Seven-Year State Champion
From 2004 to 2010, Cherry Blossom was the undisputed #1 public course in Kentucky according to Golfweek, establishing its reputation as the state’s must-play track for travelers and locals alike.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Cherry Blossom Golf Club
Georgetown, Kentucky
Established
2001
Architect
Clyde Johnston
Access
Public
Par
Par 72
Length
5,022 – 6,866 yds
Green Fees
$$
The verdict
State Top-Five Public Standout
Cherry Blossom Golf Club delivers championship-caliber public golf with a reputation as Kentucky’s best daily-fee track through most of the 2000s. Expect a playable but strategic Clyde Johnston design, solid conditioning, and a routing where both bold drives and disciplined course management are rewarded.
Course DNA
Difficulty
76
Scenery72
Conditioning69
Shot Variety74
Walkability68
Green Complexity70
Wow Factor74
Design Quality72
Don't miss
After your round, grab a seat on the clubhouse patio overlooking the 18th green for sunset views and local Kentucky flavor.
At a glance
Quick facts
Architect
Clyde Johnston
Greens Type
Bent grass
Location
Georgetown, Kentucky
Back Tee Slope/Rating
140 / 73.6
Top Public Ranking
#1 Kentucky (2004–2010, Golfweek)
Largest Par 5
523 yards (No. 14)
Practice Range
Full practice facility on site
The design
The architecture
Clyde Johnston’s Cherry Blossom design is a modern parkland spread across rolling bluegrass country, mixing open vistas with strategically placed water hazards and subtle contouring to challenge players of all levels. Emphasizing playability and aesthetics, the routing rewards thoughtful tee shots and controlled approaches, particularly around bent-grass greens where scoring positions depend on precise trajectory and placement. Wide fairways offer forgiveness for the average player, but the course’s championship DNA shows itself with tough par 4s, long par 5s, and enough variety to keep every hole distinct and engaging.
Johnston is known for playability, aesthetics, and balanced modern routings—a philosophy visible throughout Cherry Blossom’s engaging parkland layout.
Defining features
- Multiple par 5s with risk/reward layups
- Bent grass greens and fairways for smooth putting surfaces
- Strategic water hazards influencing shot selection
- Playable corridors with challenge for bold drivers
- Course routing that maximizes openness and Kentucky landscape
- Modern design balance—scoring chances with punishing sections
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 5
The Tempting Reach
PAR
5
YARDAGE
487
A gettable par 5 with reachable risk-reward potential, inviting bold second shots for eagle looks yet demanding smart layups to avoid well-placed hazards. The hole opens itself to scoring but equally to errant disasters for those who push too hard.
Play it smart
Long hitters can go for the green in two if they hug the fairway's optimal side, while most play a smart layup setting up a wedge.
Where it bites
Water and bunkers squeeze misjudged approach attempts; push or pull it and you're scrambling for par.
Course management
Shots to think about
Tee shot on No. 7, a mid-length par 4
Favor position over power—avoid driver unless you’ve got total control, as water and rough pinch the landing zone.
Second shot on the par-5 5th
Don’t let the reachable length fool you; if layup is the smart play, pick a club that leaves your favorite wedge distance.
Approach to any bent grass green
Keep approaches below the hole—downhill putts here can be much slicker than they look.
Par-3 16th tee
Check the wind carefully from an elevated tee and commit fully; swirling breezes can play tricks.
Closing stretch (holes 14–18)
Stick to your scoring game plan—do not press unnecessarily just because yardages are inviting; each green is subtly defended.
Short par-3 12th
Aim for the fat of the green; even with wedge in hand, missing short-side brings bogey or worse into play.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Varies seasonally; generally firm bent grass, but may shift with weather and recent maintenance.
Pace
Nearly always steady on weekdays, but can slow at peak weekend tee times.
Vibe
Relaxed public-club atmosphere with a country-club aftertaste—local regulars and buddies’ groups mingle with golf travelers.
Dress code
Standard golf attire; collared shirt and appropriate shorts or pants recommended.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Book tee times in advance
Weekend and spring tee sheets can fill quickly—secure your spot online before making the trip.
02
Check the weather
Kentucky spring and fall can bring rain or fast-drying sun, so pack for shifting conditions on bent grass.
03
Practice your wedge distances
Short par 3s and tricky layups demand precise yardage control to score and avoid short-siding trouble.
04
Review the green complexes
Below-the-hole putting is essential; practice lag putting on bent before you arrive.
The lore
How it came to be
- 2001
Cherry Blossom Golf Club officially opens as a new public course designed by Clyde Johnston.
- 2004
Ranked #1 public course in Kentucky by Golfweek, starting a seven-year run.
- 2006
Hosts Hooters Tour tournament, attracting developmental professionals.
- 2010
Completes seven straight years as Kentucky’s top public course in Golfweek ranking.
- 2018
Ranked #19 on GolfPass's list of Top Courses in Kentucky.
- 2026
Remains in the Kentucky top five public courses, ranked #4 statewide.
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Hooters Tour at the Blossom
Cherry Blossom has hosted the Hooters Tour—where aspiring professionals sharpened their games—adding a dash of developmental tour excitement to its competitive legacy.
Clyde Johnston’s Kentucky Canvas
Tasked with creating a true public championship option north of Lexington, Clyde Johnston’s new design became a calling card for playable but visually engaging modern public golf in the state.
Debut as ‘Best New’
When it opened, Cherry Blossom was recognized as 'Kentucky's Best New Golf Course,' a rarity for public-access clubs in the region and an early sign of its future acclaim.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Cherry Blossom was ranked Kentucky’s #1 public course for seven consecutive years (2004–2010).
2
The club’s name and logo reference Kentucky’s famous spring cherry blossoms, visible throughout the property.
3
Hosted Hooters Tour events—a proving ground for aspiring tour professionals.
4
Bent grass greens and fairways are a rarity among public-access Central Kentucky layouts.
5
Course architect Clyde Johnston is renowned for playable, visually engaging modern designs.
Build the trip
If you're making a Lexington-area golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Kearney Hill Golf Links
Municipal
One of Kentucky’s top public links-inspired layouts; fun, strategic, and consistently well-ranked in the state.
Keene Trace Golf Club (Champions)
Resort/Public
Hosts major regional events and offers a championship test for ambitious players.
Boone’s Trace National Golf Club
Semi-Private
Challenging layout with scenic holes along the Kentucky River; a local favorite within an hour’s drive.
University Club of Kentucky (Big Blue)
Public
Home to UK’s golf teams and a playable, high-quality parkland option.
Picadome Golf Course
Municipal
Classic Lexington muni, perfect for a warm-up or relaxed afternoon round on your trip.
Georgetown for proximity or North Lexington for broader dining and lodging options
Course DNA
If You Like Cherry Blossom Golf Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.8
Waverly Oaks Golf Club
Plymouth, MassachusettsWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. Waverly Oaks Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Cherry Blossom Golf Club.
Strong DNA Match7.4
Nevel Meade Golf Club
Prospect, KentuckyWhy it matches: Nevel Meade Golf Club is a natural next stop after Cherry Blossom Golf Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match8.5
Stonewall (Old Course)
Elverson, PennsylvaniaWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. Stonewall (Old Course) a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Cherry Blossom Golf Club.
Community Sentiment
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