What are the Worst Golf Courses in Each State (Kentucky)?

Emerald Greens

Kentucky is home to some stunning public-access and resort golf courses, but not every course gets rave reviews. Based on firsthand reports and unflinching feedback, here are three Kentucky courses that often earn marks for disappointment rather than delight.

1. Emerald Greens Golf Course (Pikeville, KY)

This course frequently comes up in forums and review sites as one of the most criticized in the state. On GolfPass, one blistering review puts it bluntly:

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

Another player was more scathing about the conditions:

“I played 4 holes and couldn’t do it anymore … Some of the fairways are like thick rough. Mud everywhere … It is absolutely no shape at all to be played on.” (golfpass.com)

Between muddy fairways, poor putting surfaces, and what some call “highway robbery” greens 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, doesn’t escape criticism either. According to one GolfPass player:

“Half the cart paths were gravel (destroyed black top). The fairways were really spotty. One green looked like it had golf mats installed as part of the surface … For the price; play elsewhere … Wildcat is garbage.” (golfpass.com)

That’s a harsh verdict—and other users back it up, complaining about poor value and inconsistent course maintenance. The sentiment echoes among visitors who feel they're paying too much for substandard turf and infrastructure.

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

Country Creek

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

“The entire course was hard dirt!! … Dirt and rocks are what you’ll be playing on here.” (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 fails — 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 with a price, but when the condition doesn’t match, players are quick to complain.

Design + infrastructure issues — Gravel paths, overgrown rough, and subpar greens suggest deeper design or budget problems.

A Word of Caution

It’s worth noting that “worst” doesn’t always mean unplayable. Golfers’ opinions are deeply subjective, and some players may still enjoy these courses—especially if they’re looking for a bargain tee time or are more forgiving of rough conditions. But for golfers who prioritize course quality and maintenance, these three names are commonly brought up in disgruntled conversations.