Our time in Tennessee has been spent playing golf. We’ve also discovered some amazing golf options in Tennessee. This is the ranking of Tennessee’s public and semi-private courses.
- Toqua Golf CourseToqua Golf Club is blessed with great golfers who can expect to be able to use all their clubs. You may need to play a few tight holes on the front nine, so it is worth using an iron off of the tee. The back nine boasts some spectacular views overlooking the lake at holes 14 and 15. Although there isn’t much undulation, the greens have enough challenge for those who are serious about their approach shots. There is only one course in Tennessee. Toqua is a long course from the tips. There are par 4s like hole 9 which will require you make great drives off the tee in order to reach the green in two shots. From the tips, hole 3 is 200 yards long and takes you to the large green. If the flag is to the right of the green it can make par difficult.
- Sevierville Golf Club River CourseSevierville has now 36 holes of golf. While there have been some improvements to the course we still see an exceptional course with unique challenges for every hole, from tee-to-green. The River Course is appropriately named. It features water on approximately 80% of the holes, with high greens that drop sharply into the water. Three through five holes are situated on an island that runs along the river. This makes it difficult to hit the ball accurately across the hazards. The Highlands Course is similar to holes 11-14. Holes 13 and 14 offer a shot at a green with a drop-down, a distance of 185 yards.
- Heatherhurst BraeThe most daunting hole with an approach shot across water to a green halfway surrounded by water. Heatherhurst’s unique features include Zoysia grass, which is easy to hit off, and par-3s with long lengths that are long enough even when playing from white tees. The course features everything, from beautiful scenery and elevation changes to holes with water features such as the par 5, number 10, hole. Heatherhurst has a stunning view of the Cumberland Plateau, with beautiful fairways and challenging greens.
- River Islands Golf ClubThis is one of the most unusual golf courses you will find in Tennessee. The intimidating par three hole Hole 3 requires golfers to hit diagonally across the French Broad River in order to reach a green. This is the point where you will find yourself on one the island’s in the river. You won’t be able to return to the mainland till the 17th. River Islands, like Heatherhurst has carpet-like fairways that feature Zoysiagrass. This course is great for hitting off. But be aware you will need to hit the ball well from tee and green in order to get well. River Islands, a links-style course with some smaller greens can prove difficult. If you’re visiting Tennessee, this course should be on your list.
- Rarity Pointe golf courseOur opinion is that this course has the hardest courses in Tennessee. It features dramatic elevation changes, including hole No. 2 par 4. 2 par 4. Rarity’s par-3s are all long and feature sand traps, which have beautifully contoured fairways. It is in excellent condition and the fairways are very forgiving. However, it requires a lot of long iron play.
- Hermitage Golf Course President’s ReservationHermitage President’s Reserve is a challenging course for any level of golfer. It features holes close to the Cumberland River as well as natural wetlands. President’s Reserve, one of Nashville’s most popular golf courses, has an amazing layout. You will be using every club in your bag throughout the round. Golf Digest has named President’s Reserve one of the best 10 courses in Tennessee.
- Bear Trace, Harrison BayIt is the most beautiful land track we’ve ever seen. Chickamauga Lake runs alongside the course, giving 12 holes the opportunity to reach the water. Bear Trace features some densely wooded areas. The water is not visible from most holes. You will be back for more rounds here because of the great views and excellent conditions.
- Kahite Golf CourseA links-style course featuring a par 6, hole 9. It is a fairly wide course, but it does present some challenges with the length of the greens. The elevated greens are also well-guarded by 90 bunkers. Kahite’s tee boxes and layout are in excellent shape.
- Cattails Golf CourseCattails is located in the shadows Bays Mountain’s scenic mountain range. It has six lakes, a number of bunkers and putting greens, and a gentle rolling terrain. This par-71 course features several par-5s that are risky but rewarding on the back nine. It also boasts many beautiful holes that challenge any level of golfer. Given the numerous cattail plants found along many holes that have water, the course’s name makes sense.
- Gaylord Springs Golf CourseGaylord Springs, a par 72 Scottish Links course, is located along the Cumberland River and features scenic limestone bluffs. This challenging course has played host to Champions Tour events, and it has received numerous awards for its superior quality. Hole 4, which houses a 100-year-old springhouse, is the signature hole of this course. There are many water hazards on some of its holes. Enjoyable play on this 220-acre venue will be provided by tree-lined fairways, risk-reward and holes.
We ranked each golf course by weighing the layout of golf courses 70% and the conditions 30%.