If you're looking for the best golf courses near Pigeon Forge, TN, you'll find five standout public options within a 30-mile radius—each offering its own mix of scenery, layout, and playing style.
The top picks include Gatlinburg Golf Course, The Sevierville Golf Club, Creekside Golf Course, Bent Creek Golf Course, and Dandridge Golf & Country Club.
Keep reading for a closer look at what makes each course worth your time.
Gatlinburg Golf Course – Dramatic Drops Just Minutes from Downtown
Despite what the name suggests, Gatlinburg Golf Course is actually located right in Pigeon Forge, making it one of the most convenient courses for visitors staying in the area.
With mountain views, thrilling elevation shifts, and a layout that welcomes a range of skill levels, this course strikes a solid balance between scenic enjoyment and strategic challenge.
A Pigeon Forge Course, Not Gatlinburg
The name often throws people off, but this 18-hole public course sits just about a mile from downtown Pigeon Forge, right off Dollywood Lane.
It’s incredibly accessible whether you’re heading out for a full round or squeezing in nine holes before other plans.
Its location also puts it within easy reach of Dollywood and nearby attractions, so it fits well into a packed day without requiring much of a detour.
The “Sky Hi” Experience
One of the most talked-about features of this course is the signature hole—Sky Hi, a par 3 that drops nearly 200 feet from the tee box to the green.
This 194-yard hole not only challenges your distance control and club selection, but it also offers a moment you’ll want to pause and take in.
The dramatic vertical drop and panoramic mountain backdrop make it one of the most memorable shots you’ll find in the region.
It’s a visual and technical highlight that players of all levels appreciate for different reasons—whether it’s a photo op, a brag-worthy par, or simply a unique playing experience.
Who It’s Best For
Gatlinburg Golf Course sits in a moderate difficulty range. That means:
- Casual players can enjoy the forgiving fairways and well-paced layout without feeling overwhelmed.
- Seasoned golfers will find the elevation changes and green placements engaging enough to keep things interesting.
- It’s a good choice if you want a mix of challenge and relaxation, rather than a course that leans too hard in either direction.
This course works especially well for groups with mixed skill levels, where everyone can have a good time without too much pressure.
Scenic Value and Course Condition
Scenery is one of this course’s biggest strengths.
The rolling hills, Smoky Mountain views, and elevated tee shots give you plenty to look at between swings.
Reviewers have called out the mountain backdrops and distinct hole layouts as standout features.
In terms of maintenance, Golf Digest panelists gave the course a 3.3-star rating, which reflects solid upkeep but not quite top-tier polish.
You can expect a clean, playable course, though conditions may vary slightly with weather and season.
If you’re expecting tournament-level grooming, this might not be it—but for a public course at this location and price point, it delivers consistent value.
The Sevierville Golf Club – Championship Golf with Two Distinct Layouts
Just a short drive from Pigeon Forge, The Sevierville Golf Club stands out for offering two full 18-hole courses, each with its own unique feel.
This setup gives golfers a chance to switch things up without leaving the same facility, making it a great option for return visits or full-day play.
Two Courses, Two Very Different Rounds
The River Course and the Highlands Course offer completely different experiences, which is a big part of this club’s appeal.
The River Course lives up to its name, with holes laid out alongside the Little Pigeon River.
It’s flat, scenic, and flows gently, making it a great choice if you're in the mood for a smooth, steady round with plenty of water views.
In contrast, the Highlands Course shifts the rhythm entirely. It’s hillier, more wooded, and demands more thought with each shot.
This is where you’ll find elevation changes, tighter fairways, and a bit more bite overall. It’s not punishing, but it’s a clear step up in complexity compared to the River Course.
Golfers often appreciate having both options—playing a relaxed round one day and something more strategic the next.
Who This Course Setup Works For
If you like variety in your golf experience, this is one of the most rewarding places to play near Pigeon Forge. It’s especially ideal if:
- You’re golfing multiple days and want different styles of play.
- You’re playing in a group with different experience levels—there’s room for everyone to enjoy their game.
- You value scenic design but don’t want to sacrifice structure or course management.
The dual-course format makes The Sevierville Golf Club feel less like a one-time stop and more like a local hub you’ll want to return to.
