Tennessee offers golfers a mix of scenic beauty and challenging play, making it an ideal destination for public courses.
The top public golf courses in the state are Hermitage Golf Course – President’s Reserve, Sweetens Cove, Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain, GreyStone Golf Club, and Sevierville Golf Club’s Highlands Course.
Keep reading for a closer look at what makes each of these courses stand out.
Hermitage Golf Course – President’s Reserve (Old Hickory, TN)
Hermitage Golf Course’s President’s Reserve offers one of the most highly acclaimed golfing experiences in Tennessee, drawing in players with its scenic location along the Cumberland River and a challenging design by renowned architect Denis Griffiths.
This par-72, 7,157-yard course provides a layout that challenges golfers of all levels with strategic play amid stunning natural beauty.
Course Overview
Recognized as one of Tennessee’s top public courses, President’s Reserve has been praised by both the PGA and Golf Digest for its meticulous design and consistent quality.
The course’s setting by the Cumberland River enhances its appeal, blending challenging play with peaceful, picturesque surroundings.
With each hole designed to offer a unique experience, the course invites both seasoned and recreational golfers to enjoy a balanced mix of difficulty and reward.
Features & Design
The design of President’s Reserve focuses on precision and skill, with narrow fairways and carefully placed water hazards and bunkers that demand strategic shot-making.
The greens are maintained to a high standard, creating a smooth and consistent playing surface that requires thoughtful putting.
Advanced players will find the course's complexity rewarding, while beginners can still enjoy a round that gradually builds their skills.
For example, the water hazards are strategically placed to make each hole distinct, giving golfers the challenge of navigating around these obstacles without overpowering the layout.
Additionally, the fairways are often flanked by mature trees, adding an extra layer of difficulty for players who value accuracy over distance.
What Sets It Apart
President’s Reserve has earned its place as a top course in the state due to its blend of scenic riverside views and challenging design.
Regularly ranked by both PGA and Golf Digest, it stands out for combining a memorable natural setting with an intelligently crafted course that keeps golfers coming back.
The harmony between its beautiful surroundings and demanding layout makes it a course that appeals to players who seek both relaxation and a serious test of skill.
Tips for Golfers
For the best experience at President’s Reserve, plan a visit during late spring or early fall when the weather and course conditions are at their peak, and crowds are typically lighter.
As you play, pay close attention to the narrow fairways, which can make accuracy a priority over power.
Water hazards, while picturesque, can catch even seasoned players off guard, so take extra care on holes where they are most prominent.
Finally, practice putting on the practice green before teeing off to get a feel for the green speeds, which can be fast and require a careful touch.
Sweetens Cove Golf Club (South Pittsburg, TN)
Sweetens Cove Golf Club has earned a reputation as one of the most unique golfing destinations in Tennessee, drawing in golfers nationwide for its unconventional nine-hole layout and strategic course design.
The brainchild of architects Tad King and Rob Collins, Sweetens Cove showcases creativity in both layout and play style, making it a favorite among players who appreciate innovative course architecture.
Course Overview
Sweetens Cove is celebrated for its distinctive nine-hole layout, which allows players to experience each hole in multiple configurations, providing a fresh and varied challenge with every round.
Designed to prioritize thoughtful shot placement over raw power, Sweetens Cove emphasizes strategy at every turn.
The course’s minimalist layout includes natural elements and subtle elevation changes, creating an environment where precision and planning take center stage.
This focus on architecture and strategy has given the course a cult-like following, with golfers returning for the unique experience and the opportunity to play a round that’s both challenging and rewarding.
Features & Design
The course’s design reflects an emphasis on high-quality greens and flexible hole configurations, with each hole crafted to be played from different angles.
This flexibility keeps the experience dynamic and caters to golfers who enjoy experimenting with varied shots and approaches.
The greens are known for their exceptional quality, maintained to create smooth, consistent play that rewards accuracy and skill.
Rather than focusing on punitive rough or water hazards, Sweetens Cove uses bunkers, undulating fairways, and precise green contours to present challenges.
