Barry Slice's Golf Trail: Charlie Vettiner Golf Course

This week we're headed to Louisville to one of my favorite public muny courses in the state, Charlie Vettiner Golf Course. Charlie Vettiner is truly a serious test of skill and patience for it will eat your lunch if you don't happen to be clicking on all cylinders on a particular day. It is a fun track, however, and one of the best muny courses you can play. Charlie Vettiner is in the eastern part of the city of Louisville and sits just outside of the city of Jeffersontown. You get a ton of bang for your buck at this place, for it is always kept in spectacular condition. The course has zoysia tees and fairways with bent grass greens. Because it is a municipality course, the greens see a ton of play, so be prepared for plenty of spike marks if you play in the afternoon. The course is measured at 6,934 yards from the back tees, so it does favor the longer hitter off the tee. I have played this course a countless number of times, so I can be the first to tell you it is a very challenging test of golf. The front nine of the course leads off with a few fairly easy holes and gradually works into a set of very hard golf holes that require precision off the tee, and carefully placed approach shots. Vettiner is very hilly on the back side, so I'd definitely recommend a golf cart to play this one. It isn't impossible to walk, just be prepared for a leg workout. As I stated before this course is an extremely good value for the quality golf it provides. On the weekdays, you can play 18-holes for $14.50 and on the weekends for $17 (cart fee not included). Unfortunately, Charlie Vettiner isn't exactly the best kept secret so slow play can be a big issue at times. The course does have a driving range, but it is irons only and you must provide your own balls. Their practice green is enormous and a great spot to practice if you're having trouble on the moss, Overall, this place cannot be beat for the price and quality of golf you receive. It is one of the best public municipalities you can play and fine example of public golf. If you have never played it and are looking for a challenge, definitely play this place. Grades Tees: B+ Fairways: A Greens: B- Rough: B Bunkers: C+ Walker Friendly: C- Difficulty: 7.5/10