Tennessee Golf Courses Guide

Explore 300+ golf courses across Tennessee, from PGA Tour venues to mountain resort golf in the Smokies

300+
Golf Courses Statewide
PGA Tour
FedEx St. Jude Championship
Year-Round
Mild Climate Golf
3 States
Jack Nicklaus Bear Trace

Tennessee features over 300 golf courses spanning diverse terrain from the Mississippi River floodplains in Memphis to the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The state hosts a PGA Tour event annually at TPC Southwind, home of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, and offers year-round golfing thanks to its mild climate. With Nashville's 60+ courses, Memphis's 40+ layouts, and Jack Nicklaus-designed Bear Trace courses at state parks, Tennessee provides exceptional golf experiences for every skill level and budget.

⛳ PGA Tour Venue - TPC Southwind

TPC Southwind PGA Tour

📍 Memphis (Shelby County)

Host of FedEx St. Jude Championship - The first event in the FedExCup Playoffs, held annually in August. This private, members-only facility is Tennessee's only PGA Tour venue. Designed by architect Ron Prichard with consultants Hubert Green and Fuzzy Zoeller, TPC Southwind opened in 1988 on a former dairy farm.

Course Details:

  • Par 70, 7,244 yards championship layout
  • 94 bunkers and 10 water hazards
  • Undulating zoysia fairways, champion Bermuda greens
  • Ranked 9th in difficulty on PGA Tour (2011)
  • Famous hole #11 (165-yard par-3, island green)
  • Hole #14 (239-yard par-3, toughest on Tour)

Tournament History:

  • Hosted PGA Tour events since 1989
  • FedEx St. Jude Championship (2022-present)
  • Previously: WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational
  • St. Jude Classic (1958-2018)
  • Benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
  • Field limited to top 70 FedExCup players

Contact: (901) 748-0330 | tpc.com/southwind

Note: Private, members-only facility. Public play extremely limited. Contact club directly for guest play opportunities.

🏆 Top-Ranked Championship Courses

Tennessee's elite courses showcase designs from golf's legendary architects including Pete Dye, Donald Ross, Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, and Seth Raynor.

The Honors Course Top Rated

📍 Ooltewah (Near Chattanooga)

Designed by Pete Dye, ranked #1 in Tennessee since opening in 1983. This private club stretches 7,690 yards from back tees and was created to honor amateur golf. Hosted USGA Men's Amateur, Curtis Cup Matches, and NCAA Division I Men's Championship. Established July 2, 1983 as a tribute to amateur golf's traditions.

Par 72 | 7,690 yards | Private

Holston Hills Country Club

📍 Knoxville

Classic Donald Ross design built in 1927, considered possibly the best-preserved Donald Ross layout in the USA. Nestled near the Smoky Mountains foothills, the course was restored to its original design and ranks 58th on Golf Digest's America's Top Classical Courses. Built under Ross's direct supervision in the late 1920s.

Par 72 | 7,082 yards | Private

Troubadour Golf & Field Club

📍 South Nashville

Tom Fazio-designed course at Discovery Land Company development. Entered in-state rankings at #3 in 2024. Features challenging layout that maximizes hilly, forested terrain. Member of exclusive portfolio of Fazio championship designs.

Tom Fazio design | Private

The Golf Club of Tennessee

📍 Kingston Springs

Tom Fazio delivered a tough championship track making excellent use of hilly, forested property. Features dramatic elevation changes and strategic shot requirements. Consistently ranked among Tennessee's top courses for its challenging design and pristine conditioning.

Par 72 | Tom Fazio | Private

Spring Creek Ranch

📍 Collierville (Memphis Area)

Jack Nicklaus championship design opened in 1999 on old ranch land east of Memphis. Ranked as high as 164th nationally (2017-18). Course preserves rolling hills, creeks, and woodlands with holes that zigzag around ponds and wetlands. Features world-class practice facility with heated hitting bays and golf academy.

