerings are: the Donald Ross-designed showpiece at Idle Hour Country Club, restored by Ron Pritchard; the Arthur Hills originals at the Club at Olde Stone and Keene Trace’s Champion Trace layout; the George Davies design at Big Spring Country Club, reworked by Rees Jones; and the iconic Jack Nicklaus valley course, Valhalla, which hosted the 1996 and 2000 US PGA Championships and the 37th Ryder Cup series in 2008.However, visitors of the state may find themselves discouraged with the frequent and abundant rainfall associated with the Kentucky weather, and though it enjoys a moderate humid subtropical climate all year round, it’s recorded temperatures can reach up to a scorching 114 °F during the summer and a freezing −37 °F in the winter time. With that said, though outdoor playing conditions might be un-ideal during some days of the year, local and out-of-town golfers alike need not worry, as there are several indoor golf facilities and virtual golf centers that are open throughout the year for them to turn to. Equipped with some of the latest technology, impressive simulator models, and other first-rate amenities, you can practice and play no matter the weather in the comfort of the cozy indoors. Enumerated below are some of the best and most popular virtual/indoor golf facilities in Kentucky.
Best Golf Courses in (Province/State)
1. Man O’ War Golf Learning Center
Location: 1201 Man O War Blvd, Lexington, KY 40513Situated in central Kentucky, deep in the heart of Lexington, one of the state’s largest and most populous cities, is Man O’ War Golf Learning Center. An indoor golf facility that specializes in golf instruction and training, Man O’ War welcomes a wide spectrum of golfers – from beginners to seasoned veterans – and provides them the opportunity to practice all aspects of their game. Here, you can learn how to finetune your swing, improve your short game, and so much more on their state of the art golf simulators and hitting bays, equipped with only the best and latest technology in the industry. More than that, Man O’ War Golf Learning Center is home to some of Golf Digest’s top ranking instructors and swing coaches. With the help of any of their seven PGA Professionals on staff, you can improve your game in no time and earn some of your best scores yet. With lessons that can be customized and tailored to any client’s personal goals, preferences, and schedule, as well as a relaxed, low-stress environment conducive to learning, Man O’ War delivers on its promise as “the golf improvement experts”. Every lesson comes with range balls, personal take-home instructional DVDs, and a number of other teaching and training aides. Aside from helping golfers enhance their power and accuracy, Man O’ War also has a well-stocked golf shop with the finest brands and top quality equipment available to provide you with all the tools you need to become a great golfer. They also provide club fitting and repair services, as well as group lessons for junior golfers and several different clinics all throughout the year. There’s also an outdoor driving range for guests to warm up in, if the weather permits. Lastly, the friendly and accommodating staff at Man O’ War Golf Learning Center would be more than happy to book you an appointment or assist you with any needs and concerns you might have.HoursMon – Thu 9:00 – 8:00 pmFri 9:00 – 6:00 pmSat 8:00 – 5:00 pmSun 9:00 – 4:00 pmContact502-426-4314
Location: 600 N English Station Rd, Louisville, KY 40223The next entry on our list is the Louisville-based King Louie Indoor Golf. Though the virtual golf facilities are certainly its crowning jewel, King Louie also hosts a number of other excellent sports and recreational activities like billiards, ping pong, indoor basketball, and arcade racing to name a few.Its indoor golf center features several top-notch Full Swing simulators, the brand’s latest model on the market, equipped with infrared tracking system for a highly sophisticated visual feedback system that can break down and analyze every swing according to ball speed, launch angle, and direction. It also boasts photo-realistic 3D graphics to faithfully recreate the look and feel of an actual outdoor course, with launch monitors able to display instant feedback of a golfer’s different strengths and weaknesses. Other amenities include winter leagues that guests can sign up for, and event spaces available for rent on special occasions, along with party packages designed according to your needs. With such an exceptional service and world-class facilities, don’t pass up the chance to play at King Louie Indoor Golf if you’re ever in the area. Contact502-969-0404
