Best Golf Courses in Tennessee

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

I love the state of Tennessee.  Music, food, culture, sports, people, variety, this state has it all.  One of my favorite trips involved a trip to Nashville when I was a hell of a lot younger than I am now.  I don’t remember much, but I do know that honkey tonks and whiskey were much more of a priority than golf.

The good news is that I’ve been back since and golf was the priority, along with a little bit of work.  And I’m here to tell you that there are some fine public tracks to be found in the Volunteer State. 

Along with the help of our readers, I’ve come up with a guide to the best public courses in the state. 

Located in Tennessee, The Course at Sewanee offers golfers a beautifully renovated course designed by Gil Hanse in 2013, providing a bold and picturesque playing adventure. With its lush greenery, well-maintained fairways, and scenic views, this course is a haven for golf fans. The 18 holes present a blend of strategic challenges and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a memorable round of golf.

The Course at Sewanee stands out not only for its design but also for its impeccable maintenance, ensuring optimal playability throughout the year.

Moreover, the amenities provided here elevate the overall golfing event, including well-equipped clubhouses, dining options, pro shops, on-site accommodations, and top-notch practice facilities. This attention to detail ensures that players have everything they need for a fulfilling day on the course.

 

Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Tennessee, Bear Trace at Harrison Bay offers golfers a classic design by Jack Nicklaus, providing a demanding and rewarding adventure for players of all skill levels.

The course, known for its emphasis on accuracy over length, demands strategic play and precision. It has gained recognition for its well-maintained, optimal course conditions throughout the year, ensuring an exceptional golfing happening in any season.

Moreover, the amenities available, including clubhouses with dining options and pro shops, enhance the overall visit for golf lovers.

Bear Trace at Harrison Bay isn’t just a beautiful course; it’s a community hub for golf events and tournaments, fostering a vibrant golfing atmosphere. The Tennessee Golf Association has honored this top-tier course, further solidifying its position as one of the best in the state.

Whether you’re a skillful golfer or just starting, this course, located near Chattanooga, is a must-play. Its challenging layout and charming surroundings make it a gem designed for golfers seeking a memorable and rewarding golfing experience.

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Gaylord Springs Golf Course, designed by Larry Nelson, offers golfers a classic layout emphasizing accuracy over length for a bold and rewarding adventure. The course is known for its well-maintained conditions throughout the year, with a priority on the quality of greens and regular grooming.

Golfers visiting Gaylord Springs Golf Course can enjoy a range of amenities, on-site accommodations, and access to golf lessons and clinics for all skill levels. The vibrant golfing community at Gaylord Springs Golf Course hosts various golf events and tournaments, providing opportunities to connect and network.

Situated in Nashville, Tennessee, the course offers a picturesque and demanding golfing event with stunning scenery and scenic views. The design by Larry Nelson ensures that players of all levels can have an enjoyable testing round. The course’s Bermuda fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and the natural elevation changes provide a unique and scenic challenge. Additionally, the proximity to the Cumberland River adds to the overall ambiance.

Gaylord Springs Golf Course also boasts a top-notch practice facility, making it an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts.

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When you step onto the grounds of Mirimichi Golf Course in Memphis, Tennessee, you’ll immediately sense the commitment to quality and sustainability that sets this public golf course apart. Mirimichi prioritizes accuracy over length, offering a bold and strategic layout that demands precision in every shot. The course is meticulously maintained year-round, ensuring the quality of greens and excellent practice facilities for players. Additionally, golfers can take advantage of various amenities, including clubhouses with dining options, well-stocked pro shops, and on-site accommodations.

Mirimichi Golf Course fosters a vibrant golfing community, hosting a wide array of events and tournaments that provide opportunities for networking and socializing. This inclusive environment allows golf followers to connect, share experiences, and join social clubs and organizations. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, Mirimichi’s dedication to sustainability and quality has firmly established it as one of the top public golf courses in the state.

