Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

Frankfort Country Club

68

Frankfort, Kentucky

KY #27
Established
1973
Architect
Scruggs and Hammond Incorporated (1973); William Diddel (earlier site, unconfirmed)
Access
Private
Par
Par 72
Length
5,056 – 6,553 yds
The verdict

A Kentucky Club Steeped In Tradition

Frankfort Country Club offers a tree-lined, rolling layout rooted in the Bluegrass, defined by decades of Kentucky golf tradition and championship play. While not a national destination, it’s a beloved members’ track where attention to detail, classic routing, and a proud tournament history make each round feel special. The club’s multiple relocations weave a rich tapestry of local lore and vibrant membership culture.

Course DNA
Difficulty
68
Scenery
68
Conditioning
76
Shot Variety
69
Walkability
65
Green Complexity
65
Wow Factor
69
Design Quality
67
Don't miss

If you visit during the Daniel Boone Invitational, catch a glimpse of Kentucky’s oldest continuously-run invitational trophy and its storied presentation ritual.

At a glance

Quick facts

Opened at current site
1973
Longest published tee
6,553 yards (IV tees)
Notable tournament
Kentucky Open (1953, 1987)
Signature event
Daniel Boone Invitational—oldest in state
Course style
Hilly, tree-lined parkland
Relocations in history
Four different home sites
Slope/rating (listing)
71.7/135 (source: GolfPass)
The design

The architecture

Frankfort Country Club’s present course is a 1973 creation by Scruggs and Hammond Incorporated, fit to a rolling Bluegrass property thick with mature trees. Routed for both strategy and harmony with the land, it favors positioning and controlled aggression, creating a layout where accuracy trumps brute force. Though contemporary for its era, the course feels rooted in tradition—its tournament legacy and walkable corridors evoke the best of Kentucky private-club golf.

Scruggs and Hammond’s design captures the essential DNA of a traditional private club, maximizing the new Two Creeks terrain while preserving an old-school, member-focused feel.

Defining features
  • Tree-lined, hilly parkland routing
  • Strategically positioned bunkers reward precision
  • Classic private-club green complexes
  • Multiple tight driving corridors
  • Strong closing stretch punctuated by risk-reward par 5s
Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 2

Crested Valley Par-3

PAR
3
YARDAGE
188

Nestled in a natural valley, this mid-length par-3 plays across a gentle dip to a raised green, ringed by subtle bunkering and mature trees. The swirling wind in the hollow amplifies the shot's challenge and beauty.

Play it smart

Club selection and flight control are crucial, as under-clubbing brings the front bunker into play, while overzealous shots risk bounding long down a gentle slope.

Where it bites

Miss left or right and you’ll need deft touch from tricky rough and green-side sand; short shots can funnel back, adding drama.

Course management

Shots to think about

Tee shot on narrow, tree-lined par-4s
Favor placement over distance—missing the fairway brings branches and tough angles into every hole.
Approaching uphill greens on par-5s
Take plenty of club—slopes and false fronts can rob your ball of precious yards.
Mid-length par-3 tee shots
Account for wind swirling in valleys, and aim for safe, central targets to avoid deep bunkers.
Second shot from sidehill or sloping lie
Adjust your stance—elevation often means uneven lies demanding precise balance and setup.
Pitching to sloped, subtle greens
Read the grain and slopes closely—putts and chips that look flat often have hidden movement.
Attacking back flags bordered by bunkers
Stay disciplined—playing to the center is usually better than short-siding yourself in thick sand.
On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Expect well-groomed fairways and greens, with excellent care year-round and frequent topdressing.

Pace

Rounds move briskly with a membership-focused tee sheet and minimal outside play.

Vibe

Traditional, welcoming, and tournament-rich with a sense of belonging among members.

Dress code

Country club attire required on course and in clubhouse; collared shirts and slacks encouraged.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

01

Map Your Tee Shots

With tight corridors and mature trees, a planned driving strategy for each hole will save strokes.

02

Bring Your Climbing Shoes

The course’s rolling topography means you’ll get a workout—lighten your bag and wear comfortable shoes if you choose to walk.

03

Understand Club Access

Confirm tee times and playing privileges in advance—guest access is limited by private member invitation or select events.

The lore

How it came to be

  1. 1913

    Club founded; first site established in Frankfort.

  2. 1949

    William Diddel credited with course design at previous site (uncertain details).

  3. 1953

    Hosted Kentucky Open at prior course.

  4. 1973

    Relocated and current course designed by Scruggs and Hammond Incorporated.

  5. 1982

    Site of Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Kentucky Amateur.

  6. 1987

    Hosted Kentucky Open at present location.

Stories & legends

What makes it special

history

Four Homes, One Heritage

Frankfort Country Club is unique among private clubs in Kentucky, having occupied four separate sites since 1913. Each move tells a chapter in the club's evolution, blending members’ memories across eras.

competition

Tournament Tradition

With hosting duties for state championships like the Kentucky Open and the celebrated Daniel Boone Invitational, the club’s fairways are woven with competitive stories and legacy moments in Bluegrass golf.

culture

The Member Experience

Limited guest and social member access creates an intimate, close-knit vibe where regulars forge lasting connections and newcomers are welcomed into the club's tournament-rich atmosphere.

For the group chat

Fun facts

1

Frankfort Country Club is the only Kentucky club to have occupied four distinct home sites.

2

Its Daniel Boone Invitational is the oldest active invitational golf tournament in Kentucky.

3

The club has hosted both the Kentucky Open and Kentucky Amateur across its historic sites.

4

The present course was designed specifically for the club’s relocation in 1973.

5

Membership includes a competitive calendar of championship events that attract strong regional fields.

Build the trip

If you're making a Central Kentucky golf tour

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
The Golf Club at Keene Trace
Public

Major public course hosting tour events and big-name action.

Woodford Club
Public

Convenient local public round near Versailles.

Heritage Hill Golf Club
Public

One of Kentucky’s most acclaimed daily-fee courses.

Saddleback Golf Club
Public

Accessible regional play for a change of pace.

Frankfort, for both nearby access and small-town Kentucky charm.

Course DNA

If You Like Frankfort Country Club

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

Strong DNA Match7.5

Oakridge Country Club

Farmington, Utah

Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Oakridge Country Club's own setting.

Strong DNA Match7.5

Pelham Country Club

Pelham Manor, New York

Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Pelham Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Frankfort Country Club.

Strong DNA Match7.3

Fort Collins Country Club

Fort Collins, Colorado
Conditioning

Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Fort Collins Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Frankfort Country Club.

From the community

Community Sentiment

See something inaccurate in this listing?