Tennessee, with its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, offers some of the finest golf courses in the United States.
From the lush greens of the Smoky Mountains to the serene fairways by the Tennessee River, golfers of all skill levels can find a course that suits their taste.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Tennessee’s diverse range of golf courses promises a memorable experience. In this article, we’ll explore the 13 best golf courses in Tennessee, each with its unique charm and challenges.
These top-rated courses not only provide stunning views but also boast meticulously maintained greens and fairways. Get ready to discover why Tennessee is a golfer’s paradise.
Our comprehensive guide will take you through the must-visit golf courses that stand out for their design, amenities, and overall playability. From public gems to exclusive private clubs, here are the top picks.
13 Best Golf Courses in Tennessee
Tennessee, renowned for its rolling hills and scenic landscapes, boasts some of the finest golf courses in the U.S. Explore these 13 top-rated courses for a memorable golfing experience.
1. Paris Landing State Park Golf Course
Paris Landing State Park Golf Course in Buchanan, TN, offers a scenic golfing experience with views of Kentucky Lake and a green fee of $29. It includes holes through dense woods, fast greens, and a notable downhill par 3 on hole #4.
GreyStone Golf Club in Dickson, TN, designed by PGA Tour pro Mark McCumber, features picturesque rolling fairways, strategic bunkers, and water hazards on a par-72 course.
The Hermitage Golf Course in Old Hickory, TN, boasts a historic setting and the President’s Reserve course with numerous water features and lush landscapes. All three courses provide challenging and memorable golfing experiences.
2. Pickwick Landing State Park Golf Course
Located in Counce, TN, Pickwick Landing State Park Golf Course features 6,478 yards of Bermuda fairways and bentgrass greens. This course is lauded for its serene views of Pickwick Lake and well-maintained layout.
With a green fee of $47, it’s affordable for avid golfers. Players appreciate the individual character of each hole, offering diverse challenges. The seventh hole, a par 4 with a tricky dogleg left, stands out. Insightful reviews commend recent improvements.
Although greens were aerated and slightly bumpy, they still rolled true and tested golfers’ precision. Families and visitors find it a favorite, suggesting everyone experience this unique track.
3. Stonehenge Golf Club
Stonehenge Golf Club in Crossville, TN, designed by Joe Lee, is celebrated as one of Tennessee’s top golf courses.
It features a 6,549-yard layout with bentgrass greens, well-maintained fairways, and strategic elements such as elevation changes, water hazards, and bunkers.
The par-3 14th hole is particularly notable for its water-protected green. Golfers commend the course for its excellent condition, clean fairways, and smooth greens. The club also offers practice facilities, a pro shop, a restaurant, and membership options.
Next, The Honors Course in Ooltewah, TN, is an exclusive, private club known for its challenging Pete Dye design, immaculate conditions, and serene natural setting.
4. Ted Rhodes Golf Course
Ted Rhodes Golf Course, located near downtown Nashville along the river, offers a well-maintained and scenic golfing experience year-round. With affordable green fees at $26, golfers enjoy a mix of varied terrain across the front and back nines.
The course is praised for its maintenance, strategic layout, and great location, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
Hermitage Golf Course in Old Hickory is another standout, with two distinct 18-hole courses: The General’s Retreat and President’s Reserve. Both offer lush landscapes and a challenging experience for all skill levels.
5. RiverWatch Golf Club
RiverWatch Golf Club in Sparta, TN offers a challenging and scenic golf experience with views of Center Hill Lake. Designed by PGA Tour player Bill Bergin, the course stretches over 7,000 yards with Zoysia fairways and bentgrass greens, favoring precision.
The par-5 18th hole is particularly demanding with a tricky water-crossing approach. Green fees are $35, and the club provides amenities like a pro shop, practice areas, and dining facilities.
Reviews highlight the excellent course conditions, championship layout, friendly staff, and beautiful scenery, making RiverWatch a must-play destination in Tennessee for both seasoned golfers and newcomers.
6. Bear Trace at Harrison Bay State Park
Bear Trace at Harrison Bay State Park boasts an 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Jack Nicklaus. The course integrates seamlessly with the natural landscape, featuring hardwood forests, water hazards, and scenic views of Chickamauga Lake.
Golfers appreciate Bear Trace for its meticulously maintained fairways and greens, even during winter months. The green fee, at a reasonable $41, offers great value for a public course.
A satisfied player, LancekPope, remarked on the course’s exceptional condition and the efficient scheduling managed by the starter. This course is an ideal choice for golf enthusiasts seeking a top-tier experience in Tennessee’s picturesque setting.
