HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Two representatives from the local golf course spoke during the March 11 Christian County Fiscal Court meeting, sharing their vision for the future and discussing revenue needs.

Located at 2160 Russellville Road in Hopkinsville, the 18-hole Western Hills Golf Course is funded through county, city and state sources. PGA Golf Professional Darren Wittenburg and Executive Board President Kirk Dulin told magistrates about recent funding setbacks and adjustments that impact the course.

“Our total cash balances continue to fall,” said Dulin, explaining that they should have ten full time maintenance employees, but instead they only have three due to lack of funding. He added that financial restrictions also limit their ability to move forward with upgrading facilities through capital projects

Two years ago, they had designs drawn up that would revamp facilities at the golf course including the pro shop and bathrooms. All of these improvements would total around $2 million in combined projects.

Magistrate John Bruce, who serves on the board for the golf course, said they are applying for grant money whenever they can to bring in extra funding. He added that the course currently does not have a storage facility for golf carts they lease, which was damaged in a tornado.

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Adjusted membership rates, increased out of state visitors

Dulin said that the golf course’s “play” has increased since 2019, with around 29,000 rounds played in 2024. However, funding still remains an issue. In 2023 their cash balance was $257,000, but as of March of 2026, they are down to $51,000. This led to the decision to increase their membership dues and green fees, which should assist in balancing their budget.

Of the people that are utilizing the golf course, just over 40% come from outside Christian County, possibly due to increased golfing rates in Tennessee. Wittenburg said, “The numbers have stayed pretty consistent over the last few years.”

The following figures break down the current percentage of players from specific areas.

  • Hopkinsville: 39%
  • Christian County: 9%
  • Other areas in Kentucky: 10%
  • Clarksville: 34%
  • Other: 8%

Despite financial setbacks, the golf course is on an upswing this fiscal year. Wittenburg said that so far, they have brought in approximately $200,000. At this time last fiscal year, they had only brought in around $150,000. This previous dip was likely attributed to unsavory weather conditions that brought a lot of rain and impacted visitation.

Filling in for Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam during the meeting, Magistrate Phillip Peterson said that funding for the golf course is on their legislative agenda. The fiscal court is hoping to secure federal dollars to help pay for maintenance and upgrades.

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