Pennyrile Forest at Pennyrile Forest State Park Resort

Pennyrile Forest is a nine-hole layout situated within Pennyrile Forest State Park Resort in western Kentucky, near Dawson Springs in the state's Pennyrile region. Designed by Larry Packard, the course serves the state park's recreational mission, providing golf as part of a broader resort experience that includes lodging, dining, and access to the surrounding forest preserve. Kentucky's state park golf courses were developed primarily in the mid-to-late twentieth century to enhance tourism and outdoor recreation across the commonwealth.

The course occupies rolling, wooded terrain characteristic of the Pennyrile's transitional landscape between the Western Coal Field and the Mississippian Plateau. Packard's routing works through stands of hardwood forest, with fairways carved from the natural topography and elevation changes that add interest to the relatively compact nine-hole design. The layout reflects the practical constraints and opportunities of state park golf development, balancing playability for resort guests and locals with the preservation of the natural setting.

As a state park facility, Pennyrile Forest serves a mix of visitors staying at the resort and regional golfers seeking an accessible, affordable round in a wooded, natural environment. The course operates within the broader amenities of the state park system, where golf complements hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The setting offers a quiet, forested character distinct from more manicured or championship-oriented designs, appealing to those who value a straightforward round in a scenic, low-key atmosphere.