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Kentucky is famed for its bluegrass, bourbon and thoroughbreds, country music, beautiful mountains, friendly people – and golf. Golf! Yes, the Highlands and Waterways region of Kentucky has a wealth of outstanding golf courses, and golf is a rapidly growing pastime in the bluegrass state. The southern and eastern parts of the state, which make up the Highlands and Waterways Region, are home to the beautiful Cumberland Mountains and the Cumberland River Valley. Courses are situated in some of the most scenic areas of the state where intriguing history and spectacular views make a winning combination. In addition, the courses can be played year-round and charge surprisingly affordable rates. Kentucky is fast becoming a premier golfing destination. Most communities have nine- and 18-hole courses open to the public. A new generation of championship courses is being built, and existing courses are being redesigned to meet the needs of a more demanding golfing public. Golfers are finding that the number of challenging and interesting courses available in Kentucky is growing each year, and that it is possible to play multiple courses within a short driving distance of each other.

Just South of Corbin on US 25E are two very interesting golf courses. Wasioto Winds is perhaps the most beautiful course in Kentucky, situated on the lower edge of Pine Mountain near Cumberland Gap, where Daniel Boone led early settlers across the Appalachian Mountains. The course is part of Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Kentucky's oldest state park, near Pineville. The course, however, is brand new, designed by Michael Hurdzan and opened for play in 2002. The $10 million championship course got its name from the Shawnee word "wasioto," which means "valley of the deer." The Indians used that word to describe the mountainous land where the golf course now sits.

Golf Digest has rated Wasioto Winds in its top 100 courses for 2003, ranking it number 4 in the list of affordable new public courses nationwide. Wasioto Winds, which includes five par-five holes and five par-threes, is gently rolling with three lakes and several streams, along with six scenic bridges that crisscross the stream and lakes. The 12th hole gives golfers a challenging test. Guarded by a meandering stream, the fairway is surrounded by native hemlocks and rhododendrons.

The course offers a length of 7,037 yards from the tips to 4,000 yards from the front tees. Unlike many other golf courses that use species of grasses that turn brown in the winter, Wasioto Winds stays green virtually year round. The secret is a special cool-weather turf.

The course also features eight-foot-wide cart paths, a practice range and two practice putting greens. A $1.3 million pro shop offers a commanding view of the course from a wooded ridge. Wasioto Winds also offers the free First Tee program for local youngsters who might not have a chance otherwise to play golf. Created in 1997 by the World Golf Foundation and other golf associations, the First Tee is a national program with a goal of providing affordable golf to those with limited means. With almost 140 First Tee facilities in 38 states, the program is based on golf's strong ability to instill and nurture essential values, such as honesty, integrity, sportsmanship and a solid work ethic.

In the nearby community of Middlesboro is the Middlesboro Country Club, America's oldest continuously played golfing facility. The English who settled in the area and were homesick for their national pastime established Middlesboro Country Club in 1889. They found the Yellow Creek Valley a suitable place for building a nine-hole golf course. The Middlesboro Country Club still sits on its original layout. An abundance of trees is what makes Middlesboro so difficult, golfers say. In fact, a pin oak behind hole No. 5 is reported to be one of the biggest trees in the state with its 6-foot-diameter. With a season that runs year round, the Highlands and Waterways Region of Kentucky is a great golfing destination for families as well as for serious golfers looking for new challenges. From its majestic highlands to its pristine waterways, the area is one of the most scenic in the United States, offering one of the best vacation bargains found anywhere. To enjoy a true taste of Americana, head for the Highlands and Waterways Region of Kentucky for a memorable experience that will suit you to a tee.

Just ten minutes from Corbin's I-75 north exit on 360 acres of rolling farm and forest lowland, a residential golf community is providing country club living with a very playable golf course. Opened in 1993, Crooked Creek Golf Club and the Oaks of London residential golf community offers an 18-hole course amid 200 home sites. For folks who want a golf hole in their back yard, it's a Kentucky paradise. Semi-private with 325 members, the course welcomes out-of-town visitors to play.

Crooked Creek has three distinctly different looks to its golf course – the valley links type holes, the mountain holes and the low country holes. The valley holes have an open links type look with few trees, tall fescue and gently contoured fairways. The mountain holes offer splendid vistas from high elevation tees and dramatic playing effects because of the elevation change from tee to green. The low country holes meander along the creek and through the trees, offering a challenge to players.

Other Corbin Area Golf Courses

Sweet Hollow Resort Golf Course

424 Sweet Hollow Road · Corbin, KY 40701 ·

Golf Course: (606) 523-1241 · Main Office: (606) 523-1094

9 Hole, Par 36

All Seasons Course

Open Daylight till Dusk

Lighted Driving Range

Chipping and Practice Greens

Pro Shop

Full Concession Area

Tri-County Country Club (private)
Highway 25 East · Corbin, KY 40701· (606) 528-2166

9 Hole, Par 36

All Seasons Course

Open Daylight till Dusk