Consistent Course Conditions and Reputation
One of the standout aspects of this club is how well the courses are maintained.
Local players and out-of-town visitors often point to the greens’ condition and the professionalism of the facilities as reasons they return.
You can expect a well-kept environment, from the tee boxes to the fairways, no matter which course you’re on.
The overall layout, signage, and amenities are on par with what you’d expect from a more upscale private club, even though this is a fully public facility.
It consistently earns praise for being one of the cleaner, better-managed golf experiences in the region.
Easy to Reach from Pigeon Forge
Located in nearby Sevierville, the club is only about 7 miles from Pigeon Forge, which typically translates to a 10- to 15-minute drive depending on traffic.
That short distance makes it an easy choice whether you’re planning a morning round before other activities or setting aside a full afternoon for golf.
Its proximity means you won’t have to worry about carving out too much of your schedule just for travel.
If you’re staying in or around Pigeon Forge and want options that go beyond a single course layout, The Sevierville Golf Club offers both flexibility and quality in one spot.
Creekside Golf Course – Relaxed and Affordable for Everyday Play
If you're more interested in a calm, no-pressure round than a championship-level challenge, Creekside Golf Course in Seymour is a refreshing alternative.
About 15 miles from Pigeon Forge, this public course caters to locals and casual players who want solid play without the crowds or high prices.
A Chill Golfing Experience Without the Frills
Creekside isn’t trying to be flashy—and that’s part of its charm.
The atmosphere is casual, with a friendly staff that treats regulars and first-timers alike with the same welcoming tone.
It’s the kind of course where you can show up, swing your clubs, and enjoy a peaceful round without worrying about dress codes or high-stakes competition.
This makes it a great fit for players who:
- Want to practice their game in a low-stress environment
- Prefer to avoid the more crowded, tourist-heavy courses
- Are looking for an affordable, consistent place to play
The vibe is definitely more “local hangout” than “destination golf,” and that works well for anyone who’s in town for a longer stay or looking for a quick round before dinner.
What Players Are Saying
Yelp reviews consistently highlight two things: well-kept greens and the hospitality of the staff.
For a smaller course, Creekside gets positive marks for how consistently playable the grounds are.
You won’t find elaborate landscaping or multi-tiered greens, but the surfaces are clean, the pace of play is usually smooth, and you won’t have to battle large groups or tour buses to get a tee time.
Many reviewers also note that the course feels laid-back in the best way—it's rarely crowded, the pace is unhurried, and there’s room to enjoy the game without being rushed.
Worth the Drive for the Right Kind of Golfer
While Creekside is about 15 miles from Pigeon Forge, the drive is often a fair trade-off for the quieter atmosphere and lower price point.
If you're someone who values pace, approachability, and familiarity over prestige or dramatic views, this course could easily become your go-to spot in the area.
It might not have the name recognition or signature holes of other courses nearby, but what it does offer is consistency, comfort, and a relaxing round of golf without the fuss.
For everyday play, that’s hard to beat.
Bent Creek Golf Course – Gary Player-Designed with Smoky Mountain Views
Tucked into the hills of Gatlinburg, about 12 miles from Pigeon Forge, Bent Creek Golf Course offers a carefully crafted playing experience that blends natural beauty with technical precision.
Designed by golf legend Gary Player, this 18-hole public course is a favorite for players looking for a scenic round that still demands thoughtful shot selection.
A Course of Two Halves
Bent Creek is known for its distinct front and back nines, which deliver very different rhythms of play.
The front nine runs along a peaceful valley, with wider fairways and gentler slopes that let you ease into the round.
It's ideal for warming up, building confidence, or just soaking in the serene Smoky Mountain setting.
The back nine, on the other hand, climbs into the wooded hills and introduces more complexity.
Elevation changes, tighter landing zones, and more strategic hazards make this section of the course a more cerebral test.
If you're someone who enjoys adjusting your strategy as the round goes on, this layout keeps things interesting from start to finish.
Scenic and Strategic by Design
The course design doesn’t just work with the landscape—it highlights it.
Bent Creek leverages its surroundings to enhance the experience, offering elevated tees with sweeping views and downhill holes that play with both sightlines and club selection.
But it’s not all about aesthetics. The course presents plenty of shot-shaping opportunities, and the hillier terrain of the back nine can turn an average round into something more memorable—and demanding.
