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When the Keene Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville was created last year, the goal was to make it something more than the sum of its parts.
Formed — and named — by combing the former Keene Run and Champions Trace courses, Keene Trace offers members two unique courses and 36 holes.
Officials say the combination provides expanded benefits for users even as the new business model offers room for savings in personnel and operating costs. The concept is the brainchild of the owners William “B” and Kelly Frye and Evan and Debbie Mossbarger.
“The vision of Keene Trace Golf Club is to create a quality golf club that has championship-caliber golf courses with an emphasis on family, youth and the golfing experience,” say owners Evan Mossbarger and B Frye.
The family focus meant shifting from the “stuffy men’s golf club” stereotype toward a
more relevant family friendly atmosphere. In addition to access to the two closely situated
courses, Keene Trace offi cials say they’ve put an emphasis on high-quality food.
The combined course is a boon to the wider business community since it routinely hosts
events that attract out-of-town visitors. The combined courses have allowed the owners to employ a streamlined marketing approach in addition to efficient use of workers and equipment.
Having 36 holes also allows for a more consistent experience, as sections can be shut down
for maintenance or events without completely disrupting members’ ability to play.
“The advantages of having two courses to play are numerous, including variety and having
a place to play when one course is closed for maintenance or special event,” said member Tom Heilbron.
Keene Trace officials said they have about 560 members under a tiered system that has
12 options. In addition to golf, the club offers a heated swimming pool, hot tub, tennis courts and fitness center. Several stocked fishing ponds are also available for use.
The Champions Trace course, which was designed by Arthur Hills and opened in 1987, is a perennial on Golf Digest’s list of the state’s best. It has hosted the USGA Senior Amateur,
the NCAA Championship, the Kentucky Open and State Amateur.
The Keene Run course was built in 2007 as a collaboration among golf course architects
Keith Foster and Drew Rogers, and Kentucky Hall of Fame member Danny McQueen. It has hosted several USGA qualifi ers , the Kentucky PGA Tournament Series Championship and the Lexmark Kentucky Women’s Open. It is also home of the Performance Golf Academy teaching center.
Keene Trace also offers a variety of event venue options for groups and gatherings.