Par 72 | 7,426 yards | Jack Nicklaus | Private

Black Creek Club

📍 Chattanooga (Lookout Valley)

Brian Silva design with nod to Seth Raynor's Golden Age work. Features Short, Redan, Cape, and Biarritz template holes. Only Top 100 residential golf course in Tennessee. Located at base of Raccoon Mountain, 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Built in Raynor/Macdonald style as living tribute to classic architecture.

Par 72 | 7,204 yards | Private

Sweetens Cove Golf Club

📍 South Pittsburgh (Sequatchie Valley)

Award-winning 9-hole public course designed by Rob Collins and Tad King (2011). Ranked 21st Best Course You Can Play in United States by Golfweek. Features wildly contoured greens, elaborate bunkering, and immense tightly-mown fairways. Cult following among golf architecture enthusiasts. 25 minutes from Chattanooga.

9 holes | Public | $65-85

Cherokee Country Club

📍 Knoxville

Knoxville's first regulation 18-hole course, opened in 1907. Donald Ross design nestled on Tennessee River bend with sweeping Smoky Mountains views. Recently underwent massive renovation while preserving Ross's original design elements. Historic facility with over 115 years of golf tradition.

Par 72 | Donald Ross | Private

Lookout Mountain Golf Club

📍 Lookout Mountain (TN/GA border)

Seth Raynor design from 1925 (completed posthumously after his death). Course straddles Tennessee-Georgia state line atop mountain plateau with expansive Chattanooga views. Features 81 bunkers covering 266,000 square feet. Greens are exceptionally challenging due to mountain slope affecting putt breaks.

Par 72 | Seth Raynor | Private

Memphis Country Club

📍 Memphis

Classic Donald Ross design showcasing Tennessee's roots as premier golf state. One of three old Ross designs in Tennessee (along with Holston Hills and Chattanooga G&CC). Features traditional Ross greens with subtle breaks and strategic bunkering.

Donald Ross design | Private

Chattanooga Golf & Country Club

📍 Chattanooga

Third of Tennessee's classic Donald Ross designs. Historic facility maintaining Ross's strategic design principles. Features traditional Golden Age architecture with elevated greens and strategic hazard placement typical of Ross's work.

Donald Ross design | Private

🎵 Nashville Metro Golf Courses (60+ Courses)

Music City offers 60+ courses with 7,715+ reviews on GolfPass. Nashville metro includes excellent public courses and prestigious private clubs in surrounding areas like Brentwood, Franklin, and Old Hickory.

Top Nashville Area Public Courses

Gaylord Springs Golf Links Top Rated

📍 Nashville

Larry Nelson-designed links-style course on Cumberland River banks. Located 10 minutes from Nashville International Airport and 5 minutes from Gaylord Opryland Resort. Requires precision and accuracy to avoid multiple water hazards and large bunkers. Consistently recognized among Tennessee's best public courses.

Par 72 | Links-style | $70-95

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Hermitage Golf Course

📍 Old Hickory

Two championship courses on Cumberland River: President's Reserve (Top 10 in Tennessee by Golf Digest) features holes along river and natural wetlands. General's Retreat (1986 Gary Roger Baird design) voted "Best Golf Course in Nashville," hosted LPGA Sara Lee Classic for 11 years.

36 holes | $50-80

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GreyStone Golf Club

📍 Dickson (Near Nashville)

1998 Mark McCumber design tumbling among monolithic stone formations. Meticulously conditioned course hosted state championships and PGA Tour qualifying events. Convenient location in historic Dickson, short drive from Nashville. Features dramatic elevation changes and rock outcroppings.

Par 72 | Mark McCumber | Semi-Private

Harpeth Hills Golf Course

📍 Nashville (Percy Warner Park)

One of Tennessee's top public facilities located in Percy Warner Park. Former USGA Public Links Championship qualifying site. Affordable municipal course with excellent conditioning. Rates under $30 weekdays, under $40 weekends. Challenging layout through mature trees and rolling terrain.

Par 72 | Municipal | $25-40

McCabe Golf Course

📍 Nashville

27-hole municipal facility with practice facility. Voted top place to play by Nashville Scene magazine (2014). Three 9-hole courses allow for 27-hole combinations. Minutes from downtown Nashville with excellent value pricing. Full-service practice facility available.

