Knoxville is home to a mix of public and private golf courses that range from historic classics to challenging modern layouts.
The five best courses near Knoxville are Holston Hills Country Club, Willow Creek Golf Club, Egwani Farms Golf Course, Island Pointe Golf Club, and Three Ridges Golf Course—each offering a unique playing experience.
Keep reading for a closer look at what makes each course stand out.
Holston Hills Country Club – A Private Donald Ross Classic
Just east of downtown Knoxville, Holston Hills Country Club stands as one of the purest remaining examples of Donald Ross’s course architecture.
Built in 1927, it continues to offer a refined golf experience rooted in classic design and modern stewardship.
A Legacy Rooted in Classic Design
Designed nearly a century ago, Holston Hills remains true to Ross’s vision—emphasizing strategy over brute strength.
The course flows naturally with the land, using subtle elevation shifts and thoughtful routing rather than artificial features.
Wide fairways invite confident tee shots, but they demand strategic angles to approach the elevated, well-guarded greens.
Each green complex tells its own story, making every hole distinct without feeling out of place.
Despite its age, the course doesn’t play like a relic. In fact, it's remarkably well-preserved.
What makes Holston Hills truly special is how little it’s changed since Ross laid it out.
Many of the original contours, bunker placements, and green shapes remain intact, which is increasingly rare in today’s golf landscape.
Thoughtful Renovation, Not Reinvention
In June 2024, a major renovation project began under golf course architect Kris Spence.
The focus: bunker restoration and drainage improvements.
Rather than modernizing for the sake of aesthetics or difficulty, Spence’s approach was grounded in preserving Ross’s original design philosophy.
That meant restoring the strategic function of the bunkers—positioning them to challenge decision-making, not just punish mistakes.
These upgrades have improved playability and course conditions without altering the spirit of the design.
Improved drainage has also enhanced turf health, helping the Bermuda grass greens and fairways stay consistent throughout the season.
Course Specs That Speak for Themselves
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 7,082 yards from the back tees
- Course Rating: 73.6
- Slope: 130
- Greens: Bermuda
This setup offers a strong but fair test for low-handicap players while remaining enjoyable for mid-handicappers, especially those who appreciate classic shot values and variety.
Historic Tournament Pedigree
Holston Hills isn’t just a hidden gem—it has history. In the 1940s, it hosted the Knoxville Invitational, a PGA Tour event that brought elite players of the era to East Tennessee.
More recently, it’s been the site of the Korn Ferry Tour’s Visit Knoxville Open, attracting a new generation of professionals.
These events underscore the course’s credibility and challenge at the competitive level.
Amenities Beyond the Fairways
Off the course, Holston Hills provides a full country club experience:
- A spacious clubhouse with upscale dining and event spaces
- A fitness center with modern equipment and programming
- Aquatics facilities including a pool for recreation and lap swimming
- Well-maintained tennis courts
- Junior golf programs that introduce young players to the game in a structured, supportive setting
This mix makes the club appealing to both dedicated golfers and families looking for a broader lifestyle membership.
Membership and Access
Holston Hills is a private club, so play is limited to members and their guests.
If you're interested in joining, the first step is to submit a membership inquiry through the club’s official website.
They don’t publish pricing or tiers publicly, which is typical for private clubs in this category.
Who It’s Best For
Holston Hills is ideal if you’re a serious golfer who appreciates classic course design and values the pace and privacy that come with a private club.
It’s also a strong fit for those seeking a full-service country club experience with family-friendly amenities, professional service, and a strong golf culture.
Whether you’re chasing low scores or timeless design, Holston Hills delivers a playing experience that holds up across generations.
Willow Creek Golf Club – Public Golf with Private Club Quality
Located in Farragut, just west of Knoxville, Willow Creek Golf Club offers public access without sacrificing the feel of a private facility.
Known for its immaculate conditions and versatile layout, it’s a go-to for golfers who want a refined experience without committing to a membership.
A Course That Balances Challenge and Playability
Stretching 7,211 yards from the tips, Willow Creek plays as a true championship course with a course rating of 74.7 and a slope of 128.
The layout is thoughtfully designed to reward precision and course management, yet flexible enough to accommodate players of varying skill levels.
Champion Bermuda greens run quick and true, demanding a confident stroke and smart approach play.
