Courtesy of the club
Idle Hour Country Club
Overview
Perhaps the most exclusive club in Kentucky found its way onto our ranking of Kentucky’s Best Golf Courses for the first time in 2023—thanks to finally obtaining enough ballots to be considered. For those fortunate to receive an invitation, you’ll encounter a Donald Ross gem built in the 1920s—with undulating and typically elevated greens that usually run as some of the fastest in the state. Architect Ron Prichard performed a renovation in recent years to restore a number of bunkers, and over time, the routing has been flipped—so the closing stretch on the front nine provides some of the course’s most challenging holes. Walking is encouraged at Idle Hour, with subtle land movement in the fairways, water and well-placed bunkers presenting a stout driving test.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
Best in State: Ranked third, 2023-'26.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Probably due to limited access and relatively few panelist evaluations, Idle Hour is a very underrated course. Ron Prichard performed an outstanding restoration of this Donald Ross design several years ago. The green complexes at Idle Hour with typical elevated firm Ross greens and very distinctive deep bunkering are among the best that I have seen on a Ross course. In terms of architectural features, Idle Hour is the best course that I have played in Kentucky (better than Valhalla and Old Stone). Unfortunately, there is a movement among certain Idle Hour members to unnecessarily spend millions of dollars on a course “renovation” which would greatly detract from this Ross architectural gem and the previous outstanding restoration by Ron Prichard."
Read More2025
Review
“Idle Hour is a beautiful parkland course set in the rolling Hills of Central Kentucky and is the only Donald Ross course in the state. Its unique features are large undulating greens with interesting, deep faced bunkering throughout the course, including greenside, fairway, and cross bunkering on many of the holes. The par three #3 three hole actually has two greens – one that is used for regular play and another for special occasions. This is a difficult course to gain access to, but if you get a text late at night inviting you to play the next day, clear your calendar and say, yes!"
Read More2024
Review
“Solid Donald Ross course with a few very memorable holes. I think it's the second best course in KY. Fabulous greens that help define the course."
Read More2019
Review
“Parkland course with minimal play. Always in good shape with good variety. If you can get on it is a gem"
Read More2019
Review
“The best country club in the state. Clubhouse is beautiful, the food is excellent, and it also possesses the only Donald Ross design in KY. They did an excellent job with their restoration a few years back. If you get the invite, go!"
Read More2018
Review
“Tough! Brutally tough!"
Read More2018
Review
“Idle Hour is the only Donald Ross designed golf course in Kentucky. Located in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky, Idle Hour is a wonderful place to play golf. It is the typical Ross design with interesting elevated greens and demanding short game shots. This course just makes you think of the history of golf. The bunkers are placed in areas where you would like to hit your tee shots. Simply brilliant design. The clubhouse and overall feel of the property is extremely pleasant and makes you want to hang out. If you are in Lexington, try to find a member to get on (it's a tough get)."
Read More2018
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