27 holes | Municipal | $25-35

Nashboro Golf Club

📍 Nashville

Designed by Benjamin J. Wihry, opened summer 1975. 18-hole layout minutes from downtown Nashville. Mature course with tree-lined fairways and strategic bunkering. Excellent value for public play in metro Nashville area.

Par 72 | Public | $35-50

Shelby Golf Course

📍 Nashville

Exceptional value with weekday fees just $17 for 9 holes, $34 for 18 holes. Senior discounts Monday-Thursday: $12 for 9 holes, $24 for 18 holes. Nashville municipal course offering affordable golf for all skill levels and budgets.

Municipal | $17-34 | Senior discounts available

Percy Warner Golf Course

📍 Nashville (Percy Warner Park)

Nine-hole layout in Percy Warner Park. Companion course to Harpeth Hills. Affordable municipal golf in scenic park setting. Ideal for quick rounds, beginners, or practice. Beautiful natural setting among mature hardwoods.

9 holes | Municipal | $15-25

Tennessee National Golf Club

📍 Loudon (Near Nashville)

Championship facility with comprehensive amenities for novice and experienced golfers. Perfect for year-round golfing with excellent facilities. All rates include green fee, complimentary range bucket, cart, and tax. Different pricing for weekdays and weekends.

Par 72 | Semi-Private | $45-75

Nashville Area Private Clubs - Brentwood & Franklin

The Governors Club

📍 Brentwood

Arnold Palmer-designed championship course on 600 acres of magnificent terrain. Among top courses in Tennessee. Exclusive private club with world-class facilities.

Arnold Palmer | Private

Nashville Golf & Athletic Club

📍 Brentwood

Challenging 18-hole course originally designed to accommodate U.S. Open. Premier private facility with full athletic amenities beyond golf.

1703 Crockett Springs Trail | Private

Brentwood Country Club

📍 Between Nashville & Franklin

Golf course with majestic trees and breathtaking views. Offers complete country club amenities. Nestled in prestigious Brentwood community.

Private

Richland Country Club

📍 Nashville Area

Features amazing clubhouse often used for private gatherings and weddings. Championship golf course with full country club amenities.

Private

Vanderbilt Legends Club

📍 Franklin

Home to two championship 18-hole courses plus unique 9-hole par-3 course. Three distinct golf experiences at one premier private facility.

54 holes total | Private

Temple Hills Country Club

📍 Franklin

27 holes of championship golf in Franklin. Three 9-hole courses allow multiple routing combinations. Mature trees and rolling terrain.

27 holes | Private

Franklin Bridge Golf Club

📍 Franklin

Par-72 public course stretching 7,620 yards. Course rating 73.6, slope 125. Uniquely located alongside Harpeth River with water hazards on 15 holes.

Par 72 | 7,620 yards | Public

Old Natchez Country Club

📍 Franklin Area

Private country club in historic Franklin area. Traditional layout with Southern hospitality.

Private

Cheekwood Golf Club

📍 Nashville Area

Public course with scenic views. Quality golf in prestigious Nashville area.

Public

Little Course at Conner Lane

📍 Nashville Area

Executive-length public course. Ideal for beginners and quick rounds. Affordable golf option.

Executive | Public

🎸 Memphis Metro Golf Courses (40+ Courses)

Memphis features 40+ courses with 4,246+ reviews on GolfPass. Green fees stay under $35 in many areas, with some courses around $20, making Memphis excellent value for golf. Metro area includes Germantown and Collierville suburbs.

Top Memphis Area Public Courses

Mirimichi Golf Course Highly Recommended

📍 Millington (15 min north of Memphis)

Premium public 18-hole course underwent $16 million renovation by Justin Timberlake and partners. Only GEO Certified green course in the Americas. Stretches 7,400 yards from tips with five tee boxes for all abilities. Rating 4.6/5.0 from 351 reviews with 97.3% highly recommending it.

Par 72 | 7,400 yards | $45-75

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The Links at Galloway

📍 Memphis (Near University of Memphis)

Par-70 municipal course opened 2002, designed by Kevin Tucker. Known for scenic beauty and challenging play. Measures 6,013 yards with excellent conditions for a municipal facility. Rates vary $18-35 depending on day and time. Around the block from U of Memphis.

