Bright Leaf Golf Resort Offers Mercer County Residents A Staycation Destination
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Bright Leaf Golf Resort offers Mercer County residents an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with 27 holes of golf.
April Ellis
Herald Staff
For Mercer County residents looking to escape the routine of everyday life without spending hours on the road, Bright Leaf Golf Resort (1742 Danville Road) offers a vacation experience just minutes from home.
The resort has been welcoming visitors for more than six decades while remaining a family-owned destination deeply rooted in Mercer County.
Bright Leaf Golf Resort began in 1963 when C.R. “Buck” Blankenship, Virginia Blankenship, Cecil King and Helen “Ree” King opened the resort’s first nine holes. At the time, the nearby Beaumont Inn promoted the new golf course in its tourism materials, encouraging visitors to experience the new attraction.
Over the years, the resort has expanded to include 27 regulation holes, a lighted par-3 course, 105 lodging rooms and the popular 19th Hole Restaurant. Today, Bright Leaf remains a six-generation family business, with 98-year-old Helen King continuing to serve as a vital leader within the family.
Tia King Taylor said the resort’s welcoming atmosphere is what sets it apart from other destinations throughout central Kentucky.
“Creating a laid-back, friendly and comfortable atmosphere for generational fun for our customers is very important at Bright Leaf,” Taylor said. “The best compliment we receive is how people enjoy and appreciate the hospitality they receive at Bright Leaf and throughout our community.”
For local residents seeking a staycation, the resort offers everything needed for a weekend getaway without leaving Mercer County.
“Bright Leaf offers your lodging, food and entertainment all at one location,” Taylor said. “When you are on the course, you are immersed in the scenic, rolling beauty of the Central Kentucky Bluegrass.”
Guests often spend their days playing the regulation golf courses before relaxing by the pool, enjoying a meal at the 19th Hole Restaurant and finishing the evening with a round on the lighted par-3 course.
The restaurant itself has become a destination for both visitors and local residents. The 19th Hole serves Southern-style home cooking from its regular menu while also offering breakfast and dinner buffets daily from April through October. Popular weekend features include a Friday night seafood buffet and Saturday night ribs and fried chicken buffet.
Taylor said support from local residents remains critical to the resort’s success.
“While hosting so many people from out of state is wonderful, you can’t beat Sunday lunch or a round of golf with people you know from your community,” she said.
The resort also serves as an important tourism driver for Mercer County, attracting thousands of visitors each year from northern Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. Those visitors often explore local festivals, restaurants, historical attractions and community events during their stays.
For area golfers, Bright Leaf offers local rates for residents of Mercer and surrounding counties. Green fees are $45 for 18 holes with a cart Monday through Thursday and $50 Friday through Sunday. Tee times can be scheduled by calling 859-734-4231.
The resort also hosts the Mercer Men’s League each summer, offering nine holes with a cart on Wednesday afternoons and evenings.
For Taylor, one of the most rewarding aspects of operating the family business is seeing guests return year after year.
“It is rewarding to see groups come back year after year, and several groups have been coming for more than 40 years,” she said. “You see children and grandchildren joining and carrying on the tradition.”
The resort’s memory plaque wall has become a favorite attraction among returning guests. More than 100 plaques now commemorate groups that have made Bright Leaf a part of their annual traditions.
Taylor said working alongside family members also remains one of the greatest blessings.
“Being able to work with people you love is a gift,” she said. “We are appreciative of the risk and sacrifice Helen and her parents made to provide an opportunity for our family and our community.”
For residents who may have never considered spending a weekend at the resort, Taylor emphasized that Bright Leaf is open to everyone.
“We are always open to the public,” she said. “Golf, the 19th Hole, rental space for showers, family reunions and other events are all available.”
As the summer travel season continues, Bright Leaf Golf Resort offers Mercer Countians the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing getaway close to home while supporting one of the county’s longest-standing family businesses.
For more information, visit brightleafgolfresort.com.