Location: 102 Vieux Carre Dr, Louisville, KY 40223One branch among many associated with this massive international sports franchise with over 180 locations nationwide, GOLFTEC Louisville is a world-class training center that’s considered among Kentucky’s best indoor golf facilities.With an emphasis on excellent customer service and star-making private lessons, guests can learn from any of their three certified PGA Professional Coaches on staff, each one with years of instructional experience and in-depth knowledge of the game under their belts. A few lessons at GOLFTEC Louisville and you’ll be shooting some of your best shots in no time. Best of all, a wide variety of lessons and game plans are available – from in-bay to on-course, to short-game, and more. Lessons can be tailor-made for every student according to their personal goals, skills, schedules, and timetable. The facilities are furnished with cutting-edge golf simulators and high-tech hitting bays with motion measurement technology and high-speed cameras to accurately capture and display all the essential data points and visual feedback to help players improve their swing in real time. All the player data and game logistics can be accessed 24/7 with their online play performance center and GOLFTEC TO GO mobile app, together with the instructor’s notes and recommended notes for practice and learning on the go. Aside from this, GOLFTEC Louisville also offers an initial swing evaluation; on-course lessons at Elk Run Golf Club in Jeffersonville, Indiana; and TECFIT, their very own custom club fitting center with certified professionals able to create and provide precision-matched clubs made specifically to your particular requirements. With their first-rate amenities and virtual golf facilities, as well as a convenient location near to some of the best courses in the area (such as Hurstbourne Country Club, Crescent Hill, and Persimmon Trail), this is one indoor golf option you’ll want to experience for yourself as it is not only the perfect remedy to all your wintertime golf woes but also an easily-accessible practice and training center all year round.HoursMon – Sun 9:00 – 9:00 pmContact859-259-4653
Location: 12101 Sycamore Station Pl, Louisville, KY 40299The premier indoor family fun park not only in Louisville but arguably in the entire state of Kentucky, Malibu Jack’s has an excellent assortment of various sports, games, and recreational activities that every kid could wish for – including a miniature golf course. With an 18-hole layout that sports an exotic tropical Hawaiian theme – complete with flowers, inflatable palm trees, painted volcanoes, and even an 11-foot indoor waterfall – the putt-putt course at Malibu Jack’s will delight young players with its whimsical design and decor, while still entertaining adults with an enjoyable round. Aside from that, there are also go-karts to race in; a laser tag arena if you’re in the mood for a little friendly competition; a video arcade equipped with your favorite classic games; interactive 4D motion theater rides; a beach-themed bouncy house and play area for kids; and it’s very own casual diner, Jack’s Cafe, which serves pizza, quesadillas, ice cold drinks, and many more delicious choices. If this is something you think your kids might love, then treat them and their friends to a fun-filled day at Malibu Jack’s Louisville. For special occasions and private events, there are also birthday rooms and birthday packages available. HoursMon – Thu 3:00 – 9:00 pmFri 1:00 – 11:00 pmSat 10:00 – 11:00 pmSun 12:00 – 8:00 pmContact502-883-0380louisville@malibujacks.net
Location: 2520 Nicholasville Rd, Lexington, KY 40503Following closely on the heels of its sister establishment in Louisville, Malibu Jack’s Lexington is another sensational family-oriented entertainment venue housing its very own indoor golf option, along with a host of other fun and exciting attractions. Strategically situated in one of the state’s major cities, many visitors to Kentucky flock to Malibu Jack’s Lexington to experience a fun-filled, memorable day of play for both kids and adults alike. The crowning jewel of all their attractions is their 18-hole miniature golf course, which is adorned with a beautiful old Hollywood design featuring artificial palm trees, a suspended vintage aircraft, and a small pond with a fountain spout. Aside from that, Malibu Jack’s also provides its patrons with: an indoor go-kart race track; an expansive laser tag arena; an indoor spinning kiddie coaster; an interactive 4D motion theater; a beach-themed children’s play area and bouncy house; spinning bumper cars; 16 full-scale bowling lanes; a virtual reality experience; a western-themed shooting gallery; a video game arcade; and on-site food options such as Brooklyn Pizza, Malibu Grill, and the soon to open BD’s Mongolian Grill. With so many great activities to choose from, all conveniently housed in one large, family entertainment complex, Malibu Jack’s Lexington deserves a place on your list of must-visit sites in Kentucky, whether you’re an avid golfer or someone who is just out to have a good time. HoursSun – Thu 11:00 – 10:00 pmFri 11:00 – 12:00 amSat10:00 – 12:00 amContact859-687-0401lexington@malibujacks.net