Par 70 | 6,013 yards | Municipal | $18-35

The Links at Overton Park

📍 Memphis

Historic municipal course in Overton Park. Affordable golf in the heart of Memphis. Mature trees and classic layout. Budget-friendly rates for locals and visitors.

Municipal | $20-30

Memphis National Golf Club

📍 Collierville

36-hole facility near Germantown area. Two championship courses provide variety for regular play. Excellent practice facilities and full clubhouse amenities.

36 holes | Semi-Private

Memphis Area Private Clubs

Windyke Country Club

📍 Germantown

Top-tier private destination southeast of Germantown. Three distinct courses: manicured West Course, rural East Course, and Executive Course. 36 regulation holes plus expansive practice areas.

36+ holes | Private

Germantown Country Club

📍 Germantown

Premier private club in Germantown suburb. Championship layout with full country club amenities. Traditional Southern golf club.

Private

Ridgeway Country Club

📍 Collierville (Near Germantown)

Private country club serving Collierville and Germantown communities. Championship golf with full amenities.

Private

🏔️ Smoky Mountains Golf - Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

Smoky Mountains golf features dramatic elevation changes and scenic mountain backdrops. Courses range from flat valleys to mountainous terrain reaching toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Year-round play with modern facilities.

Bent Creek Golf Club Top 50 South

📍 Gatlinburg

Legendary Gary Player design on East Parkway. Front nine holes lie in scenic valley, back nine wind through mountainous terrain toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Recognized among "Top 50 Golf Courses in the South" by Southern Living Travel Guide. Dramatic elevation changes and mountain vistas.

Par 72 | Gary Player | Public | $60-90

Gatlinburg Golf Course

📍 Pigeon Forge (5 miles from Gatlinburg)

Designed by William Langford, renovated 2007 by Bob Cupp & Associates. Open year-round with modern facilities, pro shop, and food service. Famous hole #12 "Sky Hi" features dramatic 200-foot drop from tee to green. Actually located in Pigeon Forge despite name. Municipal course with scenic mountain setting.

Par 72 | Municipal | $40-65

Sevierville Golf Club

📍 Sevierville (35 min from Pigeon Forge)

Two 18-hole championship courses: The Highlands and The River. Boasts fantastic scenery at foot of Great Smoky Mountains. Located east of Kodak, 45 minutes from Gatlinburg. 36 holes of championship golf with mountain backdrops.

36 holes | Semi-Private | $45-70

Eagle's Landing Golf Club

📍 Sevierville Area

Mountain golf with dramatic elevation changes. Scenic views throughout the layout. Popular with tourists visiting Smoky Mountains region.

Public | $40-60

🐻 Jack Nicklaus Bear Trace Golf Trail

Tennessee Golf Trail features three Jack Nicklaus Signature Bear Trace courses at state parks, plus six traditional courses for nine total Trail courses. Bear Trace courses combine championship golf with state park accommodations and natural settings.

Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain Top 10

📍 Crossville (Cumberland Plateau)

Named "One of Top Ten You Can Play in North America" by Golf Magazine (1999). Most sought-after among Jack Nicklaus Bear Trace courses. Located in scenic Cumberland Plateau. Signature Nicklaus design with strategic bunkering and water features. State park accommodations available.

Par 72 | Jack Nicklaus | Public | $45-70

Bear Trace at Harrison Bay

📍 Harrison (20 min north of Chattanooga)

Second Jack Nicklaus Bear Trace course to open, managed by Tennessee State Parks. Approximately 20 minutes north of downtown Chattanooga. Surrounded by water and heavily-wooded land. Balance of challenge and playability typical of Nicklaus Signature Courses. Chickamauga Lake views.

Par 72 | Jack Nicklaus | Public | $40-65

Bear Trace at Tims Ford

📍 Winchester (Tims Ford Lake)

Situated on peninsula surrounded by picturesque Tims Ford Lake. Tims Ford Reservoir visible and in play on many holes. Creates balance of challenge and playability typical of Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses. State park lodging and marina nearby. Spectacular lake views throughout.