Players are encouraged to take calculated risks, as the course design often favors creative shot-making over straightforward play.
What Sets It Apart
Sweetens Cove stands out for its innovation in course architecture and its ability to cultivate a passionate following.
Recognized nationally as a “must-visit” course, it has become a pilgrimage site for enthusiasts who appreciate its blend of strategic depth and aesthetic appeal.
Unlike traditional courses, Sweetens Cove offers a flexible layout that encourages multiple rounds, each with a unique feel, allowing golfers to fully explore the strategic nuances of the design.
Its approach to playability makes it especially appealing to those who value the artistry of the game.
Tips for Golfers
To make the most of your time at Sweetens Cove, consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds, as the course’s popularity can lead to high demand.
Approach each hole with an open mind and be prepared to think outside the box; the course rewards creativity, and a strategic approach often leads to the best results.
If possible, plan for multiple rounds to experience the full range of hole configurations, and take advantage of practice time on the greens, as their speed and precision can require an extra level of focus.
Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain State Park
Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain State Park, designed by Jack Nicklaus, offers an immersive golfing experience that combines natural beauty with a thoughtfully challenging course layout.
This 18-hole, par-72 course is set within the serene landscape of the state park, providing golfers with a secluded, scenic round amid Tennessee’s mountain terrain.
Course Overview
Bear Trace is a standout in Tennessee’s golf landscape, designed to work harmoniously with its surroundings while offering a rewarding test of skill.
Set within Cumberland Mountain State Park, this course draws golfers with its balance of seclusion and adventure.
Known for its integration into the park’s natural landscape, Bear Trace allows players to enjoy the wooded mountain scenery, making each hole feel both tranquil and distinct.
Features & Design
The course’s layout reflects Nicklaus’s knack for thoughtful design, incorporating significant elevation changes, narrow fairways, and well-placed bunkers that require precise shot-making.
The undulating fairways add an extra layer of challenge, rewarding golfers who can adapt their strategies to the shifting landscape.
The bunkers, carefully positioned near greens and fairways, call for strategic thinking on every approach shot, while the narrow fairways favor accuracy over long drives.
What makes Bear Trace especially unique is its integration into the mountain setting, using natural topography to craft a layout that feels organic yet meticulously planned.
The course’s design choices provide a peaceful environment that lets players immerse themselves in the natural surroundings, with mountain views adding a sense of scale to each hole.
What Sets It Apart
Bear Trace’s location within Cumberland Mountain State Park makes it ideal for nature enthusiasts and those looking to experience Tennessee’s natural beauty alongside their round of golf.
The course has earned praise for its ability to showcase the park’s topography, creating a sense of flow that blends the sport with the landscape.
The course’s placement within the park also provides access to hiking trails, picnic spots, and other outdoor activities, making it a destination for both golfers and families looking to enjoy a day in nature.
Tips for Golfers
Navigating Bear Trace effectively means adapting to the elevation changes and managing the course’s narrow fairways.
For those unfamiliar with mountain courses, take some extra practice swings to adjust to the uneven lies that come with elevation changes.
The fairways can be forgiving with careful shot selection, so prioritize accuracy over distance.
For the best experience, plan your visit during early spring or fall when the weather is mild, and consider exploring the park’s amenities, like nearby trails or picnic areas, to fully appreciate the area.
GreyStone Golf Club (Dickson, TN)
GreyStone Golf Club, located near Nashville, is a popular choice for golfers seeking a challenging course set against scenic vistas.
Known for its par-72 layout with dramatic elevation changes, mature tree-lined fairways, and strategic design, GreyStone offers an engaging experience for intermediate and advanced players alike.
Course Overview
GreyStone has built a strong reputation among Nashville-area golfers for its combination of beauty and difficulty, with high ratings across golfing platforms like Golf Advisor.
This course takes full advantage of Tennessee’s rolling hills, integrating elevation changes that keep play exciting from start to finish.
