You're driving down I-75, maybe headed toward Lexington or down toward Richmond, and you see the signs. Most people just blow right past them. But if you’ve got your clubs in the trunk, skipping Boone's Trace National Golf Club is basically a crime against your scorecard. Honestly, it’s one of those spots that feels like a private club but lets you in for a greens fee that won't make your wallet scream.
It used to be called The Bull. People still call it that. The name change happened years ago, but the "Bull" reputation stuck because, frankly, this course can be mean if you don’t respect it. It’s located in Richmond, Kentucky, tucked away in a gated community that overlooks the Kentucky River. You get these massive elevation changes that make you second-guess every single club selection in your bag.
Is it the hardest course in the state? No. Is it the prettiest? Maybe. It’s definitely in the conversation.
What Actually Makes Boone's Trace National Golf Club Different?
Most Kentucky courses are either flat river-bottom land or rolling bluegrass hills. Boone’s Trace is a different beast. It’s rugged. It’s got these dramatic limestone outcroppings and drops that make you feel like you’re playing in the mountains rather than the suburbs of Richmond.
The layout was designed by Rick Robbins. If you aren't a golf architecture nerd, Robbins is the guy who worked with Jack Nicklaus for years before doing his own thing. You can see the influence. The bunkers are placed exactly where you want to land your drive. It’s annoying, but it’s brilliant.
The signature hole is the 11th. It’s a par 3. You’re standing on a tee box that feels like it’s a thousand feet above the green. It’s not actually a thousand feet, obviously, but when the wind is swirling off the river, it feels like it. You've gotta commit to a short iron and just hope you didn't catch a gust. Many a "good" round has died right there on that 11th green.
👉 See also: Meaning of Grand Slam: Why We Use It for Tennis, Baseball, and Breakfast
The Kentucky River Factor
You can’t talk about this place without talking about the river. The course sits on a bluff. This gives you views that you just don't get at the municipal courses in Lexington. But it also means the weather is weird. The river valley traps fog in the morning. If you’re the first one off the tee, you might not see the fairway until the third hole. It’s atmospheric. It’s also kinda terrifying if you have a slice.
The turf is almost always in top-tier shape. They use bentgrass on the tees and greens, which is the standard for high-end play in this region. The fairways are 419 Bermuda. This is a big deal because Bermuda loves the Kentucky heat in July. While other courses are turning brown and crispy, Boone's Trace stays lush.
The "Public-Private" Identity Crisis
Here is the thing. A lot of people think they can't play here because it’s behind a gate. It’s a gated community, yeah, but the golf course is open to the public. You just tell the guard you're there for golf, and they let you through.
It creates this weirdly peaceful vibe. You aren't hearing road noise. You aren't seeing houses crammed right up against the out-of-bounds stakes on every single hole. There is space to breathe.
- Practice Facilities: They actually have a real grass range. Most public spots force you onto mats three days a week. Not here.
- The Grill: It’s called the 19th Hole, naturally. Get the burger. Don't overthink it.
- Pro Shop: Surprisingly well-stocked for a course that feels "off the beaten path."
Membership is an option, and for people living in the Richmond/Lexington corridor, it’s a steal. You get the pool access and the tennis courts. But even if you’re just a "once-a-year" visitor, they treat you like you own the place. That’s a rare thing in modern golf.
✨ Don't miss: NFL Week 5 2025 Point Spreads: What Most People Get Wrong
How to Actually Score Well Here
Look, I’m gonna be real with you. If you try to overpower this course, it will eat you alive. The fairways look wide from the tee, but the slopes are deceptive. A ball that looks like it landed dead center can easily trickle into the rough or behind a cluster of trees because of the undulation.
- Leave the driver in the bag on 4 and 10. You don't need it. Position is everything.
- Aim for the center of the greens. The pin placements at Boone's Trace National Golf Club can be tucked behind bunkers that are deeper than they look.
- Watch the grain. Even though they are bentgrass greens, the proximity to the river valley affects how the ball breaks. Everything wants to move toward the water.
- Check the wind at the clubhouse. If it's breezy at the pro shop, it's going to be a gale-force wind once you get out to the holes near the bluff.
People often complain about the greens being "too fast." They aren't too fast; they’re just true. If you’ve spent your life putting on shaggy municipal greens, these will feel like glass. Soft hands are required.
The Financial Reality of Playing Boone's Trace
Golf is getting expensive. We all know it. But Boone’s Trace stays in that "sweet spot." You’re looking at roughly $50 to $75 depending on the day and the season. For a course that was once ranked as a 4.5-star destination by Golf Digest, that’s basically a bargain.
They also do a lot of scrambles and local tournaments. If you're looking to host an event, this is the place. The staff has the "Southern Hospitality" thing down to a science. They don't have that "stuck-up" country club attitude that makes you feel like you’re wearing the wrong shade of khaki.
Common Misconceptions
People think it’s too far of a drive. It’s really not. From downtown Lexington, you’re looking at maybe 25 minutes. From Richmond, it’s right there.
🔗 Read more: Bethany Hamilton and the Shark: What Really Happened That Morning
Another myth? That you need to be a scratch golfer to enjoy it. While the "Bull" nickname implies a struggle, there are multiple sets of tees. If you play from the appropriate yardage, it's a blast for high handicappers too. Just bring a few extra balls for the holes near the woods.
Actionable Tips for Your First Visit
If you're planning to head out to Boone's Trace National Golf Club, don't just show up and wing it. The course requires a bit of a game plan if you want to keep your ego intact.
First, book your tee time online. Their website usually has some "hot deals" if you're willing to play at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday. Second, arrive early enough to use the putting green. As mentioned, the speed of these greens is the biggest adjustment you'll have to make. Spend at least 15 minutes just hitting 10-footers to get the feel.
Third, bring a rangefinder with slope. Because of the elevation changes, a 150-yard shot might actually play like 135 or 165. If you're just guessing based on the stakes, you're going to be long or short all day.
Finally, take a second to look at the view on the 11th and 12th. Golf is about the score, sure, but it's also about being outside. The stretch of holes along the river is as good as anything you'll find in the Southeast.
Stop by the pro shop and ask about the course record. It’s lower than you’d think, but higher than you’d expect for a course of this caliber. It tells you everything you need to know: the pros can go low, but the course always has a say in the matter. Pack your bag, grab a Gatorade, and go see why this place has stayed a Kentucky staple for decades.