Tennessee is home to some of the best golf courses in the nation. With lush landscapes and challenging terrain, golfers from all over come to experience the unique beauty of Tennessee’s fairways and greens. From the rolling hills of Chattanooga to the small towns of Franklin and Murfreesboro, here are 13 of Tennessee’s best golf courses.
The Honors Course
Located at the foot of White Oak Mountain in eastern Tennessee, The Honors Course is a premier golf destination that offers an exceptional playing experience. The course boasts acres of tall, native-grass rough, durable Zoysia Grass fairways and challenging greens that are sure to test even the most skilled golfers. With bulkheads of rock and an attractive collection of oak, ash, dogwood, and hickory trees lining the holes, players are treated to a visually stunning and engaging round of golf. The staff at The Honors Course is known for their professionalism, providing top-notch service and ensuring a memorable visit for all players.
One of the standout features of The Honors Course is its intimidating tee shot on several holes. With water lining the left-hand side, players must navigate their shots with precision and accuracy, adding an element of excitement and challenge to each round. The course’s commitment to wildlife and agronomy can also be seen, with a think tank dedicated to exploring different grasses and promoting sustainability on the course.
Location: 9603 Lee Hwy, Ooltewah, TN 37363
The Golf Club of Tennessee
The Golf Club of Tennessee, designed in collaboration by Tom Fazio and his experienced associate Tom Marzolf, spans a vast expanse of over 317 acres. Nestled amidst a picturesque hilly and forested terrain, this challenging course boasts a unique layout that maximizes the natural features of the land. With its dense forest, rocky ridges, and charming river valley, the Golf Club of Tennessee offers an unforgettable golfing experience.
Renowned for its exceptional hosting capabilities, this remarkable golf club proudly held the prestigious US Women’s Amateur Golf Championship in 2018. The course showcases impressive elevation changes on the front nine, providing players with stunning visuals from the peaks of the rolling hills. As golfers make their way to the back nine, they are greeted by the captivating presence of the river valley, adding an element of serenity and beauty to their game. At the Golf Club of Tennessee, players can expect a truly captivating and engaging golfing experience amidst the harmonious blend of natural surroundings and meticulously designed course features.
Location: 1000 Golf Club Dr, Kingston Springs, TN 37082
Holston Hills
Holston Hills is a premier golf destination defined by its rich history and exceptional course layout. Spanning over 7,000 yards with a slope rating of 129, this remarkable Donald Ross design offers a splendid routing that captivates players right from the clubhouse perch. Its rare preservation showcases an almost perfect exemplification of Ross’s architectural brilliance, making it a true gem for golf enthusiasts.
A testament to its greatness, Holston Hills has served as a venue for U.S. Open qualifying events and a stop for the prestigious Korn Ferry tour. Its strategically placed bunkers and subtly nuanced greens provide an engaging challenge for players of all skill levels. The course’s immaculate, untouched beauty, along with the tall, thick grasses scattered throughout, adds an element of adventure, where every shot demands precision. With its impeccable conditioning and exceptional design, Holston Hills stands as a testament to the timeless allure of classic golf courses.
Location: 5200 Holston Hills Rd, Knoxville, TN 37914
Spring Creek Ranch
Spring Creek Ranch is a captivating golf facility nestled within tranquil rural landscapes. Situated on a historic ranch east of Memphis, this bucolic location provides a serene and engaging environment for golf enthusiasts. The course boasts stunning panoramic views, with virtually no houses in sight, ensuring a truly immersive golfing experience.
As you explore the meticulously-manicured grounds, you’ll encounter a variety of natural features that add to the course’s allure. Ponds and wetlands gracefully intertwine with the landscape, while creeks artfully navigate through lush woodlands. The course design emphasizes both challenge and inclusivity, with its shaping catering to golfers of all skill levels. Notable among the holes is the exhilarating double fairway on the third hole and the enticing 496-yard 6th hole, which gracefully bends around a captivating water feature. Offering a total of 8 sets of tees, Spring Creek Ranch ensures golfers have ample options to tailor their game to their desired level of difficulty.
Location: 149 Chinquapin Dr, Collierville, TN 38017
Sweetens Cove
Sweetens Cove is a remarkable golf course with wide fairways and undulating terrain, creating a captivating and challenging playing experience. Situated just 30 minutes away from Chattanooga, this course offers convenient access to golf enthusiasts in the area. With its large waste areas and heavily tree-lined and bunkered layout, Sweetens Cove presents a unique and engaging test of skill for players of all levels. The undeniable charm of the course is exemplified by the clubhouse, a quaint metal shed that adds a touch of character and authenticity to the overall atmosphere.