The routing moves through a mix of open and wooded areas, with subtle elevation changes keeping things interesting without being physically punishing.
Water comes into play on several holes—notably in the form of streams and small lakes that border fairways or protect greens—making each hole feel distinct.
One standout is the fifth hole, where a narrow landing area is surrounded by two creeks, creating a risk-reward scenario that’s memorable and demanding.
It’s a great example of how the course leans on shot placement over brute power.
Practice Facilities and On-Site Amenities
Willow Creek is also known for its state-of-the-art practice area, one of the best in the region for public use. It includes:
- A large driving range with multiple target greens
- A dedicated short game area with a chipping green and practice bunker
- A smooth, well-maintained putting green that mirrors the speed of the on-course greens
The fully stocked pro shop carries high-end gear and apparel from top brands like Ping, Callaway, Titleist, Adidas, and FootJoy.
Whether you need a quick replacement or are upgrading your setup, you’ll find quality gear and helpful staff ready to assist.
Rates and Booking
Willow Creek adjusts its green fees seasonally, so pricing can vary depending on the time of year and day of the week.
While it doesn’t publish a full breakdown online, the most accurate way to confirm current rates is to visit their website or call the pro shop directly.
Tee times are available to the public, and early booking is recommended—especially on weekends and during peak seasons.
Who It’s Best For
This course is especially suited to intermediate and advanced golfers looking for a solid test of their game.
That said, multiple tee boxes allow newer players to enjoy the course without feeling overwhelmed.
If you're looking for a public course that plays and feels like a private club, Willow Creek is one of the best values in the Knoxville area.
Egwani Farms Golf Course – Accessible and Scenic Public Play
For golfers looking for an affordable round without giving up quality, Egwani Farms Golf Course in Rockford offers one of the most welcoming public golf experiences in the Knoxville area.
It combines scenic views, flexible tee options, and well-maintained conditions—all without the price tag or exclusivity of a private club.
A Course That Welcomes Everyone
With seven sets of tees, Egwani Farms is built to accommodate golfers at every level.
From the Gold tees, it plays 6,708 yards, but beginners and juniors can start as short as 4,600 yards.
This flexibility makes it especially popular among newer players, seniors, and families who want a relaxed but engaging round of golf.
The course’s layout favors natural flow over dramatic design, but that doesn’t mean it’s dull.
You’ll find just enough challenge to stay focused—particularly when the Little River comes into view.
Running alongside the property, the river is visible on at least seven holes, adding both beauty and strategic decision-making to your round.
Renovations That Matter
Egwani underwent a significant transformation in 2016, celebrating its 25th anniversary with updates aimed at elevating both form and function:
- New championship Bermuda greens for smoother, faster putting surfaces
- Billy-style bunkers for more consistent playability and improved drainage
- GPS-equipped carts for accurate yardages and better pace of play
- New cart paths to reduce wear and tear on the fairways
- 15 acres of natural fescue grass added for visual framing and increased challenge without narrowing play corridors
These updates brought the course up to date while keeping it accessible and enjoyable.
Practice Before You Play
If you like to warm up or work on your game, Egwani has you covered.
The practice facilities include a full driving range, a dedicated short game area, and a large putting green.
It’s a great space for sharpening your skills or introducing someone new to the game.
Rates and Value
One of the most attractive aspects of Egwani is its transparent and affordable pricing:
- $49 for 18 holes on weekdays (includes cart, range balls, and tax)
- $59 on weekends
- Senior rate (Monday–Friday): $41
- 9-hole and other discount options are also available—check their website for full details
For a course with modern features and a scenic layout, this kind of value is hard to beat.
Who It’s Best For
Egwani Farms is an ideal choice if you’re a casual golfer, a beginner, or just want a relaxed round without fuss.
It’s also perfect for locals who want solid conditions and consistent service without paying private club dues.
Whether you're playing 9 holes with friends or practicing before your next league round, Egwani offers a fun and flexible option that stays focused on the game.
Island Pointe Golf Club – The Most Challenging Public Course in East Tennessee
If you’re looking for a public course that pushes your game to its limits, Island Pointe Golf Club in Kodak stands out as the toughest test in the region.
Designed to challenge experienced players while delivering scenic riverfront views, this course is all about precision, course management, and mental stamina.