Par 72 | Jack Nicklaus | Public | $40-65

Tennessee Golf Trail - Traditional Courses (6 Additional)

Nine Trail courses total include six traditional courses and three Jack Nicklaus Bear Trace courses. All managed by Tennessee State Parks with lodging options.

🏙️ Golf Courses by Major City

Tennessee's 303 golf courses span major metro areas and smaller cities across the state. Course count based on GolfPass and GolfTennessee directories.

Nashville Metro Area

60+ courses with 7,715+ reviews. Includes Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Old Hickory, Lebanon, and Hendersonville. Mix of excellent public courses and prestigious private clubs. Gaylord Springs, Hermitage, GreyStone among top public options.

Memphis Metro Area

40+ courses with 4,246+ reviews. Includes Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Millington, and Bartlett. Home to TPC Southwind (FedEx St. Jude Championship). Green fees among most affordable in state, many under $35.

Knoxville Area

41+ courses with 9,175+ reviews (highest review count). Includes Knoxville, Farragut, Oak Ridge, Maryville, and Lenoir City. Features Holston Hills Country Club (Donald Ross) and Cherokee Country Club. Weekend peak fees can reach $60 with cart.

Chattanooga Area

35+ courses with 767+ reviews. Includes Chattanooga, Ooltewah, and Harrison. Home to The Honors Course (Pete Dye, #1 rated), Sweetens Cove, Black Creek Club. Bear Trace at Harrison Bay nearby.

Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Sevierville

Smoky Mountains resort golf destination. Bent Creek (Gary Player), Gatlinburg GC (William Langford), Sevierville GC (36 holes). Dramatic elevation changes and mountain scenery. Popular tourist golf packages.

Crossville

Golf capital of Tennessee with multiple championship courses. Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain (Jack Nicklaus). Fairfield Glade resort community with multiple courses. Cumberland Plateau setting.

Clarksville

Multiple public and semi-private courses. Near Fort Campbell military base. Affordable golf options.

Johnson City/Kingsport

Northeast Tennessee golf. Multiple courses in Tri-Cities region. Mountain backdrop settings.

Jackson

West Tennessee golf hub. Multiple public courses. Central location between Memphis and Nashville.

Murfreesboro

Fast-growing golf market south of Nashville. Several quality public courses. Home to MTSU golf programs.

Columbia

South of Nashville with several courses. Affordable rates and scenic settings.

Other Golf Communities

Winchester (Tims Ford), Loudon (Tennessee National), South Pittsburgh (Sweetens Cove), Dickson (GreyStone), Kingston Springs.

💡 Rates & Visitor Information

💵 Green Fee Ranges

Tennessee offers golf for all budgets:

  • Budget Municipal: $17-34 (Shelby GC Nashville, senior discounts available)
  • Municipal Courses: $18-40 (Harpeth Hills, Galloway, Overton Park)
  • Public Daily Fee: $40-75 (Mirimichi, Bent Creek, Bear Trace courses)
  • Premium Public: $70-95 (Gaylord Springs, Hermitage)
  • Resort/Destination: $80-109 (Smoky Mountains resorts)
  • Private Clubs: Members only (TPC Southwind, Honors Course, Holston Hills)

Memphis area features some of Tennessee's most affordable golf, many courses under $35.

🌡️ Year-Round Golf & Best Seasons

Tennessee offers 365-day golf season:

  • Spring (March-May): Most popular season, ideal temperatures
  • Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, 87-90°F average highs, early morning or evening preferred
  • Fall (September-November): Peak season, comfortable temps, beautiful foliage
  • Winter (December-February): Mild 40s-60s, golf possible most days, fewer crowds

Weather Note: Unlike northern states, Tennessee experiences mild winters allowing year-round play. Most courses open 365 days weather permitting.