Despite the lack of a traditional clubhouse, Sweetens Cove remains an enjoyable and memorable destination for golfers. The absence of a formal clubhouse may add a hint of inconvenience for those seeking a casual foursome outing, but the course itself more than makes up for it with its stunning design and natural beauty.
Location: 2040 Sweetens Cove Rd, South Pittsburg, TN 37380
Black Creek Club
Black Creek Club is a renowned golf course that offers a professional and engaging experience for golf enthusiasts. With a picturesque landscape covering an extensive 7,204 yards, it combines a fine mix of original and replica holes. The squared-off green corners and deep bunkers with steep walls add to the challenge, making it a true test of skill. Built on natural terrain, the course embodies an old-school architecture, providing a timeless charm that appeals to players of all levels.
Black Creek Club stands out as a reasonable public option for those seeking a classic and idyllic golfing experience. A particular highlight is the downhill 421-yard 1st hole, where players have the exhilarating opportunity of hitting toward a Double Plateau green. Its undulating surface adds an extra layer of excitement as players watch their shots roll towards the desired landing area. With its well-maintained fairways and greens, Black Creek Club promises an exceptional golfing adventure that is both challenging and enjoyable.
Location: 4700 Cummings Cove Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37419
Course at Sewanee
The Course at Sewanee offers a captivating experience for golfers of all skill levels. With multiple tees on every hole, players can enjoy the course twice, each time with different yardages. The sight of rough-edged bunkers and open rolling fairways adorned by beautiful old hardwoods creates a picturesque setting that enhances the overall ambiance. Moreover, the nine green complexes present a challenge, complemented by the presence of challenging new bunkers. Golfers will find themselves engaged and immersed in the game, as the undulating terrain demands their utmost concentration and skill.
Notably, the tight course design ensures that players are consistently tested, requiring strategic shot placement to navigate through the course successfully. The greenside bunkers, known for their depth, add an additional layer of challenge and excitement to the game. Indeed, the Course at Sewanee is situated on a beautiful rolling piece of land, exemplifying the perfect blend of aesthetic appeal and professional challenge.
Location: 444 Green’s View Rd, Sewanee, TN 37383
TPC Southwind
TPC Southwind hosted an exceptional event on the esteemed PGA Tour. Situated on an old dairy farm, this remarkable golf course is conveniently located a mere half-hour drive from downtown Memphis. The beautiful landscape also houses the prominent FedEx headquarters. With its captivating design, water hazards come into play on an impressive total of 11 holes, providing an engaging challenge for golfers. Spanning a considerable distance of 7,244 yards, TPC Southwind boats Bermuda greens and rough, complemented by Zoysia grass on the tees and fairways. With 94 strategically placed bunkers and ten water hazards, this course offers a tantalizing golfing experience.
Renowned for its difficulty, TPC Southwind was ranked an impressive ninth out of 51 courses on the PGA Tour in 2011. Despite its formidable reputation, the course provides a captivating playing experience that lends itself to skillful shot-making. With its predictable nature, players can anticipate the challenges that lie ahead while strategizing their way to success. TPC Southwind offers a professional and engaging environment, making it a favored destination among golf enthusiasts and a prestigious venue for memorable tournaments on the PGA Tour.
Location: 3325 Club at Southwind, Memphis, TN 38125
Memphis Country Club
Memphis Country Club proudly features a captivating 9-hole course meticulously designed by the renowned golf architect Donald Ross. With its classic rectangular routings, this course promises a delightful and engaging experience for its esteemed membership. Ross’s brilliant design includes greens that showcase an intriguing blend of oblong and rectangular shapes, adorned with numerous right-angle corners that offer exciting new pin positions. Furthermore, the bunkers throughout the course exhibit a graceful elegance, mostly presenting themselves as long and slender or squat and squarish. Notably, the 17th hole boasts three diamond-shaped bunkers strategically placed on a ridge, adding both visual appeal and strategic challenge.
Resting amidst the stunning landscape, Memphis Country Club’s course showcases tree-lined fairways that lead to greens which are often crowned and well-protected by sandy hazards. With a challenging rating of 142, this remarkable course has hosted a multitude of prestigious national golfing events, solidifying its reputation as a prime destination for golf enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience.