Location: 7400 Woodspoint Dr, Florence, KY 41042Rounding out the last of our formal indoor golf centers is Florence City’s very own World of Golf. An excellent choice for resident golfers to play and practice in, this community-based, family-oriented establishment has a wide variety of world-class amenities, both on and off-course.Open to golfers of all backgrounds, their unique indoor golf facility, equipped with several state of the art simulators configured with over 50 world-famous championship courses and 3 virtual miniature golf courses are always ready and available for play. Among its most popular picks are classics like Pebble Beach and St. Andrews, as well as fantasy courses like the Infamous 18. With hitting bays that can accommodate up to 8 players at a time, you can comfortably play a round or two with some of your closest friends on the newest virtual golf course in Northern Kentucky. Similarly, there’s also an indoor miniature golf course with an 18-hole layout that showcases all the best things about its resident state: from the Louisville Slugger baseball bats on display to the Kentucky Bourbon barrels, and even its very own Cumberland Falls and Florence Y’all Water Tower replica. Aside from that, there’s a 9-hole foot golf course and an 18-hole executive outdoor course, sculpted along a watershed that leads into woodlands filled with frolicking wildlife. With its generous fairways and large green complexes, it’s a great experience for junior golfers and beginners alike to help them fine-tune their short game and overall playing ability. As for their off-course amenities, there’s both an indoor and outdoor driving range, the former lighted and carpeted with Bermuda grass tees and target greens, while the latter features an 80-foot wide space with 8 hitting bays, all equipped with the highly sophisticated V1 Digital Coaching System to record and analyze every swing; an indoor putting and chipping green area; private lessons with their resident Kentucky Golf Hall of Famer and PGA Master Professional Ralph Landrum; and a number of other learning programs and golf leagues like the basic beginners program, the ladies instructional golf league, and the four-point putting school. HoursMon – Sun 9:00 – 9:00 pmContact859-371-8255
Location: 1306 S 12th St, Murray, KY 4207Another quick and easy indoor golf option to beat those pesky off-season blues, Treasure Golf & Cove Cafe is an 18-hole miniature golf course hailing from the quaint little city of Murray in central Kentucky.Though it is not particularly well-known, this hidden gem of a mini-golf course is worth a visit for its delightful neon light course, sporting a mix of tropical and nautical themes little kids are sure to love. Equally appealing are their off-course amenities, such as the delectable food served at their very own restaurant, as well as their welcoming staff. All in all, if you’re an avid golfer looking for a nice place to pass the time while the outdoor courses are closed, or perhaps a long-time player looking to make your kids fall in love with the sport, Treasure Golf & Cove Cafe is guaranteed to do the trick. HoursTue – Fri 2:00 – 10:00 pmSat – Sun 1:00 – 10:00 pmContact270-366-5106
8. Champs Entertainment Complex
Location: 297 Ruccio Way, Lexington, KY 40503Concluding our list is another popular Lexington-based family-oriented entertainment venue: the Champs Entertainment Complex. A multi-level 50,000-square foot facility, Champs Entertainment Complex is home to a wonderful assortment of games and recreational activities to make for a truly memorable day. Golf lovers from nearby areas will be glad to know that it offers an 18-hole black light miniature golf course, complete with funky neon obstacles and fluorescent lighting decorations, designed with both kids and adults in mind with a layout that’s equal parts fun and formidable. Aside from that, there’s also a roller skating rink; a laser tag arena; a laser maze; a retro-style video game arcade; a photo booth; and an on-site casual dining restaurant that serves beverages, hot dogs, corn dogs, sandwiches, French fries, pizza, and more. There are VIP rooms available for rent during special occasions and private celebrations, as well as a number of promos you can avail of, like the All-You-Can-Play promo. Simply inquire from any of their friendly staff, who would be more than happy to assist you with whatever you need. HoursTue – Thu 5:00 – 9:00 pmFri 5:00 – 10:00 pmSat 12:00 – 11:00 pmSun 2:00 – 6:00 pmContact859-268-3888nick@visitchamps.com
Wrap up
A widely coveted vacation destination for its gorgeous, well-preserved topography of vividly green grasslands, densely wooded forests, low-lying hills, and mountain splendor, Kentucky has even more to offer that may pleasantly surprise you. Though it may not be among the nation’s best known and top-ranking golf destinations, it deserves more attention than it has gotten, as it is home to some spectacular championship layouts like Valhalla, Olde Stone, Big Spring, Idle Hour, and many more. With that said, if you’ve come to Kentucky to enjoy a few rounds out on some of their excellent golf courses, don’t despair if you happen to be there when the weather makes it difficult for you to do so. Kentucky offers several exciting virtual/indoor golf options to choose from; some of the best and most popular of which we have listed above. The entries enumerated here feature not only the virtual golf studios but training centers and indoor miniature golf courses as well, to suit the widely varied needs of Kentucky’s avid golfing public.