🎟️ Golf Passes & Memberships

  • Tennessee Golf Trail Annual Pass: $2,200 regular / $2,000 senior (access to all 9 Trail courses, cart fees not included)
  • Nashville National Pass: Rates include green fee, cart, range bucket, and tax
  • GolfNow & TeeOff: Online booking discounts available
  • GolfPass: Travel packages and tee time deals
  • Senior/Military Discounts: Available at many municipal courses

🏨 Golf Vacation Packages

Popular golf destinations offer packages:

  • Nashville: Stay & play near Gaylord Opryland, multiple course packages
  • Memphis: FedEx Championship packages, Memphis National multi-day
  • Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge: Cabin rentals with golf, Smoky Mountains vacation golf
  • Crossville/Fairfield Glade: Resort community with multiple courses
  • Tellico Village: Resort golf community in East Tennessee
  • Bear Trace Trail: State park lodging + Jack Nicklaus golf

⏰ Tee Time Booking

How to book tee times in Tennessee:

  • Online Platforms: GolfNow, TeeOff, Supreme Golf, GolfPass
  • Direct Booking: Course websites often offer best rates
  • Phone Reservations: Call courses directly for group bookings
  • Advance Booking: 7-14 days recommended for peak season weekends
  • Walk-on Play: Available weekdays at most public courses
  • Twilight Rates: Discounted rates after 3-4pm at many courses

🏌️ Course Difficulty & Pace

  • Championship Courses: 7,000-7,690 yards, 4-5 hour rounds
  • Resort Courses: Multiple tees, 4-4.5 hour average
  • Municipal Courses: Beginner-friendly, 4-4.5 hours
  • Executive Courses: Shorter layouts, 2.5-3 hours
  • 9-Hole Courses: 2-2.5 hours

TPC Southwind ranked 9th in difficulty on PGA Tour with 94 bunkers and 10 water hazards.

🎯 Top Courses for Visitors

Must-play public courses:

  • Mirimichi: $16M renovation, GEO certified (Millington)
  • Sweetens Cove: Top 100 9-hole (Chattanooga area)
  • Gaylord Springs: Larry Nelson links (Nashville)
  • Hermitage: President's Reserve (Old Hickory)
  • Bent Creek: Gary Player Smokies course (Gatlinburg)
  • Bear Trace Courses: All 3 Jack Nicklaus designs

🚗 Transportation & Parking

  • Nashville Airport: 10 min to Gaylord Springs
  • Memphis Airport: 20 min to TPC Southwind, courses throughout metro
  • Knoxville: Courses throughout metro area
  • Parking: Free at virtually all courses
  • Rental Cars: Recommended for golf trips

🏢 Indoor Golf & Winter Practice

For cold or rainy days:

  • Topgolf Nashville: Hundreds of heated hitting bays, open 365 days, tracked balls, entertainment venue
  • Indoor Simulators: Multiple locations in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville
  • Driving Ranges: Covered and heated bays at major facilities
  • Practice Facilities: Most championship courses have full practice areas
  • Golf Academies: Instruction available year-round
  • Putting Studios: Indoor putting practice in metro areas

🏛️ Tennessee Golf Associations

Tennessee's golf organizations support players of all ages and skill levels, from juniors to seniors, and manage state championships and handicapping services.

Tennessee Golf Association

State golf association providing handicap services, tournament management, and player development programs. Oversees Tennessee Amateur Championship and other state competitions.

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Tennessee Golf Foundation

Non-profit organization supporting junior golf, golf course management education, and growing the game in Tennessee through grants and programs.

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Tennessee Junior Golf Association

Youth golf development organization offering tournaments, instruction, and college preparation for junior golfers across Tennessee.

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Tennessee Section PGA

Professional golf organization representing club professionals, instructors, and golf industry professionals throughout Tennessee.

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Top Golf Shops in Tennessee

Roger Dunn Golf Shops, Van's Golf Shops, Golfers' Warehouse, CaddyTips, The Golf Mart

