In the rolling hills of Tennessee, golf courses beckon with their lush fairways and storied greens. Golfing is one of the most popular things to do in Tennessee for many reasons, but its great golf courses and agreeable climate—which enables golf nearly year-round—top the list. Discover venues where PGA Tour pros compete, spots ideal for fun outings, and hidden courses with breathtaking views. Prepare for a golf adventure steeped in Southern hospitality and natural splendor that sheds light on what makes each Tennessee golf course worth a visit, from history and design to the full suite of their offerings.

Highlights of Golf in Tennessee

• Tennessee offers a diversity of golf experiences for all skill levels, featuring prestigious venues like TPC Southwind and hidden gems such as Sweetens Cove, each with unique layouts and natural beauty.
• Tennessee’s rich golfing heritage is evident from its historic courses in Nashville, which have deep cultural roots, to the luxury amenities found in clubs like The Governors Club in Brentwood, catering to upscale, social environments.
• Golf clubs in Tennessee not only provide spectacular play but also focus on game enhancement through state-of-the-art practice facilities, professional coaching, and hosting a variety of tournaments for both amateur and professional players.

10 Best Golf Courses in Tennessee

Tennessee’s golfing tapestry is woven with a variety of courses that beckon golfers of every skill level. Each course tells a tale of golfing artistry and passion, from the wide-ranging courses in Davidson County to the Jack Nicklaus-designed Spring Creek Ranch in Collierville. Whether you’re meticulously reviewing the top public golf courses or seeking your next adventure on picturesque back tees, Tennessee’s diverse selection promises a memorable experience.

For your journey through the best golf courses in Tennessee, here are some to get you started:

• The Honors Course (Ooltewah)
• Spring Creek Ranch (Collierville)
• Hermitage - President's Reserve (Old Hickory)
• Gaylord Springs (Nashville)
• Sweetens Cove (South Pittsburg)
• Black Creek Club (Chattanooga)
• Holston Hills (Knoxville)
• Mirimichi (Millington)
• GreyStone (Dickson)
• Fairfield Glade Resort - Heatherhurst Brae (Fairfield Glade)

Championship Courses in Tennessee

For the serious golfer, the call of championship golf is answered with prestigious venues like TPC Southwind and GreyStone. TPC Southwind, a private jewel in Memphis, is renowned for its competitive spirit and the challenges it presents. GreyStone is another marvel designed by Mark McCumber and Mike Beebe in the Dickson community in central Tennessee. GreyStone offers a layout that tests your mettle and rewards precision.

Stonehenge Golf Club’s accolade as the second-best course you can play in Tennessee by Golfweek Magazine is a testament to its top-tier status and the allure it holds for those seeking a premier golfing destination.

Hidden Gems on the Fairways

Beyond the well-trodden paths lie hidden treasures like Sweetens Cove and The Course at Sewanee, where unique layouts are nestled amidst stunning natural beauty. Sweetens Cove, a short drive from Chattanooga, and The Course at Sewanee, renovated by the esteemed Gil Hanse, provide captivating experiences that resonate with the soul of every golfer.

Island Pointe Golf Course in Knoxville challenges players with a layout integrated into the winding French Broad River, offering a serene backdrop and varied tees to accommodate all who wish to play.

Family-Friendly Golf Clubs

For families, clubs like Temple Hills Country Club and Hillwood Country Club open their arms, offering activities and amenities that delight members of all ages. In Franklin, Temple Hills invites you to enjoy its 27-hole course, tennis, swimming pool, and dining options that make every visit a cherished family memory. In Nashville’s Hillwood Estates neighborhood, Hillwood Country Club offers indoor and outdoor tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness facilities, and a social calendar full of events.

Old Hickory, Belle Meade, and Old Natchez Country Clubs also cater to families with various leisure amenities. Meanwhile, Troubadour Golf & Field Club extends the luxury experience with world-class dining, live music, and outdoor adventures.

