Jim Carroll

(502) 564-8110, ext. 307

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:         Chris Kellogg, 502-564-2611

                                    Jim Carroll, 502-564-8110, ext. 307

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 25, 2003) -- Gov. Paul Patton today dedicated the Kentucky state park system’s newest 18-hole golf course, the Eagle Ridge Golf Course at Yatesville Lake State Park near Louisa. The course opened for play Sept. 19.

    “This is a red-letter day for Yatesville Lake,” Gov. Patton said. “This new golf course will offer outstanding play for golfers of all skill levels. Besides its value as a recreational resource, it will serve as a catalyst for economic growth for the entire region.”

                      It has been a busy summer for golf course development in the state park system. Earlier this summer, Gov. Patton dedicated three other new, 18-hole courses. They are at Dale Hollow Lake Resort, Grayson Lake and Mineral Mound.  All three courses exceeded projected sales in their first two months of operation. The existing nine-hole course at Pennyrile Forest State Resort was expanded to 18 holes.

                     In dedicatory remarks, Gov. Patton said Eagle Ridge will both enhance local recreation and spur tourism in the local communities. He pointed out that the new Wasioto Winds course at Pine Mountain State Resort Park increased tourism spending in Bell County by $1.6 million in its first year of operation.

                    The Eagle Ridge course will developed at a cost of $6.8 million. The course designers were Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest Associates of Toledo, Oh. The contractor was Southeastern Golf Inc. of Tifton, Ga. The engineering firm was QK4 of Louisville.

 Eagle Ridge is a par 71 course measuring 6,630 yards from the back tees. Greesn fees are $25 during the week/$30 on weekends, with cart fees totaling $11 per person.