Champions Trace at Champions Trace Golf Club

Champions Trace Golf Club sits in the rolling Bluegrass countryside just south of Lexington, near Nicholasville, Kentucky. Designed by Arthur Hills and opened in 2001, the course occupies land that transitions from open pasture to wooded creek corridors, a landscape characteristic of the region's horse farm country. Hills routed the eighteen holes to incorporate natural elevation changes and existing water features, creating variety in both playing angles and visual backdrops across the property.

The layout measures over 7,000 yards from the back tees and features wide fairways that accommodate the prevailing winds common to central Kentucky. Several holes play along or across streams and ponds, while others move through stands of mature hardwoods. The design includes large, undulating greens that reflect Hills' preference for strategic short-game challenges. Bunkers are positioned to frame landing areas and greenside approaches, and the routing returns to the clubhouse at the turn, a practical feature for daily play.

Champions Trace operates as a semi-private facility, offering both member and public access. The course has hosted regional amateur events and collegiate tournaments, drawing on its proximity to Lexington and the University of Kentucky. The property includes a full practice facility and clubhouse amenities typical of contemporary golf developments in the area. The course remains a notable example of Hills' work in Kentucky, where he designed several layouts during the late 1990s and early 2000s.