A Tour of Middle Tennessee's Finest Clubs

Middle Tennessee is a haven for golf enthusiasts, boasting prestigious clubs like Troubadour Golf & Field Club and Temple Hills Country Club. At Troubadour Golf & Field Club in the College Grove community near Nashville, members are treated to a championship golf course and multiple music venues, blending the state’s rich musical legacy with the love of golf.

In Franklin, Temple Hills Country Club stands as a beacon of golfing excellence, adding to the geographical diversity and the allure of Middle Tennessee’s golf scene.

Golfing in Nashville: A City With a Rich Golfing Heritage

Nashville’s top golf courses are testaments to the city’s golfing heritage, deeply embedded in its culture, with clubs like Nashville Golf & Athletic Club dating back to the 1770s. This club offers stunning views of the Tennessee countryside and provides a playing experience where holes are kept separate, ensuring a serene game without interference. Sports Illustrated named the par-3 sixth hole one of the “Great 18 Holes in America”, a fitting accolade for a course with such a storied history in the Nashville area.

Moreover, Gaylord Springs’ legacy of hosting the Champions Tour for nearly a decade echoes the city’s ongoing commitment to golfing excellence.

Brentwood's Exclusive Golf Sanctuaries

Brentwood’s exclusive sanctuaries, like The Governors Club and Brentwood Country Club, epitomize luxury and create a social environment that is second to none. The Governors Club offers:

• An exquisite 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature course
• A swimming center
• Tennis courts
• A fitness center

These amenities offer luxury and opulence, which are fitting features of a club in one of Tennessee’s most expensive cities. Upscale dining options and a vibrant social milieu further enhance The Governors Club’s allure.

Brentwood Country Club is celebrated for its rich social fabric.

Tee Off with Spectacular Views

Tennessee golf courses are a feast for the senses, known for their aesthetic appeal and the stunning designs that range from the historic works of Donald Ross to the modern creations of Tom Fazio and Jack Nicklaus.

Cumberland Plateau's Majestic Fairways

The Cumberland Plateau’s majestic fairways, like those at Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain, are a testament to Tennessee's scenic beauty and its courses’ remarkable designs. With landscapes adorned by native woodland and mountainous terrain, Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain provides golfers with panoramic views that elevate the game to a sublime encounter with nature.

The prestige of playing on a Jack Nicklaus-designed course adds to the allure, promising an unforgettable and challenging round of golf.

Fairfield Glade's Picturesque Golf Retreats

The picturesque golf retreats in Fairfield Glade—located a two-hour drive east of Downtown Nashville—such as Stonehenge and Heatherhurst, offer more than just a round of golf; they provide an escape into nature’s canvas. Stonehenge Golf Club captivates with its natural rock formations and the dramatic 15-foot layered stone retaining wall that frames the par-3 14th hole. Heatherhurst Golf Course’s varied back nine offers a compelling challenge with undulating fairways and strategic bunkers that call for creativity and skill. Both courses, designed by Joe Lee and Gary Roger Baird, showcase the distinctive elements that make Fairfield Glade a must-visit golfing retreat.

Enhancing Your Game: Golf Amenities and Instruction

One of the most popular things to do with kids in Tennessee is teaching and learning the game of golf, and clubs such as Vanderbilt Legends Club and Brentwood Country Club go above and beyond by providing facilities like practice areas, fitness centers, pools, and various dining options to complement the golfing experience.

Furthermore, improvements like Stonehenge Golf Club's bunker renewal and the expansive indoor and outdoor facilities of The Golf Performance Center at Westhaven show a commitment to high standards and player satisfaction.

State-of-the-Art Practice Facilities

Westhaven’s Golf Performance Center and The River Club Golf & Learning Center in Clarksville lead the way with advanced tools and dedicated practice areas designed for skill improvement. Whether you’re using TrackMan technology in the covered practice bays at Westhaven—one of Franklin’s best golf courses—or practicing your short game at The River Club’s dedicated areas, these facilities provide the resources for golfers to refine their techniques and gain confidence on the course.

