20781 Pennyrile Forest State Park Rd, Dawson Springs, Kentucky 42408, US
(270) 797-3421
Location Map

About Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

The Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park's 24-room rustic wood and stone lodge sits on a high cliff overlooking Pennyrile Lake. There are also 13 cottages and camping sites (some made for horses). Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors by birding, boating (rental pedal boats, row boats, canoes, kayaks and trolling motors are available), fishing, hiking, horseback riding, horseshoes, mini-golf, basketball, tennis and swimming at the outdoor pool or at the public beach. The 6,760-yard golf course was expanded to 18 holes in 2003.

Facts

Price Range$$
Property Class★★★
Acres863
Year Opened1954
Number of UnitsLess than 100

Amenities & Services

RestaurantsCasual
Room TypesRoom
Beach AccessYes
Banquet SpaceYes

Rules

Is the resort pet friendly?Yes
Is resort stay required for a tee time?No

Golf courses at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Reviews

3.5 out of 5 stars
85 Reviews (85)
Review 1
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a month
Recommended
Played
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 5.0
Layout 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 4.0
Reviews 11
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played

Not bad for the money

The course is located in a remote, but beautiful area. The staff was very friendly although the clubhouse didn't provide many amenities. They weren't allowed to sell beer, but didn't mind if you brought your own...(a real game saver)! The front nine was in pretty dismal shape and the layout was very generic. The back nine is beautiful with a great layout, fairways/tee boxes were lush and the greens in pretty good shape. It was like playing two different courses, the front nine not-so-great, the back nine a wonderful experience. I would go back just to play the back nine!

First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart
3.0
3.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 3.0
Value 5.0
Layout 4.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 4.0
Amenities 3.0
Difficulty 3.0
Review 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played

A friendly course to play

The Greens are in bad shape but the course is in good shape. I love the layout of the course. The staff was friendly!!!!

Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
3.0
3.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 2.0
Value 2.0
Layout 4.0
Friendliness 4.0
Pace 3.0
Amenities 4.0
Reviews 8
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Played

Won't Play There Again

Greens on the front 9 were the worst I have ever played on.

Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart
2.0
2.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 1.0
Value 2.0
Layout 4.0
Friendliness 4.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 2.0
Difficulty 4.0
Reviews 23
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played

Good course for the money

Pennyrile has always been a reliable course when I want to pay $10 plus Golfnow fees for 18 holes of golf and a cart. It's never too crowded and they do their best with the course, with the meager resources they're allocated by the state. Bugs are a real problem this time of year on this course. That's nothing they can help, that's just nature and I don't fault them for that. I would just advise anyone golfing here at any time of day, to wear some deep woods off bug repellent.

Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
3.0
3.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 3.0
Value 4.0
Layout 4.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 4.0
Amenities 4.0
Review 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
Recommended
Played

What a Rebound!

I wrote this course off after playing on dead greens and wheat fields last summer, but buzz was goin round that the new head grounds man turned things around. Well, that's for sure, it's a complete 180. It's far from perfect, but for the price and private CC pace of play, I'd say it's worth playing again.

Previously Played
Average weather
Used cart
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 5.0
Layout 3.0
Friendliness 4.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 3.0
Difficulty 3.0
Reviews 5
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Played

Nice folks. Neglected course.

This is an interesting course and the people are friendly. The cost was very low. The Tee boxes were not mowed and it took me several popped up sky balls to realize to not tee above the grass. The greens were not mowed but since they were mostly without grass that didn't matter. The rough had been mowed but they had not baled the hay. I shot 15 strokes above my handicap.

Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart
1.0
1.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 1.0
Value 2.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 3.0
Difficulty 4.0
Reviews 3
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played

If you like playing two different courses on the same day, then this one is for you!!

The front nine has a creek that meanders through all 9 holes. The front nine is pretty flat for the most part; however, the back nine is anything but flat, but has no creek or any other water hazards. The back nine is very scenic with all of the hills and woods surrounding the holes. Overall, the course was in pretty good condition, although many of the greens need lots of TLC. A great value for the money paid through GolfNow.

Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 3.0
Value 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 3.0
Difficulty 4.0
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played

just ok

Normally I really enjoy playing this course but playing conditions are pretty poor right now. I understand with weather in this area mowing conditions haven't been good but greens are pretty rough as well.

Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
3.0
3.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 2.0
Value 4.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 4.0
Amenities 3.0
Reviews 62
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played

Enjoying golf

Enjoyed playing at this state course, front 9 is the older and fun to play, they do a good job with the course the greens are always good. The back side is new and is not easy. I enjoy playing this course it's so laid back.

Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 5.0
Value 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 5.0
Review 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played

Great course

This was a great facility with very friendly customer service. My friend and I will definitely be returning to play the course again soon.

Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 4.0
Reviews 14
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
Played

Sad

They started me on the back 9 which is newer and was an interesting layout. The tee boxes and fairways lack grass but the greens were good. Then I proceeded to the front 9 which was sad, disappointing or any other negative description you care to give. Tees and fairways were overgrown with weeds and it's just a bad layout. After I had played about 4 holes on this side I just wanted to get out of there. If they could get some grass on the course it would help a lot

First Time Playing
Fair weather
Used cart
1.0
1.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 2.0
Value 1.0
Friendliness 3.0
Pace 3.0
Amenities 1.0
Difficulty 3.0
Review 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Played

Never again

Drove over an hour for a Horrible course that is not kept up at all, payed for 18 but left after 9. Played there in spring when grass was still brown and not in and thought it could be a nice course. I was poorly mistaken.

Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
1.0
1.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 1.0
Value 1.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 4.0
Reviews 10
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Played

Rainy Day

Let me begin by saying it stormed all night and morning prior to us playing. With that being said, the front 9 was in horrible shape (even if it hadn't rained). Tee boxes were bare or overgrown and a lot of the holes didnt match up with the scorecard distance wise.
The back 9 or new 9 were an entirely different story. Their layout and condition were tough but entertaining and in great shape considering all the rain. If they could get the front 9 in the same shape as the back this would be a hidden gem amongst the state park courses.

Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
3.0
3.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 2.0
Value 3.0
Friendliness 2.0
Pace 4.0
Amenities 2.0
Reviews 16
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played

nice experience

Very friendly staff. Front 9 is flat and very tight. Back 9 has a lot of elevation changes. Played in early spring as the grass grows in it will be a pleasant place to play.

Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 3.0
Value 4.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 3.0
Difficulty 3.0
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
Recommended
Played

Great course

Great course but can be very challenging if your not hitting it straight. Beautiful course with an abundance of wildlife

Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 5.0
Reviews 37
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played

Great day of golf!

The course was in great shape compared to when I played it last year. I can tell they have put some effort into fixing the bunkers and the fairways. The staff is always friendly. I look forward to playing it again.

Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 4.0
Value 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 4.0
Reviews 5
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played

Pennyrile

Fairways rough from winter kill.
Back 9 a tremendous layout.
Very enjoyable.

Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart
3.0
3.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 3.0
Value 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 3.0
Difficulty 3.0
Review 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played

Best greens there are.

The Greens are awsome. The ball really holds when it hits them. They are a little slower than most.

Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 3.0
Value 4.0
Friendliness 4.0
Pace 4.0
Amenities 4.0
Difficulty 3.0
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
Recommended
Played

Nugget In the Middle Of Nowhere

I was a little concerned when we pulled up to the first hole and it was a par 3. Never liked starting a round with a par 3. The fairways on the front 9 where average and nothing to write home about and the greens were in great shape. They rolled true and we're well taken care of. Tight fairways and your tee shot has to be in the fairway if you want a chance at going for the green. I found the front nine to be very challenging and it forces you to think the hole thru rather than just pull out the driver and swing away. Ditches and creeks run thru almost every hole on the front nine. Arriving at number 10 is breath taking. The back 9 looks like a completely different course. Fairways were laid out on rolling hills and beautiful scenery. Once again very challenging with dog legs and bunkers positioned right where you have to make decisions to either go over or lay up or thread the needle to the right or left. All in all I would recommend this course to anyone and not worry about a negative result. If you hit a big slice or hook the front nine will not be kind but the back nine will let you breathe. You need to be able to hit irons in order to score here. I would not take a beginner unless they have several golf balls and a low frustration tolerance. All in all it was a great day of golf. I will be back to play it again.

Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
4.0
4.0 out of 5 stars
Conditions 3.0
Value 5.0
Friendliness 5.0
Pace 5.0
Amenities 4.0
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