Valhalla Golf Club, under new ownership in recent years, is truly becoming a high-end experience at an exclusive golf course in the great state of Kentucky. Right from the start, you’re met with championship-caliber touches, from the two retired Kentucky Derby horses living their best lives on the property as you enter the gates, to the staff, facilities, and golf course itself. If you’re ever offered the opportunity to play this course, say “yes” immediately.

The golf course was a brute from 7,000-plus yards on the day I played it. Don’t worry, though—there are tees to match whatever challenge you’re looking for, ranging from the championship markers at 7,600 yards down to approximately 5,100 yards. Unlike the pros, most golfers aren’t going to overpower this course. You need full commitment on nearly every shot because there’s plenty of trouble lurking around every corner. Long fescue frames many of the holes, while the bunkers and green complexes ensure that approach shots are anything but comfortable. When you finally reach the greens, you’ll find surfaces that are firm, fast, and filled with both visible and subtle undulation. If you’ve got a caddie, trust their read and you’ll be just fine.

As for the golf itself, my favorite individual hole was the 15th. Tucked away in a corner of the property, it has a peaceful aura that stands out from the rest of the round. It’s a shorter par 4, but the tee shot is demanding. With a creek running down the right side and trees and fescue lining the left, you need to challenge the right side of the fairway to create the best angle for your approach. Even if you find the fairway, you’re still faced with a challenging second shot. Miss slightly right and you’ll find that same creek. Miss left and you’re left with a difficult bunker shot while the creek waits long. Par is a good score anywhere at Valhalla, but especially here.

As for a stretch of holes, I’d probably consider Nos. 12 through 15 my personal favorite on the course. The run begins with a challenging par 4 that requires a precise tee shot and a quality approach into a difficult green complex. Then you move to the signature 13th hole. It’s one where you can pull driver and take a run at the green, but realistically, a 200- to 230-yard tee shot leaves a much more manageable wedge into the island green. The approach is intimidating with water surrounding the putting surface, but don’t let the visual fool you—the green is larger than it first appears. Next comes a long par 3 that presents a beautiful view from the back tees. It’s long and demanding, with fescue left and bunkers right. A bogey isn’t a bad score here. The stretch then wraps up with the 15th hole, as described earlier. It’s a wonderful sequence of golf holes and one that has stuck with me long after the round ended.