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

The Honors Course in Ooltewah (near Chattanooga) consistently ranks #1 in Tennessee. Designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1983, this private club stretches 7,690 yards and was created to honor amateur golf. It has hosted USGA championships including the Men's Amateur, Curtis Cup Matches, and NCAA Division I Men's Championship. Holston Hills Country Club in Knoxville is widely considered the best-preserved Donald Ross design in America and ranks among the top classical courses. For public play, Sweetens Cove Golf Club (9-hole course near Chattanooga) ranks 21st among Best Courses You Can Play in the United States by Golfweek, while Mirimichi Golf Course in Memphis features a $16 million renovation and 97.3% golfer recommendation rate.
Yes, Tennessee offers year-round golfing opportunities thanks to its mild climate. Unlike northern states with frost and snow, Tennessee experiences relatively mild winters with temperatures typically in the mid-40s to low 60s, allowing comfortable golf throughout most winter days. Most courses stay open 365 days a year, weather permitting. Best seasons: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are peak seasons with ideal temperatures. Summer: June-August can be hot and humid with 87-90°F average highs; early morning or evening tee times recommended. Winter: December-February sees fewer crowds and mild conditions, though only occasional days reach uncomfortably cold temperatures (low 30s). Golf can be played virtually every day of the year in Tennessee, making it an excellent year-round golf destination.
Tennessee golf offers excellent value across all price ranges. Budget municipal courses: $17-34 (Shelby Golf Course Nashville offers $17 for 9 holes, $34 for 18 holes, with senior discounts to $12/$24). Municipal courses: $18-40 (Harpeth Hills under $30 weekdays, under $40 weekends; Galloway $18-35). Public daily fee: $40-75 (Mirimichi, Bent Creek, Bear Trace courses). Premium public: $70-95 (Gaylord Springs, Hermitage). Resort/destination: $80-109 (Smoky Mountains resorts). Memphis offers particularly good value with many courses under $35, some as low as $20. Knoxville weekend peak fees reach $60 with cart. Tennessee Golf Trail Annual Pass: $2,200 regular / $2,000 senior (access to 9 Trail courses). Most rates include cart, with walking allowed at some municipal courses for reduced fees.
TPC Southwind is located in Memphis (Shelby County) in the gated Southwind community in southeast Memphis. The course is Tennessee's only PGA Tour venue, hosting the FedEx St. Jude Championship every August (first event of FedExCup Playoffs). Public play is extremely limited as TPC Southwind is a private, members-only facility. Unlike some other TPC courses that offer daily fee public play, Southwind operates as an exclusive private club. Public access may be available only through special member-guest arrangements, corporate outings, or charity tournaments. Contact the club directly at (901) 748-0330 to inquire about any guest play opportunities. The course is a par-70, 7,244-yard championship layout designed by Ron Prichard with consultants Hubert Green and Fuzzy Zoeller, featuring 94 bunkers and 10 water hazards. It ranks among the most difficult courses on PGA Tour.
Tennessee features three Jack Nicklaus Signature Bear Trace courses, all at state parks: 1) Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain State Park (Crossville) - Named "One of Top Ten You Can Play in North America" by Golf Magazine (1999). Most sought-after Bear Trace course on scenic Cumberland Plateau. Par 72, green fees $45-70. 2) Bear Trace at Harrison Bay (20 min north of Chattanooga) - Surrounded by water and woodlands near Chickamauga Lake. Balance of challenge and playability. Par 72, $40-65. 3) Bear Trace at Tims Ford (Winchester) - Situated on peninsula surrounded by Tims Ford Lake with reservoir in play on many holes. Par 72, $40-65. All three are part of the Tennessee Golf Trail which includes nine total courses (3 Bear Trace + 6 traditional courses). State park lodging available at all locations. Annual Pass: $2,200 regular / $2,000 senior for access to all 9 Trail courses (cart fees additional).
Nashville's 60+ courses include several exceptional public options: Gaylord Springs Golf Links - Larry Nelson-designed links-style course on Cumberland River, 10 minutes from airport. Consistently ranked among Tennessee's best. $70-95. Hermitage Golf Course (Old Hickory) - Two championship courses: President's Reserve (Top 10 in TN by Golf Digest) and General's Retreat (former LPGA Sara Lee Classic host). $50-80. GreyStone Golf Club (Dickson) - 1998 Mark McCumber design tumbling through stone formations. Hosted state championships and PGA Tour qualifying. Semi-private. Harpeth Hills (Percy Warner Park) - Former USGA qualifying site, one of Tennessee's top municipal facilities. Under $30 weekdays. McCabe Golf Course - 27-hole municipal facility, voted top place to play by Nashville Scene. $25-35. Nashboro Golf Club - 18-hole Benjamin Wihry design, minutes from downtown. $35-50. For budget golf: Shelby Golf Course offers $17 for 9 holes, $34 for 18 holes with senior discounts.