For those looking to improve their game, Mirimichi Golf Course offers access to top golf instructors and the latest golf equipment, ensuring an exceptional adventure for golfers of all levels.

Designed by Mark McCumber, Greystone Golf Club in Tennessee offers golfers a challenging and strategic course that prioritizes accuracy over length. The modern design of the course provides an excellent test for the best players, requiring precise shot-making and strategic course management. The Bermuda greens are meticulously maintained, ensuring a smooth and consistent putting surface for an exceptional golfing event.

The club offers excellent practice facilities, allowing golfers to hone their skills and improve their game.

Greystone Golf Club hosts various golf events and tournaments, attracting top talent and providing an opportunity for golf fans to witness high-level competition.

Located near Nashville, golfers can enjoy the vibrant city known for its music scene, honky tonks, and southern cuisine, making it an ideal destination for a golfing getaway.

Greystone Golf Club is affiliated with Amazon.com, making it convenient for golfers to find and purchase top-of-the-line equipment and apparel.

With its focus on precision and strategic play, Greystone Golf Club stands out as a premier golfing destination in Tennessee.

Nestled in Knoxville, Tennessee, Williams Creek Golf Course is renowned for its beautiful setting and demanding yet rewarding par-three layout. This new course has quickly gained popularity, offering golfers a unique and enjoyable encounter.

The course is meticulously maintained, with holes that play over water and feature steep runoffs and strategically placed bunkers, providing a test for golfers of all skill levels. Williams Creek is perfect for those seeking a quick round or wanting to work on their short game, as it offers true greens and well-maintained tee boxes.

The course’s amenities and beautiful surroundings make it an ideal location for a relaxing day of golf. Whether you’re a trained golfer or just starting out, Williams Creek Golf Course provides a memorable and enjoyable round of golf.

 

If you’re an avid golfer looking for a bold yet rewarding experience in Knoxville, Tennessee, Egwani Farms Golf Course is a must-visit destination.

This highly regarded course underwent extensive renovations in 2016 and prominently features a river that comes into play on seven holes.

Egwani Farms, a former agricultural land transformed into a golf course, is known for its highly regarded greens and optimal course conditions due to the state’s climate.

The vibrant golfing community at Egwani Farms Golf Course hosts various golf events and tournaments, providing a supportive and welcoming environment for players of all skill levels.

The course offers a range of amenities, including a clubhouse with dining options and pro shops, on-site accommodations, and excellent practice facilities for those looking to refine their skills.

Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, Egwani Farms Golf Course is one of the best public golf courses in the area, offering a demanding yet rewarding adventure for golfers of all skill levels.

The pride and joy of golf in Jefferson County is Patriot Hills Golf Club. 

Here, lush Bermuda fairways and greens are always in good shape and a pleasure to play from. 

The layout affords a unique mix of holes where elevation change has to be accounted for, and you’re asked to hit a variety of shots. 

A great value and an underrated experience, you can’t go wrong with a round at Patriot Hills.

Some of the best Tif Eagle Bermuda greens await players at Glen Eagle Golf Club.  If putting on pure surfaces sounds like fun, you can’t miss this place. 

Located in close proximity to Memphis, this course is easily accessible.

Even though it’s on a military base, civilians are welcome to come and play.

Even though I haven’t played here personally, I’ve heard nothing but good things.

 

The valley below the Clinch Mountains in Eastern Tennessee is home to some of the most beautiful country in the eastern part of the country. 

As scenic as this course is, it’s equally fun to play.  Both long and short holes offer you the chance to use every club in your bag.

The greens are notorious for being some of the fastest in the state.  Make sure you spend some time on the practice green before you head to the first tee. 

A classic design that’s sure to impress, you’ll have an enjoyable experience at Clinchview Golf Club.

Conclusion

The Volunteer State has something for everyone, even the non-golfer.  Along with all there is to see and experience however, the golf is second to none. 

Whatever your flavor of golf might be, you can find it in Tennessee.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this guide.  I couldn’t have done it on my own.  If there’s info or courses that I’m missing, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.