Top 10 Golf Courses in Tennessee: Exploring the Best Fairways in the Volunteer State
Tennessee, known for its rich musical heritage, stunning landscapes, and Southern charm, also offers a diverse range of golf courses catering to seasoned players and newcomers. Tennessee’s golf courses provide a unique blend of challenge, beauty, and Southern hospitality, from rolling hills and lush valleys to courses nestled in the Smoky Mountains. Here’s a look at Tennessee’s top 10 golf courses, each offering a memorable golfing experience in the Volunteer State.
1. The Honors Course (Ooltewah)
The Honors Course in Ooltewah is widely regarded as the best golf course in Tennessee and one of the top courses in the United States. Designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1983, It was built to celebrate amateur golf and has hosted several prestigious tournaments, including the U.S. Amateur and the NCAA Championships.
The course features a challenging layout with rolling fairways, deep bunkers, and fast, undulating greens that require precision and strategy. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Cumberland Plateau, The Honors Course provides a unique golfing experience emphasizing natural beauty and challenging play.
2. Belle Meade Country Club (Nashville)
Belle Meade Country Club in Nashville is one of Tennessee’s most historic and prestigious golf courses. Founded in 1901 and redesigned by Donald Ross in the 1920s, the course features a classic parkland layout with tree-lined fairways, deep bunkers, and small, fast greens.
Belle Meade has a rich history of hosting regional tournaments and is known for its impeccable conditioning and challenging design. The course’s combination of history, challenge, and Southern charm makes it a must-play for serious golfers in Nashville.
3. The Golf Club of Tennessee (Kingston Springs)
The Golf Club of Tennessee in Kingston Springs is a private course designed by Tom Fazio and opened in 1991. Set on 317 acres of rolling hills and lush forests, the course offers a challenging layout with wide fairways, large greens, and numerous bunkers.
The Golf Club of Tennessee is known for its excellent conditioning and stunning views, particularly on the back nine, where several holes offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The course has hosted several notable tournaments, including the U.S. Women’s Amateur, further solidifying its reputation as one of the top golf courses in Tennessee.
4. Holston Hills Country Club (Knoxville)
Holston Hills Country Club in Knoxville is a private course designed by Donald Ross and opened in 1927. The course is known for its classic layout, featuring wide fairways, large greens, and deep bunkers that require strategic shot-making.
Holston Hills has hosted numerous state and regional championships, including the Tennessee State Open and the U.S. Women’s Amateur. The course’s combination of history, challenge, and excellent conditioning makes it a favorite among serious golfers in Tennessee.
5. Black Creek Club (Chattanooga)
Black Creek Club in Chattanooga is a private course designed by Brian Silva and opened in 2000. Set in the scenic hills of Lookout Mountain, the course offers a unique blend of classic design and modern playability.
Black Creek Club features rolling fairways, large greens, and numerous natural hazards that require strategic shot-making. The course has hosted several state and regional championships, including the Tennessee State Amateur and the Tennessee State Open. Its combination of challenge, beauty, and excellent facilities makes it a standout in Tennessee’s golf scene.
6. Sweetens Cove Golf Club (South Pittsburg)
Sweetens Cove Golf Club in South Pittsburg is a public course designed by Rob Collins and Tad King. It offers a unique, minimalist golfing experience. Opened in 2014, Sweetens Cove has quickly gained a reputation as one of the country’s most innovative and challenging courses.
The course features wide fairways, large greens, and numerous bunkers that require creative shot-making. Sweetens Cove is known for its relaxed atmosphere and welcoming community, making it a favorite among local golfers and visitors.
7. Lookout Mountain Golf Club (Lookout Mountain)
Lookout Mountain Golf Club is a private course designed by Seth Raynor and opened in 1925. Set on scenic Lookout Mountain, it offers a classic layout with narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and small greens that require precision and strategy.
Lookout Mountain is known for its excellent conditioning and stunning views, particularly on the back nine, where several holes offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The course’s combination of challenge, beauty, and history makes it a must-play for serious golfers in Tennessee.
8. Cherokee Country Club (Knoxville)
Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville is a private course designed by Donald Ross and opened in 1907. The course features a classic parkland layout with tree-lined fairways, deep bunkers, and fast, undulating greens.
Cherokee Country Club has a rich history of hosting regional tournaments and is known for its challenging layout and excellent conditioning. The course’s combination of history, challenge, and Southern hospitality makes it a favorite among golfers in Knoxville.
9. The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay (Harrison)
The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay is a public course designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 1999. It is set within Harrison Bay State Park and offers a challenging and scenic round of golf with rolling fairways, large greens, and numerous natural hazards.
The Bear Trace is known for its excellent conditioning and stunning views, particularly on the back nine, where several holes offer panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and forests. The course’s combination of challenge, beauty, and affordability makes it a popular choice among golfers in eastern Tennessee.
10. Gaylord Springs Golf Links (Nashville)
Gaylord Springs Golf Links in Nashville is a public course designed by Larry Nelson and opened in 1991. The course offers a challenging layout with wide fairways, large greens, and numerous water hazards that require strategic shot-making.
Gaylord Springs is known for its excellent conditioning and stunning views, particularly on the back nine, where several holes offer views of the Cumberland River. The course has hosted numerous state and regional tournaments, highlighting its reputation as one of the best public courses in Tennessee.
Conclusion
Tennessee’s top golf courses offer diverse experiences, from the historic charm of Belle Meade Country Club to the innovative design of Sweetens Cove Golf Club. Each course on this list provides a unique blend of challenge, beauty, and Southern hospitality, reflecting the state’s rich golfing heritage and commitment to excellence. Whether you’re playing in the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee or amidst the scenic beauty of the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee’s golf courses promise an unforgettable experience.
References
- The Honors Course: Official Website
- Belle Meade Country Club: Official Website
- The Golf Club of Tennessee: Official Website
- Holston Hills Country Club: Official Website
- Black Creek Club: Official Website
- Sweetens Cove Golf Club: Official Website
- Lookout Mountain Golf Club: Official Website
- Cherokee Country Club: Official Website
- The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay: Official Website
- Gaylord Springs Golf Links: Official Website
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