If you’re looking for some great golf courses to play in Tennessee, you’re in luck. The Volunteer State has a variety of options for golfers of all skill levels and preferences, from classic Donald Ross designs to modern Tom Fazio masterpieces. Here are some of the top golf courses in Tennessee that you should check out.
The Honors Course
Located in Ooltewah, near Chattanooga, The Honors Course is widely regarded as the best golf course in Tennessee and one of the finest in the country. Designed by Pete Dye, The Honors Course opened in 1983 and has hosted several prestigious amateur events, including the U.S. Amateur and the Curtis Cup. The course features Dye’s signature elements, such as native-grass rough, Zoysiagrass fairways, and challenging greens perched atop rock bulkheads. The course has been updated over the years by Dye himself, Bill Bergin, and most recently by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, who made subtle improvements to enhance the playability and aesthetics of the layout. The Honors Course is a private club that welcomes guests accompanied by a member.
The Golf Club of Tennessee
Just west of Nashville, in Kingston Springs, you’ll find The Golf Club of Tennessee, another private gem designed by Tom Fazio and Tom Marzolf. The course sprawls over 317 acres of diverse terrain, including dense forest, rocky ridges, and a river valley. The course offers a variety of challenges and scenery, from the uphill par-4 third that plays to a bluff-top green, to the par-3 eighth that crosses the river, to the par-3 10th that sits in a box-canyon surrounded by shale outcroppings and cascading springs. The Golf Club of Tennessee is a golf-only facility that prides itself on its pristine conditions and friendly atmosphere.
Holston Hills
If you’re a fan of classic architecture, you’ll love Holston Hills in Knoxville. This Donald Ross design dates back to 1927 and has remained largely unchanged since then. The course is set on a rolling terrain along the Holston River and features Ross’s trademark features, such as strategic bunkering, subtle green contours, and natural routing. Holston Hills is a private club that has hosted several state and regional championships, as well as the PGA Tour’s Knoxville Open from 1999 to 2002.
Spring Creek Ranch
Another Jack Nicklaus design in Tennessee is Spring Creek Ranch in Collierville, near Memphis. This course is set on a former hunting preserve and features a mix of open and wooded holes that wind around lakes, streams, and wetlands. The course is known for its immaculate conditions and fast greens that demand accuracy and touch. Spring Creek Ranch is a private club that offers a serene and secluded golf experience.
Sweetens Cove
One of the most unique and popular golf courses in Tennessee is Sweetens Cove in South Pittsburg. This nine-hole course was originally designed by Bob Cupp in 1974 as Sequatchie Valley Golf & Country Club, but it was transformed in 2014 by Rob Collins and Tad King into a modern masterpiece that blends links-style features with mountain views. The course has wide fairways, massive greens, deep bunkers, and multiple tees that allow for different playing options on each hole. The course has no clubhouse or amenities, just a shed where you can pay your green fee and grab a drink. Sweetens Cove is a public course that attracts golfers from all over the country who appreciate its fun and creative design.
Black Creek
Another modern course that pays homage to the past is Black Creek in Chattanooga. Designed by Brian Silva, this course opened in 2000 and was inspired by the work of Seth Raynor and Charles Banks, two prominent architects from the Golden Age of golf design. The course features geometric shapes, sharp angles, and template holes that mimic famous designs from Scotland and England. The course also has dramatic elevation changes, scenic views, and challenging greens. Black Creek is a private club that offers a distinctive golf experience.
Chickasaw
One of the oldest golf courses in Tennessee is Chickasaw in Memphis. This course was designed by William Langford in 1922 and later renovated by Rees Jones in 2005. The course is set on a flat terrain along the Wolf River and features tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkers, and small greens. The course is known for its history and tradition, as it has hosted several notable events and players over the years. Chickasaw is a private club that offers a classic test of golf.
Chattanooga Golf & Country Club
Another Donald Ross design in Tennessee is Chattanooga Golf & Country Club, which dates back to 1896 but was redesigned by Ross in 1916. The course is located on the banks of the Tennessee River and features a traditional layout with narrow fairways, small greens, and water hazards. The course is also known for its scenic views and historic clubhouse. Chattanooga Golf & Country Club is a private club that offers a charming and challenging golf experience.
TPC Southwind
If you want to play where the pros play, you can head to TPC Southwind in Memphis, the host of the PGA Tour’s FedEx St. Jude Classic since 1989. This course was designed by Ron Prichard, with input from Fuzzy Zoeller and Hubert Green, and opened in 1988. The course features Bermuda grass fairways and greens, numerous water hazards, and over 90 bunkers. The course is known for its difficulty and quality, as it has been ranked among the best courses on the PGA Tour by the players. TPC Southwind is a private club that allows limited public access through Stay & Play packages.
Memphis Country Club
The last course on our list is another Donald Ross design, Memphis Country Club, which opened in 1915 and was renovated by Keith Foster in 2004. The course is set on a flat terrain and features Ross’s signature elements, such as strategic bunkering, subtle green contours, and natural routing. The course is also known for its history and prestige, as it has hosted several state and regional championships, as well as the PGA Tour’s Memphis Open from 1969 to 1971. Memphis Country Club is a private club that offers a refined and elegant golf experience.
These are just some of the top golf courses in Tennessee that you should check out. Whether you’re looking for a classic or a modern design, a private or a public course, a challenging or a fun layout, you’ll find something to suit your taste in the Volunteer State.
Tips for Booking and Playing at Golf Courses in Tennessee
Booking and playing at golf courses in Tennessee is a dream for any golfer. Here are some tips to make your experience even better:
1. Plan ahead and book your tee times in advance. Many of the top courses in Tennessee are in high demand, so it is important to secure your spot early.
2. Be aware of dress codes and etiquette at each course. Some may have specific requirements, such as collared shirts or no denim.
3. Consider playing during the week instead of weekends to avoid crowds and potentially save money on tee times.
4. If you are a beginner, consider taking lessons or participating in beginner-friendly programs offered at some courses. This will help you improve your skills and confidence on the course.
5. Take time to research the layout and features of each course before playing. This will help you choose the best course for your skill level and preferences.
6. Be mindful of the weather conditions in Tennessee, as they can affect your game. Make sure to pack appropriate gear and plan for any potential weather changes.
With these tips in mind, you can make the most of your time playing at the top golf courses in Tennessee. So book your tee time, pack your clubs, and get ready for an unforgettable golfing experience in the Volunteer State.