On to the final stretch.
13th hole: 335 yard par 4
The final third begins with what I believe is the first (semi) blind shot on the course. From the 13th tee, you can see two bunkers left of the fairway but not much more. It was a nice touch of discomfort on what to this point is a pretty straighforward course.
Again, hugging the bunkers left gives the best angle to a green that opens from the front left.
14th hole: 370 yard par 4
14 plays straight and flat across a fairly uninteresting section of the property. The terrain on the final six holes at Hidden Cove is not quite as strong as the first 12 holes, but the Aults did a good job of incorporating bunkering and some deception and taking advantage of the slopes the had to continue the high level of interest on each hole. While the terrain here has less movement, you don't notice it when playing.
Once again, bunkers right challenge the ideal landing area as the green uses angles to reward the bolder player.
From nearer the green.
15th hole: 155 yard Par 3
Once again, the Aults use a par 3 to traverse a difficult ravine and produce a playable hole. The 15th probably stands as my favorite par 3 on the course. It plays uphill to a very undulating and large green.
16th hole: 585 yard par 5
The longest hole on the course features ample width off the tee, and gradually becomes more treacherous nearer the green. Playing into the wind as it did on my visit, it's a LONG way home.
I didn't get a good shot of the layup, but a fantastic low profile green emerges from the approach area. Lots and lots of short game options around this hole.
17th hole: 400 yard par 4
Running parallel to the previous hole, 17 played with the wind which made carrying the right bunker to gain an excellent angle an option. Somehow, I forgot to get a shot of the approach.
18th hole: 375 yard par 4
Hidden Cove closes with a forced layup for bigger hitters, which I didn't care for. However, the 18th itself is a strong hole. It's about 250 to the water and laying back too far creates a really long approach to a green that requires quite a bit of precision.
The final approach shot is all uphill to a green protected by bunkers left and a grass mound center. This green slopes very steeply from back to front.
A few thoughts on Hidden Cove.
* I've now played 3 of Kentucky's Signature Series State Park courses (Hidden Cove, Eagle Ridge, and Dale Hollow). All three feature dramatic terrain, but Hidden Cove uses it to produce by far the most playable course. It's not impossible to lose balls here, but it does take a really awful shot. The slopes are significant but playable. Hidden Cove is also the only one of the three that I would attempt to walk, and while it would be difficult with some VERY long transitions, it certainly wouldn't be too awful. The Aults produced a really playable, enjoyable course with plenty of teeth.
* If anything holds Hidden Cove back, it's a lack of GREAT holes. In general, it's 18 very solid holes that fit together wonderfully, but it's hard to pick out the best on the course. This is probably evidence of a good design, but it also isn't especially memorable.
* Hidden Cove is the most strategically bunkered course I've played in Kentucky. My sample size is significant but by no means comprehensive and mostly publics.
I'd recommend Hidden Cove as a probable cartball course that I think most golfers would really enjoy. It's not a world beater, but I've played enough of the top courses in Kentucky to feel comfortable calling it the state's best public track. It's difficult to get there, and it's unlikely you'd be passing through the area, but I think it's a worthwhile stop for anyone within 90 minutes or so. It's hard to imagine anyone not enjoying it a lot, as it's extremely playable for high handicappers but also very challenging for better players. It's at least a Doak 6, and there's a compelling case for it as a Doak 7.