Smoky Mountains golf features dramatic elevation changes and spectacular scenery: Bent Creek Golf Club (Gatlinburg) - Legendary Gary Player design with front nine in valley, back nine winding through mountains toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Recognized among "Top 50 Golf Courses in the South" by Southern Living. Par 72, $60-90. Gatlinburg Golf Course (actually in Pigeon Forge, 5 miles from Gatlinburg) - William Langford original design, renovated 2007 by Bob Cupp. Famous hole #12 "Sky Hi" features 200-foot drop from tee to green. Open year-round. Par 72, $40-65. Sevierville Golf Club - Two 18-hole championship courses (The Highlands and The River) with fantastic Smoky Mountains scenery. 35 min from Pigeon Forge. 36 holes, $45-70. Many hotels offer golf packages with cabin rentals. Popular destination combining championship golf with Smoky Mountains vacation amenities.
Tennessee tee times can be booked multiple ways: Online platforms: GolfNow, TeeOff, Supreme Golf, and GolfPass offer tee time booking with often discounted rates, especially for off-peak times. Direct booking: Course websites typically offer online reservation systems and sometimes provide best rates or loyalty programs. Phone reservations: Call courses directly (307 area code is NOT Tennessee - use local area codes). Recommended for group bookings, outings, or special requests. Advance booking: 7-14 days recommended for peak season (spring/fall) weekends, especially at popular courses like Gaylord Springs, Hermitage, or Mirimichi. Walk-on play: Available at most public courses during weekdays, but less reliable on weekends. Twilight rates: Many courses offer discounted twilight rates starting 3-4pm. Tennessee Golf Trail: Book state park courses through tnstateparks.com/golf. Private clubs like TPC Southwind require member arrangements.
Sweetens Cove Golf Club is a 9-hole public course in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee (Sequatchie Valley), about 25 minutes from Chattanooga. Designed by Rob Collins and Tad King in 2011, the course has achieved cult status among golf architecture enthusiasts. Why it's famous: Ranked 21st Best Course You Can Play in the United States by Golfweek and consistently ranked among top 100 courses worldwide. Features wildly contoured greens, elaborate bunkering, and immense tightly-mown fairways creating a golfing experience unlike any other in the Southeast. The course is an "inland links" layout with minimalist design philosophy. Playing experience: Nine holes that golfers typically play multiple times per round, with greens fee $65-85. The course has attracted celebrity investors and widespread media attention for its innovative design and pure golf experience. It demonstrates that exceptional golf doesn't require 18 holes or massive budgets, just thoughtful design and strategic interest.
Tennessee offers diverse golf vacation packages across multiple regions: Nashville packages: Stay near Gaylord Opryland with rounds at Gaylord Springs, Hermitage, and GreyStone. Combine golf with Music City entertainment. Memphis packages: FedEx St. Jude Championship spectator packages (August), or play Mirimichi and area courses with hotel bundles. Excellent value with courses under $35. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge: Popular vacation golf combining cabin rentals with rounds at Bent Creek, Gatlinburg GC, and Sevierville. Package with Smoky Mountains attractions, shows, and family activities. Crossville/Fairfield Glade: Resort community packages with multiple course access including Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain. Tennessee Golf Trail: State park lodging packages at all three Bear Trace courses plus six traditional Trail courses. Tellico Village: Resort community in East Tennessee with multi-course packages. Chattanooga: Play Sweetens Cove and area courses with city attractions. Book through GolfPass, MyGolfVacation.com, or TennesseeGolfTrip.com for complete packages.

See Also:

USA Golf: USA Golf Sites - Associations, Education, Juniors, Golf News, Pro Players, Professional Golf, Seniors, Women's Golf

Tennessee State Guide: Complete guide to Tennessee attractions, history, and resources

Last updated on November 24, 2025