The mature trees and carefully maintained fairways and greens add a sense of refinement, making it a course that rewards precision and skillful approach shots.
Features & Design
The layout at GreyStone is designed to keep players on their toes, with undulating greens that require a delicate touch, water hazards that add complexity, and mature tree-lined fairways that favor strategic play.
Many holes demand thoughtful club selection and calculated positioning, as the fairways are often narrower and framed by trees, leaving little room for error.
The greens are particularly known for their subtle slopes, making putting a challenge even for seasoned players.
Water hazards also play a key role in the course’s design, strategically placed to make golfers consider their options carefully.
This layout is ideal for those who enjoy courses that test more than just driving distance, rewarding patience and accurate shot-making.
What Sets It Apart
GreyStone stands out due to its consistency in high ratings, with frequent praise for its excellent upkeep, challenging layout, and natural beauty.
It’s a course that balances visual appeal with complexity, making it highly recommended for players who want a scenic yet demanding round without traveling far from Nashville.
The course’s attention to detail, from the maintenance of the greens to the design of each hole, gives it a premium feel that’s accessible to public players.
Tips for Golfers
To tackle GreyStone’s challenging layout, prepare to adjust for the elevation changes and approach undulating greens with care.
A gentle putting technique is essential on these greens, as they are both quick and subtly sloped, so take a few extra minutes on the practice green before teeing off.
For the best experience, aim for a morning tee time to enjoy cooler temperatures and avoid late-day crowds, allowing you to focus on the precision that the course demands.
Sevierville Golf Club – Highlands Course (Sevierville, TN)
Nestled at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, the Highlands Course at Sevierville Golf Club delivers a blend of challenging play and stunning mountain views.
This par-70 course is known for its accessibility to golfers of various skill levels while maintaining a high standard of upkeep and design.
Course Overview
The Highlands Course attracts golfers seeking a scenic and well-maintained playing environment, with panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains as a constant backdrop.
With its par-70 layout, this course provides a unique golfing experience that emphasizes precision and shot-making without overwhelming less experienced players.
Each hole offers something different, blending natural beauty with strategic play, making it a favorite among local and visiting golfers alike.
Features & Design
The course’s layout integrates water hazards and elevation changes that challenge players to think carefully about their approach on each hole.
Water hazards are strategically placed to add complexity to the course without dominating the design, making each round both engaging and fair.
These elements, combined with undulating fairways and carefully manicured greens, create a course that is as enjoyable as it is demanding.
Additionally, the Highlands Course is praised for its pristine maintenance, keeping the fairways smooth and the greens consistent, which enhances the overall playing experience.
The natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains adds to the visual appeal, with the mountain views offering golfers a sense of tranquility and a memorable backdrop for their round.
The course’s elevation shifts, though subtle, add enough variation to keep each hole interesting, rewarding those who can adapt their play style to changing conditions.
What Sets It Apart
The Highlands Course at Sevierville Golf Club is celebrated for its exceptional upkeep and breathtaking views, offering a high-quality golfing experience that’s relaxed yet challenging.
Its location near the Smoky Mountains makes it particularly popular among players who prioritize scenic beauty along with course quality.
Unlike other mountain courses that can be rugged or overly demanding, the Highlands Course strikes a balance that appeals to a broad range of golfers, providing a memorable experience for all who play.
Tips for Golfers
To fully enjoy your time on the Highlands Course, pay close attention to the water hazards, which can subtly influence shot selection.
Approach the elevation changes with careful club choice, as some holes may require a different strategy to compensate for shifts in terrain.
Morning or early afternoon tee times offer the best lighting for the mountain views, making it easier to enjoy the surroundings.
For those interested in making a day of it, the course's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park also opens up options for hiking or sightseeing before or after your round.
Conclusion
Tennessee’s public golf courses offer a unique mix of scenic landscapes and challenging play, from riverside views to mountain vistas.
Each course on this list provides a distinct experience for golfers of all levels. Whether you're seeking strategic design or natural beauty, these top courses make Tennessee a standout golf destination.
