What are the worst golf courses in each state (Kentucky)?

Kentucky is home to some beautiful public and resort golf courses, but not every course gets rave reviews. Based on firsthand reports and fearless feedback, here are three Kentucky courses that often earn points for disappointment rather than joy.1. Emerald Greens Golf Course (Pikeville, KY)

This course is often discussed on forums and review sites as one of the most criticized courses in the state. A blistering review puts it bluntly about GolfPass:

“The greens are unplayable… It felt like I hit a putt in the general direction of the hole and Plinko was playing with blades of grass.” (golfpass.com)

Another player was more scathing about the terms:

“I played four holes and couldn’t do it anymore… Some of the fairways are so thick and rough. Mud everywhere… It’s absolutely no shape to play on.” (golfpass.com)

Between muddy fairways, poor putting surfaces and what some call “highway robbery” green fees, Emerald Greens has been labeled “almost unplayable” by more than one reviewer.

2. University Club of Kentucky – Wildcat Course (Lexington, KY)

University club

This course, part of the University Club, also cannot escape criticism. According to a GolfPass player:”Half the cart paths were gravel (destroyed black top). The fairways were very spotty. On one green it looked like golf mats had been installed as part of the surface… For the price; play somewhere else… Wildcat is garbage.” (golfpass.com)

That’s a harsh judgement, and other users agree, complaining about the poor price and inconsistent track maintenance. The sentiment is echoed among visitors who feel they are paying too much for substandard grass and infrastructure.

3. Kenny Perry’s Country Creek Golf Course (Franklin, KY)

Country Creek

Even a course with a name like Kenny Perry’s can provoke sharp criticism. One reviewer on GolfPass didn’t mince words:

“The whole course was hard dirt!! … Here you play on dirt and rocks.” (golfpass.com)

Another called it ‘the worst dust bowl ever… maintenance is absolutely non-existent’, lamenting the overgrowth, weeds and general disrepair. (golfpass.com)

For golfers expecting a lush fairway, these reviews paint a very different picture.

So, what went wrong?

Maintenance Failures – Several of these courses suffer from neglect, especially on greens and fairways. That’s a red flag for serious golfers.

Poor value — High expectations come at a price, but when the conditions don’t match, players are quick to complain.

Design and infrastructure issues – Gravel paths, overgrown rough terrain and insufficient greenery indicate deeper design or budget problems.

A word of warning

It’s worth noting that “worst” doesn’t always mean unplayable. Golfers’ opinions are highly subjective, and some players may still enjoy these courses, especially if they are looking for an advantageous tee time or are more forgiving when it comes to rough conditions. But for golfers who prioritize course quality and maintenance, these three names are often brought up in dissatisfied conversations.