Gentlemen,
Lawrence Largent and I had the opportunity to play Idle Hour Country Club in Lexington, KY a few weeks ago on our way to play in a two man tournament at NCR Country Club (South) in Kettering, OH (which is an excellent Wilson design). Idle Hour is the only Donald Ross designed course in the state.
When we arrived around 2 pm, the course was completely empty. We left from Knoxville, TN and literally drove through wind and rain the entire three hours. The temperature was a balmy 42F with 20-30 mph wind gusts. The Head Professional, Mr. Pete Garvey was very cordial, and a bit surprised (I believe) in our willingness to play on such an...interesting day with regard to the weather, but speaking for both of us, IHCC is worth the walk in any weather.
IHCC is a unique place. The course is very expansive, which is rare for the Ross designs/routings I have studied. My guess is, there is room for 27-30 holes on the property. Since the restoration and modernization some years ago, the course (to me) has a classic feel in places mixed with a little modern flare. On a sunny day with no wind, this would be a challenging course! The first 4.5 holes was played in sideways rain and heavy wind, but again, nothing could dampen the joy in being able to play this amazing place.
#1 Par 4 - 451
Easily one of my favorite holes on the course and a tough hole with a back pin placement. Slight left to right leaning green.
#2 Par 3 - 217
Longish par 3 to an elevated green. No bailout!
#3 Par 4 - 462
The landing area looks small from the tee, but is plentiful.
View from the fairway.
Nice view of the enormous green, perfectly sized for a run up 3 wood/hybrid. This green reminds me of #1 at Holston Hills and #4 (I believe) at Biltmore Forest.
#4 Par 3 - 168
We had maybe 155 to the front and both hit hard 5 irons and were short of the green with the wind blowing every bit of 30mph.
#5 Par 4 - 317
One of the most unique Ross holes I have ever seen. Visually intimidating from the tee and the fairway.
#6 Par 4 - 444
Another tough tee shot, on this lengthy par 4.
Push-up well guarded green, which in my opinion, is a bit small for an uphillish tee shot, long iron.
#7 Par 5 - 461
Intimidating tee shot, but you actually have more room than you think. This is the most "modern" looking hole in my opinion.
#8 Par 5 - 503
Another favorite hole. Smallish landing area will test your heart, dogleg left.
Approach to one of the best designed greens on the course.
#9 Par 4 - 409
Slightly uphill tee shot, fairly generous landing area.