7. The Golf Club of Bristol
The Golf Club of Bristol, established in 1894, is one of Tennessee’s oldest golf courses, known for its well-maintained par-71 layout, rolling hills, scenic views, and challenging bunkers and water hazards.
It also offers great amenities, including a pro shop, practice facilities, and a clubhouse. The Hermitage Golf Course in Old Hickory is another standout with two 18-hole courses.
The General’s Retreat and the President’s Reserve, known for their stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
This meticulously maintained course, especially President’s Reserve, meanders through wetlands and natural preserves, offering a challenging and unique golf experience. Both clubs are celebrated for their top-notch facilities and welcoming atmosphere.
8. Mirimichi Golf Course
Mirimichi Golf Course in Millington is celebrated for its eco-friendly practices and challenging layout, featuring lush fairways, meticulously maintained greens, and natural beauty with streams, waterfalls, and native flora.
With a green fee of $47, it is praised for its quality and sustainability. Next is Sweetens Cove Golf Club in South Pittsburg, known for its unique design, strategic bunkering, undulating greens, and picturesque setting, providing an exceptional 9-hole golfing experience for both amateurs and seasoned players.
Designed by King-Collins Golf Course Design, Sweetens Cove has garnered national acclaim for its innovative approach.
9. Bear Trace at Tims Ford State Park
The Jack Nicklaus-designed course by Tims Ford Lake offers an exceptional golfing experience with classic greens, challenging pin placements, and meticulously designed fairways over 6,900 yards.
It caters to all skill levels and features a signature par-3 7th hole with an island green. Enhanced by serene ambiance and on-site amenities like a pro shop and practice facilities, it’s ideal for avid and casual golfers alike.
Another standout is Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain, part of the Tennessee Golf Trail, known for its rolling terrain, strategic bunkering, and breathtaking views. Both courses provide an unforgettable golfing experience in Tennessee, blending beauty and playability.
10. Egwani Farms Golf Course
Situated in Rockford, Egwani Farms Golf Course offers players a serene golfing experience with meticulously maintained greens. The course, with a green fee of $51, is praised for smooth and fast greens, offering excellent pace of play.
Reviewers like JCtheVol62 commend its high-quality golf experience, highlighting the pristine condition of its greens. Golfers will find challenges across 6,800 yards, with water hazards and tree-lined fairways demanding precision.
Egwani Farms focuses on delivering consistent and enjoyable rounds, catering to all skill levels. The course layout, featuring par-3s and uniquely designed holes, ensures a memorable round for every player.
11. Forest Hill Golf Course
Forest Hill Golf Course in Drummonds offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for players. Golfers will find diverse layouts across its 18 holes, with each hole featuring different elevations and bunkers.
The course is known for its strategic water hazards that test accuracy and precision. What they’re saying: “This golf course will definitely test your golf skills.” – lworks
Measuring 6,500 yards, Forest Hill provides a balanced mix of par-3s and par-4s, keeping golfers on their toes with each swing.
The course’s well-maintained fairways and greens ensure a smooth, enjoyable game. Popular among locals, Forest Hill is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts in Tennessee.
13. Lake Tansi Resort
Lake Tansi Resort in Crossville provides an affordable golf option at $31, praised for its friendly staff and well-maintained course suitable for all skill levels.
The Honors Course in Ooltewah is a high-end private club with a challenging layout by Robert Trent Jones Jr., scenic views, and a history of prestigious tournaments, ideal for serious golfers.
Sweetens Cove in South Pittsburg is a standout nine-hole course known for its strategic design and impeccable condition. Bear Trace at Harrison Bay features a Jack Nicklaus signature design and offers an eco-friendly golfing experience suitable for both novice and seasoned players.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the green fee at Avalon Country Club in Lenoir City?
The green fee at Avalon Country Club in Lenoir City is $59.
What do golfers appreciate most about Avalon Country Club?
Golfers appreciate the well-manicured grounds, diverse challenges, and strategic layout catering to all skill levels at Avalon Country Club.
Are there any critiques about Avalon Country Club?
Some critiques focus on the food choices at Avalon Country Club, but overall, players find the course quality excellent.
How much does it cost to play at Lake Tansi Resort in Crossville?
The green fee at Lake Tansi Resort in Crossville is $31.
What positive aspects do golfers note about Lake Tansi Resort?
Golfers commend Lake Tansi Resort for its friendly staff, efficient tee time management, and immaculate course condition year-round.
Colin McCarthy