Professional Golf Coaching

In addition to world-class facilities, select clubs in Tennessee offer the invaluable opportunity for personalized coaching with experienced PGA professionals. At Westhaven, PGA teaching professionals employ advanced tools like the TrackMan Radar System and V1 Video System to tailor instruction to each golfer’s needs, ensuring a personalized approach to improving one’s game.

Golf Events and Tournaments in Tennessee

The golfing spirit in Tennessee is further enriched by various events and tournaments catering to amateur and professional players, thanks to organizations like the Tennessee Golf Association and the Tennessee Golf Foundation. From the Chattanooga Classic at Council Fire Club to the Tri-Cities Four-Ball at Pine Oaks Golf Club, these gatherings showcase the state’s commitment to fostering a vibrant golfing community.

Prestigious Golf Tournaments

Acclaimed courses like TPC Southwind, The Honors Course, and Vanderbilt Legends Club serve as stages for prestigious tournaments that draw golfers from near and far. The Honors Course, designed by Pete Dye, has been a highly-ranked championship venue since its opening, and annual tournaments like the Chattanooga Classic and the Brainerd Invitational continue to build on Tennessee’s rich tournament legacy.

Social Golfing Events

Tennessee also plays host to social golfing events like the Mayor’s Golf Classic and the Brainerd Invitational, which contribute to the communal golfing experience.

Organizations such as Chicks with Clubs and A Perfect Swing Golf Group offer:

• Playful games
• Social meetups
• A sense of community
• Opportunities for friendly competition and social interaction

The Allure of Golf Club Memberships

The allure of a golf club membership in Tennessee extends far beyond the fairways. With various options available, memberships serve golfers of all skill levels, playing frequencies, and budgets, facilitating social interactions and opening doors to a diverse community of golfers.

Access to Premier Facilities

Membership at clubs like The Grove in Nashville grants access to an array of first-class amenities ranging from a Greg Norman signature course to equestrian facilities and family events. Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club in Hendersonville and Richland Country Club in the exclusive Forest Hills area offer facilities such as swimming, tennis, fitness centers, and multiple dining options, ensuring that each member’s experience is as luxurious as it is complete.

Full membership tiers often include unlimited access to golf courses, priority tee times, and all other club amenities, providing a comprehensive suite of benefits that enhance the membership experience.

Network Benefits and Privileges

At Temple Hills Country Club, the benefits of membership include:

• Reciprocal playing rights at over 300 affiliated clubs within the ClubCorp network
• Diverse golfing experiences
• Business networking opportunities
• Strengthened community ties
• Being part of a larger, interconnected golfing family

This access enhances the value of being a member and allows you to experience a rich tapestry of golfing venues.

Hitting the Links in Tennessee

As we reflect on the journey through Tennessee’s golfing landscape, it’s clear that the state offers a variety of golfing experiences that resonate with players of all levels. From the championship courses that test the mettle of the most serious golfers to the family-friendly clubs that welcome all ages with open arms, the pristine golf courses throughout Tennessee’s best cities are a testament to the beauty and diversity of the game. With the added benefits of club memberships that offer access to premier facilities and invaluable networking opportunities, Tennessee stands out as an essential destination for every golfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of the Golf Club of Tennessee?

The Golf Club of Tennessee originated in the 1980s when businessmen Toby Wilt and George Gillett aimed to establish a high-quality golf club near Nashville, leading to the acquisition of a property in rural Cheatham County.

How much does it cost to join The Governors Club in Brentwood, Tennessee?

The cost to join The Governors Club varies depending on the membership level. The Full Golf Membership requires a $25,000 non-refundable initiation fee and $790 in monthly dues.

Are there any golf courses in Tennessee that are particularly family-friendly?

Yes, Tennessee has many family-friendly golf clubs, including Temple Hills Country Club, Hillwood Country Club, and Old Natchez Country Club, offering activities and amenities suitable for all ages.