Old Silo Golf Course, Mount Sterling, Kentucky - Kentucky's #1-Rated Public Golf Course

Old Silo is one of Kentucky's premier public golf courses, and has received accolades such as being rated the "Number 1 Public Course in Kentucky'' in 2003 by Golf Digest. The magazine also ranked Old Silo as the "6th Best New Affordable Public Golf Course in America'' in 2002.

The 18-hole championship course was designed by PGA Champions Tour player Graham Marsh in 2000 and is situated on 209 acres of rolling, Kentucky bluegrass countryside. The course plays to 6,977 yards and par-72 from the back tees, with a USGA rating of 74.5 and a slope rating of 139.

The course features Bent grass tees, fairways and greens, and lush, tree-lined fairways. There are 98 white-sand bunkers, and the course incorporates many scenic and dramatic views created by the rolling terrain and Somerset Creek, which meanders through the property.

Some of the particularly noteworthy holes include No. 6, which is named "First Glimpse'' for offering golfers their first view of the "Old Silo.'' This par-4 plays to 417 yards from the Black tees and a much more manageable 351 yards from the Whites. Not only is this a very picturesque hole, but it's also quite challenging. The tee shot features a dramatic 95-foot drop in elevation to the fairway, and golfers must be wary of the creek that cuts through the fairway not once, but twice. A number of sand bunkers also guard the fairway on the left, making an accurate tee shot a must.

The No. 13 hole is another especially scenic and challenging hole. Named "Wishbone,'' the par-5 hole plays to a fairway split by two bunkers. A drive to the left of the bunkers presents golfers with a short path to the green, but a riskier route because of the hazardous rough that runs the length of the fairway. On approach, golfers must hit to a challenging green that is shallow, multi-tiered and surrounded by bunkers.

The No. 15 hole is a difficult par-4 that plays to 433 yards from the Black tees and a respectable 392 from the Whites. The fairway landing area will have golfers thinking layup, as it ends about 250 yards from the tee and is guarded left and right by bunkers. What follows is an approach shot off a downhill lie that tends to play about 15 yards shorter than the actual yardage. The green presents some challenge as well, guarded in the front by a small creek and bunkers left and right.

The practice facilities at Old Silo are considered some of the best in the state and include a 10,000-square-foot putting green, and a chipping green with practice sand bunker. There's also a spacious driving range with Bent grass teeing area and seven target greens. The Old Silo golf shop offers the latest in clothing and equipment, and lessons are also available.

The course also features a 6,000-square-foot clubhouse that offers beautiful views of the course from its balcony. For food and drinks, the clubhouse is home to the Old Silo Restaurant, and the facility can also host parties of up to 150 people.