Location: 600 Goodwyn St, Memphis, TN 38111
Chickasaw Golf Course
Chickasaw Golf Course is a proud establishment that has witnessed remarkable achievements over the years. Renowned for hosting Byron Nelson’s legendary eleven consecutive PGA tournament victories, this historic golf course stands as a testament to excellence and sportsmanship. Nestled in the heart of Memphis, the course’s rolling land and captivating scenery make it a beloved destination for avid golfers seeking an engaging and professional experience.
With a rich history and enduring charm, Chickasaw Golf Course continues to embrace its heritage while embracing modern improvements. The meticulous restoration process, incorporating old aerial photographs, has revitalized this iconic course, ensuring its classic beauty for generations to come. The course’s fast and firm conditions throughout the calendar year, coupled with its elevated canopy allowing for lush grass to thrive, create an unforgettable playing environment. From the tree-lined fairways adorned with majestic hardwoods to its fun yet challenging layout, Chickasaw Golf Course is a truly exceptional destination for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Location: 9555 TN-100, Henderson, TN 38340
Chattanooga
Chattanooga is home to a historic riverside golf course with a modern-day layout that offers a truly engaging experience for golf enthusiasts. Stretching across 6,694 yards from the back markers, the course features some tight fairways, elevated greens, and strategically placed bunkers that can challenge even the most skilled players. One can’t help but be captivated by the stunning opening hole, which sets the tone for a memorable round of golf.
The charm of Chattanooga continues to shine through the right dog legged par four 2nd hole, showcasing the course’s thoughtful design and offering players an opportunity to showcase their strategic prowess. While there may be a few straight holes that lack the same excitement, the overall experience is elevated by the picturesque banks of the Tennessee River. Not only is the staff at Chattanooga Golf Course known for their accommodating and friendly nature, but the recent conversion of the bent grass greens to ultra-dwarf Bermuda ensures improved speed and a smoother playing surface, enhancing the overall experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Location: 1511 Riverview Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405
Troubadour Golf & Field Club
Troubadour Golf & Field Club, located just 30 miles south of Nashville, offers an exquisite golfing experience designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio. With 18 holes that meander through established corridors, players are treated to meticulously designed features such as grassy moguls, ornate bunker clusters, and clean, large-format bunkers. Set against a backdrop of private residences, Troubadour provides a tranquil mid-round view that adds to the overall charm and serenity of the course.
One of the highlights of Troubadour Golf & Field Club is the breathtaking panorama that unfolds through holes 10 to 15. As players progress through this spectacular stretch, they are treated to captivating views of rolling hills on the south side of Troubadour’s land. Additionally, Troubadour offers a vibrant social experience with Luther’s Bar and Grill, where members and golfers can unwind and relax after a round of golf. Embracing a modern and sleek architectural design, Troubadour Golf & Field Club has recently updated its standards to provide a contemporary and sophisticated ambiance that perfectly complements the stunning natural surroundings.
Location: 8000 Club View Dr, College Grove, TN 37046
Council Fire Golf Club
Council Fire Golf Club is a premier 18-hole championship golf course that offers a truly unforgettable experience. Set amidst breathtaking backdrops, including lakes, streams, and nearby mountain ranges, this meticulously maintained course spans over 114 acres of pristine Bermuda surfaces. With its abundant natural foliage and elevated tees, Council Fire provides a picturesque setting that captivates golfers of all skill levels.
One of the remarkable features of Council Fire Golf Club is its par 5 holes, which are widely regarded as the most memorable part of the course. This rare gem of a course spans multiple states and has proudly hosted esteemed events such as the PGA Tour, Senior Tour, NCAA Championship, and various USGA tournaments. With its impeccable reputation and beautiful surroundings, Council Fire Golf Club is not only an enjoyable place to play but also guarantees greens that are fast and true.
Location: 100 Council Fire Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Conclusion
Tennessee is home to some of the most stunning and captivating golf courses in the United States. From Memphis Country Club’s classic rectangular routings to Chickasaw Golf Course’s rolling terrain, Tennessee offers a wide variety of experiences to suit all types of golfers. Chattanooga and Troubadour Golf & Field Club offer breathtaking views and challenging layouts respectively, while Council Fire Golf Club’s par 5s offer a unique and memorable experience. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just starting out, Tennessee offers some of the best golf courses in the country. So if you’re looking for a great place to play, head on down south and tee off at one of these amazing courses!