This mix of beauty and challenge is part of what makes the course stand out.
It feels intentional, as you’d expect from a Gary Player design, with a clear flow and pacing that rewards smart play over brute strength.
A Better Fit for Experienced Players
While the front nine is accessible for most golfers, the back nine leans more toward the intermediate to advanced range.
Players who thrive on club management, strategic positioning, and reading greens will find plenty to enjoy here.
It's not punishing for casual golfers, but higher handicappers may feel more comfortable sticking to the front or taking the round a bit slower.
That said, even if you’re newer to the game, the course's well-marked layout and natural guidance through each hole make it manageable—as long as you're up for a bit of a challenge in the second half.
The Journey Adds to the Experience
The drive from Pigeon Forge to Bent Creek is about 12 miles, but it winds through scenic routes that make it feel more like part of the day than just transportation.
Many golfers appreciate the peaceful lead-up to their round and often pair their visit with time spent in Gatlinburg afterward.
If you're seeking a course with character, variety, and a touch of challenge, Bent Creek is well worth the short trip.
It’s especially rewarding for golfers who want more than just a basic round—this is a place to engage with the course, enjoy the views, and walk away having actually played the game, not just hit balls.
Dandridge Golf & Country Club – 27 Holes with Lake and Mountain Views
For those willing to venture a bit farther from Pigeon Forge, Dandridge Golf & Country Club offers a well-rounded golf experience with beautiful scenery and flexible course options.
Located about 30 miles east, this public facility caters to players who value space, variety, and a more relaxed pace of play.
More Than 18 Holes—A 27-Hole Advantage
What sets Dandridge apart is its 27-hole layout, split across three distinct 9-hole courses.
This format gives you multiple playing combinations—whether you're in the mood for a standard 18 or want to mix things up on a return visit.
The rotation options not only keep the game fresh but also help reduce wait times, since players aren’t all funneled onto the same track.
It’s an especially useful setup for:
- Regulars who want new challenges without leaving the club
- Visitors staying in the area for multiple days
- Groups looking for flexibility without sacrificing quality
Each 9-hole segment offers a slightly different feel, but all benefit from thoughtful design and consistent upkeep.
Year-Round Play and Strong Value
Unlike some courses that shut down or scale back during colder months, Dandridge stays open year-round, making it a dependable choice no matter when you’re visiting.
Its reputation among locals and frequent travelers comes down to one core factor: value.
You’ll get well-maintained greens, scenic backdrops, and steady course conditions without the elevated pricing you might find closer to tourist hubs.
This makes Dandridge a smart pick for golfers who want quality but aren’t looking to overpay for it.
It’s not flashy, but it performs well where it counts—playability, pace, and upkeep.
Peaceful Play Away from the Crowds
Because of its location farther from the Pigeon Forge-Gatlinburg corridor, Dandridge tends to be less congested, especially on weekdays.
That makes it an ideal option if you’re hoping to escape the crowd-heavy courses closer to town.
The views here also add to the sense of calm, with stretches that overlook Douglas Lake and the Smoky Mountains, giving the course a wide-open feel that’s both relaxing and immersive.
Golfers who enjoy wide fairways, fresh air, and a bit more breathing room between tee times often find themselves coming back.
Is It Worth the 30-Mile Drive?
That depends on what kind of round you're looking for.
If you’re after high traffic, signature holes, or intense elevation changes, you might be happier sticking closer to Pigeon Forge.
But if you have a half day to spare and want a laid-back, scenic round with flexibility and room to play, Dandridge is easily worth the trip.
The drive itself takes about 40–45 minutes, depending on traffic, and winds through scenic parts of eastern Tennessee that can feel like part of the golf experience.
For players looking to make a full day of golf—maybe with a stop at the lake or local eateries afterward—this course offers more than just a change of pace.
It gives you options, space, and views, all at a price that respects your time and wallet.
Conclusion
Whether you’re after mountain views, technical challenges, or a laid-back round, the golf courses near Pigeon Forge offer something for every type of player.
From quick-access spots like Gatlinburg Golf Course to the wider range of options at Dandridge, each course brings its own strengths.
Try a few during your stay to find the one that fits your pace and playing style best.