A Course Built for Challenge and Beauty
Island Pointe was designed by Arthur Hills, a name known for crafting demanding yet fair courses.
At 7,001 yards, with a course rating of 74.3 and an imposing slope of 146, it’s the most difficult public course in East Tennessee—especially from the back tees.
Every hole forces you to think ahead, balance risk and reward, and hit your targets under pressure.
But what makes it truly memorable is the setting.
The course stretches across 175 acres along the French Broad River, and it incorporates three actual island holes, giving players a rare and exciting visual experience.
These island features aren’t just for show—they affect strategy and often require forced carries over water.
Even if you’ve played tough tracks before, Island Pointe offers a fresh take on difficulty that’s grounded in natural design.
The Zoysia fairways are another strong feature, offering a smooth, cushioned feel underfoot and excellent lies for well-struck shots.
Combined with tightly mown approaches and tricky green complexes, every aspect of the course encourages quality shotmaking.
Prepare Before You Play
Because of its difficulty, Island Pointe isn't a course where you want to start cold.
Fortunately, the practice facilities are well-equipped to get you ready. The site includes:
- A spacious driving range
- Short game areas for chipping and bunker play
- A putting green that matches the on-course speeds
- PGA instruction is available on-site if you're looking to tune up your swing or prep for competitive play
Whether you're heading out for a tournament or just trying to lower your handicap, the instruction and warm-up areas give you a head start.
Who It’s Best For
Island Pointe is designed for scratch golfers, low-handicappers, and competitive amateurs who want to be tested on every shot.
That doesn’t mean higher-handicap players can’t enjoy it, but you’ll need to play from the appropriate tees and stay patient throughout your round.
It’s also a great destination round if you’re visiting the Knoxville area and want a memorable challenge on a public track.
Between its riverside views, elite-level difficulty, and strong practice amenities, Island Pointe delivers an unforgettable experience for those who want more than just a casual round.
Three Ridges Golf Course – A Local Favorite with Championship Feel
Just a short drive northeast of downtown Knoxville, Three Ridges Golf Course has built a strong reputation as one of the area’s most dependable and enjoyable public tracks.
Whether you're a local regular or a visitor passing through, this course delivers a polished, well-maintained layout that appeals to a broad range of golfers.
A Thoughtful Design That Balances Challenge and Enjoyment
Opened in 1991 and designed by Ault, Clark & Associates, Three Ridges was built with both variety and flow in mind.
At 7,035 yards from the Black tees, the course plays to a Par 72 with a rating of 73.2 and a slope of 128, offering enough difficulty to challenge lower handicaps without overwhelming mid-level players.
The design offers a satisfying rhythm. A few holes let you open up with the driver, especially early in the round, while others tighten up with doglegs, tree-lined fairways, or elevated green complexes that require more finesse.
It’s not overly penal, but it does reward good decision-making and consistent execution.
Smooth Greens and Reliable Conditions
The Bentgrass greens at Three Ridges are known for their true roll and consistent speed, particularly in spring and fall when turf conditions are at their best.
Paired with Bermuda grass fairways, which handle traffic and weather well, the course maintains solid playing conditions throughout the year.
Maintenance is clearly a priority here. Tees and bunkers are clean, pace of play is generally reasonable, and the entire layout feels well cared for—a key reason it’s consistently recommended by Knoxville locals.
Ideal for Reliable, Repeat Play
Three Ridges is especially popular with mid- to low-handicap golfers who want a quality round without the higher costs associated with resort or private courses.
That said, the course's range of tee options and manageable rough make it a good fit for improving players, too.
Its accessible location and public status also make it a smart option for out-of-town golfers, especially those looking to fill a day without booking far in advance.
Whether you’re practicing for tournament season or just want a casual Saturday round with friends, Three Ridges delivers value and consistency.
A Trusted Public Option in Knoxville
For those who live in or regularly visit Knoxville, Three Ridges is the kind of course that keeps you coming back.
It doesn’t rely on gimmicks or dramatic scenery—it wins players over with solid routing, fair challenge, and the kind of playability that holds up well over time.
Conclusion
Knoxville offers a diverse range of golf experiences, from historic private clubs to challenging public layouts.
Whether you're after classic design, scenic river views, or a reliable local round, there's a course here to match your game.
Use this guide to find the one that fits your playing style and schedule best.
