ARCHITECTS
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Course Report
Champion Trace was purpose-built to attract professional tournament golf to Kentucky and has hosted the PGA Tour’s Barbasol Championship since 2018.
About
Champion Trace, designed by renowned architect Arthur Hills and opened in 1987, is one of Kentucky's premier private courses. Regular host of the Barbasol Championship, the layout offers a tournament-caliber challenge with rolling bluegrass fairways, strategic bunkering, and smooth bentgrass greens. Its blend of championship pedigree, scenic holes, and excellent amenities makes it a revered destination among private clubs.
Caddie Tip
Play for position off the tee—several holes offer wide landing areas but penalize poor angles on approach. Be wary of the subtle slopes in the greens, especially late in the round. Club selection is critical on the par 3s due to wind exposure.
The Main Challenge
The toughest test on Champion Trace is its combination of length, strategically placed bunkers, and troublesome rough. Several holes force precise shotmaking, especially under pressure on the finishing holes. Accurate approaches are critical as greens feature bold contouring that can complicate recovery from missed shots.
The Good
Golfers praise the consistency and speed of the greens, as well as the tournament atmosphere and challenging layout. The finishing stretch, including the 18th, is especially popular for its drama during tournament play. Members enjoy high service standards and the sense of exclusivity.
The Not So Good
Some players comment on the course’s difficulty and punitive rough, which can slow the pace of play. Others suggest that increased investment in drainage and selective tree management would help playability in wetter months.
Signature Hole:
#
18
The par 4 18th is a dramatic finishing hole requiring a precise tee shot to a protected landing area, with water and bunkers guarding the approach to a sloping green situated near the clubhouse. The hole is famed for producing exciting tournament finishes and offers a panoramic backdrop, challenging even skilled players to close with confidence.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse offers upscale dining, well-appointed locker rooms, a spacious pro shop, event facilities, and several private meeting and banquet spaces, making it suitable for both member gatherings and large tournament events.
Practice Facilities
Champion Trace features a comprehensive practice range with multiple target greens, short game area, separate pitching and putting greens, and bunkers for practicing all lies. The facilities are designed to match the championship conditioning found on the course.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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