March 7, 2021

Best Golf Courses in Tennessee You Can Play

Looking for a golf getaway in Tennessee? You're in luck! With its rolling hills, lush landscapes, and scenic views, Tennessee offers some fantastic golf courses that are open to the public. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there's something here that'll get your golf juices flowing. Let's take a tour through some of the best golf courses you can enjoy in the Volunteer State.

The Honors Course: A Golfer's Paradise

Let's kick things off with The Honors Course in Ooltewah. Nestled in the Chattanooga area, this course is a masterpiece of design and natural beauty. It's one of those places where you almost feel bad for whacking a ball through such pristine landscapes—but not too bad, because it’s just that much fun!

Designed by Pete Dye, a legend in the course design world, The Honors Course is as challenging as it is beautiful. Dye’s signature style includes strategic bunkers and water hazards that demand accuracy and strategic thinking. Each hole is a delightful puzzle that requires both brains and brawn to conquer.

Layout: A par 72 course with challenging yet rewarding holes.
Notable Features: Known for its rolling fairways and large, undulating greens. Each hole offers a unique challenge, keeping you on your toes.
Tee Options: Multiple tee boxes make it accessible for golfers of all skill levels.

The Honors Course is a private club, but it often hosts tournaments open to the public, so keep your eyes peeled for those chances to play. And if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot, don’t forget to keep your clubs clean—the course demands precision, and your clubs should be in tip-top shape. By the way, The Club Washer could be your best buddy out there, ensuring your gear remains spotless.

The Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain: Nature Meets Golf

Next on our list is a gem located in the Cumberland Mountain State Park. The Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain is one of the most picturesque courses you'll find in Tennessee, and it's a part of the Jack Nicklaus-designed Bear Trace collection. You know when Jack Nicklaus is involved, you're in for something special.

This course is all about embracing the natural beauty of Tennessee. It's like taking a hike with a golf club in hand—only you won’t need to wear hiking boots. The layout weaves through dense forests and around sparkling lakes, offering stunning views at every turn.

Layout: A par 72 course featuring wide fairways and strategically placed bunkers.
Notable Features: The course is celebrated for its environmental design, integrating the natural surroundings into the gameplay seamlessly.
Tee Options: There are five sets of tees to accommodate players of all abilities.

Whether you're aiming for birdies or just enjoying the scenery, The Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain offers a serene yet challenging experience. And, of course, keeping your clubs clean is essential for those crisp, clean shots. The The Club Washer can help you maintain that crucial accuracy throughout your round.

Gaylord Springs Golf Links: Scottish Inspiration in Nashville

If you’ve ever daydreamed about playing golf in the Scottish Highlands but can’t quite swing the airfare, Gaylord Springs Golf Links in Nashville might just be the next best thing. This course is designed to mimic those classic Scottish links-style courses, offering a unique and challenging experience right in the heart of Tennessee.

With its links-style layout, Gaylord Springs features vast bunkers, tall grasses, and rolling hills that test your creativity and adaptability. It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but feel like you’re playing a round in golf’s birthplace, while still enjoying Southern hospitality.

Layout: A par 72 course that offers a traditional Scottish links-style experience.
Notable Features: The course is known for its difficult bunkers and fast greens.
Tee Options: Multiple tees allow for a tailored experience based on your skill level.

Gaylord Springs is a course that requires strategic play and precise ball-striking. To keep your shots consistent, make sure your clubs are free of any debris. A quick clean with The Club Washer can be a lifesaver out there, keeping your equipment in great condition.

Hermitage Golf Course: A Dual Delight

Located in Old Hickory, the Hermitage Golf Course offers two distinct 18-hole courses: the President's Reserve and General's Retreat. Both courses provide a unique golfing experience with different challenges and charms.

The President's Reserve is known for its stunning beauty and challenging layout, winding through 300 acres of natural wetlands. It's a course that demands accuracy and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Layout (President's Reserve): A par 72 course that offers a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Notable Features: Known for its natural wetlands and diverse wildlife.
Tee Options: Multiple tees are available to accommodate all skill levels.

On the other hand, General's Retreat offers a more traditional parkland-style course with tree-lined fairways and strategic bunkering. It's a course that requires careful shot planning and execution.

Layout (General's Retreat): A par 72 course that offers a classic golfing experience.
Notable Features: Known for its tree-lined fairways and strategic bunkers.
Tee Options: Multiple tees are available to accommodate all skill levels.

Whether you choose the President's Reserve or General's Retreat, you're in for a memorable golfing experience. And remember, maintaining clean clubs is essential for those precision shots. The Club Washer can help you keep your clubs in pristine condition, ensuring your game stays sharp.

Sevierville Golf Club: Mountains and More

Sevierville Golf Club boasts two fantastic courses: the River Course and the Highlands Course. Located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, this club offers a picturesque setting for a round of golf.

The River Course is known for its wide fairways and challenging water hazards. It's a course that offers a fun and exciting challenge for golfers of all skill levels.

Layout (River Course): A par 72 course with wide fairways and challenging water hazards.
Notable Features: Known for its scenic views and challenging water features.
Tee Options: Multiple tees are available to accommodate all skill levels.

The Highlands Course, on the other hand, offers a more mountainous layout with elevation changes and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It's a course that requires strategic shot planning and offers a rewarding challenge.

Layout (Highlands Course): A par 70 course with elevation changes and stunning views.
Notable Features: Known for its elevation changes and strategic shot-making.
Tee Options: Multiple tees are available to accommodate all skill levels.

Both courses at Sevierville Golf Club offer a unique and memorable golfing experience. And to keep your game sharp, make sure your clubs are clean and ready for action. The Club Washer can help you maintain your equipment, ensuring your clubs are in top condition for every shot.

Old Fort Golf Club: A Hidden Gem

Located in Murfreesboro, Old Fort Golf Club is a hidden gem that offers a challenging and enjoyable golfing experience. The course is known for its tree-lined fairways and strategic bunkering, offering a classic parkland-style layout.

Layout: A par 72 course with tree-lined fairways and strategic bunkers.
Notable Features: Known for its classic parkland-style layout and scenic views.
Tee Options: Multiple tees are available to accommodate all skill levels.

Old Fort Golf Club offers a traditional golfing experience with a focus on strategic shot-making and precise ball-striking. And to keep your game sharp, make sure your clubs are clean and ready for action. The Club Washer can help you maintain your equipment, ensuring your clubs are in top condition for every shot.

Sweetens Cove Golf Club: A Unique Nine-Hole Experience

Last but certainly not least, Sweetens Cove Golf Club in South Pittsburg offers one of the most unique golfing experiences in Tennessee. This nine-hole course is a true labor of love, offering a challenging and memorable round of golf.

Layout: A nine-hole course with challenging greens and strategic bunkering.
Notable Features: Known for its unique layout and challenging greens.
Tee Options: Multiple tees are available to accommodate all skill levels.

Sweetens Cove is a course that demands creativity and precision, offering a unique and memorable golfing experience. And to keep your game sharp, make sure your clubs are clean and ready for action. The Club Washer can help you maintain your equipment, ensuring your clubs are in top condition for every shot.

Final Thoughts

Tennessee offers a fantastic array of golf courses that cater to players of all levels. From challenging layouts to stunning views, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Keeping your clubs clean and ready for action is essential for a great round, and The Club Washer is a handy tool to have on your side. With your clubs in top condition, you'll be ready to tackle any course with confidence and enjoy the beautiful game of golf in the Volunteer State.