Tennessee is known for golf. Many of its larger cities, like Nashville and Memphis, hold multiple golf courses with strong traditions. Experts often argue over which courses in the state are the best. From golf clubs with rich history to those with the latest modern designs, each one offers something unique and interesting that places them on this list. Some can give you the luxury golf retreat of your dreams, while others will provide you with all the support and resources to take your game to the next level. Explore some of the best public and private golf courses in Tennessee.
Sweetens Cove Golf Club
Considered by quite a few golf commentators as one of the best 9-hole courses in the country, Sweetens Cove Golf Club boasts an innovative King-Collins Golf design. In 2019, it was rated as the 49th-ranked modern course by Golf Week. The “inland links” layout was designed to entertain golfers. Most who play in Sweetens Cove find the course fun and inventive. This golf club lies in the heart of the Sequatchie Valley in the town of South Pittsburg. It is one of the few on this list that is open to the public. Daily rates can vary from season to season and from day to day. It ranges from $15 to $135. Golf passes are released during each fall season for the upcoming calendar year.
For those looking for accommodation, Sweetens Cove offers lodging options through their partners – NLU Birdhouse and E9Retreat. Both partners have properties close to the golf club that can accommodate a large group. If you would prefer to stay in a larger city, Chattanooga is about 25 minutes away and has more traditional hotel chains.
Westhaven Golf Club
Golf course driving range at Westhaven Golf Club. Editorial credit: James R. Martin / Shutterstock.com
Named one of the best new courses in 2010 by Golf Week and Golf Digest, Westhaven Golf Club features an 18-hole course that blends beautifully with the surrounding hills and landscape near Franklin, Tennessee. The architects designed this private golf course to be separate from the nearby neighborhoods, so the perimeter of the course is clear of homes, allowing players to focus on their game. Architects Arthur Hills, Steve Forrest, and Associates designed a challenging course that boasts five sets of tees. For golfers looking to improve their game or support young golf enthusiasts in the family, they also have a Golf Academy that’s fully staffed by PGA professionals.
Though private, Westhaven Golf Club provides a few different kinds of membership. Their National Membership gives those outside the area the chance to experience all that the club has to offer. They also have Corporate Memberships and regular Memberships for Golf or Dining. The club does not have accommodation on site, but they do have dining facilities. Members can experience Continental cuisine that is described as upscale yet rustic at the clubhouse. The upper floor features panoramic views of the golf course, while the lower provides a more casual atmosphere.
For members who do not reside near Franklin, choose from one of the many options available in town. From resorts to city hotels, the town gives you plenty of lodging choices for your golf trip. For a fancy resort hotel with spa amenities, check out the Southhall Farm & Inn. Another highly rated hotel in Franklin is the Harpeth Franklin Downtown, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton.
Gaylord Springs Golf Links
Consistently recognized as one of the best golf courses you can play in Tennessee, Gaylord Springs Golf Links is a Scottish links-style course with a par-72 layout. The name of the course comes from the century-old springhouse at the signature 4th hole. The golf greens and fairways border the ambling waters of the Cumberland River. This public course is framed by limestone and federally protected wetlands. Designed by US Open and PGA champion Larry Nelson, Gaylord Springs provides a challenge to golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. Be inspired by the beautiful environment as you enjoy an exciting game of golf.
Located in Nashville, this public golf course is a short 10 minutes away from Nashville International Airport and just 5 minutes from Gaylord Opryland Resort. The course offers dynamic pricing for daily rates – based on demand, time of day, and weather conditions. This system means that the more in advance you book, the better chance of a lower price. They offer rates for resort guests, resident locals, non-residents, and passholders.
Black Creek Club
Black Creek Club, named as one of the top five private courses by Golf Week, takes you back to the golden age of golf. The architect Brian Silva took inspiration from the Golden Age designers, Seth Raynor and Charles Blair Macdonald. Silva brought back vintage elements into his designs and created his versions of classics like the Short and Biarritz holes. Most agree that the star of the show, metaphorically speaking, is the par-5 sixth, which is a Silva Original. It was ranked by Golf Digest as one of the best holes in America designed after 2000.
Located in Chattanooga, Black Creek is part of a real estate housing development. However, they also offer a variety of membership types, including a national membership to those outside of a 100-mile radius. They do not have lodgings on site, but they are only a 10-minute drive from downtown Chattanooga. Find popular hotel chains like Hilton and Holiday Inn there.
Memphis Country Club
Memphis, Tennessee. Editorial credit: Kyle J Little / Shutterstock.com
Established in 1905 by a group of friends who enjoyed the game of golf, Memphis Country Club started from humble origins in the eastern suburbs of Memphis, Tennessee. Interest in the private club grew quickly, and so did membership. They hired Donald Ross to reconstruct their golf course in 1917. Today, their course continues to feature the “classic rectangular routings” design that Ross created for them. Their club holds one of three golf courses in Tennessee designed by Ross. Architect Kris Spence, who specializes in Ross restorations, worked on recreating and enhancing the Ross features of this Memphis golf course. The course plays 6700 yards with a par of 70. They have hosted four U.S.G.A. National Championships.
Memphis, Tennessee, USA Drone Skyline Aerial Panorama.
The Memphis Country Club offers its members many amenities, from tennis courts to pools. The club has a spa as well as other resort-like facilities for members and their guests. They also have a small hotel on site. The newest renovation in 2023 added new dining options and upgraded old ones. They built new tennis and pickleball courts, too.
Chattanooga Golf & Country Club
Afternoon shot over golf course in Chattanooga, TN.
Tucked away along the banks of the Tennessee River, this private club offers a rich tradition with exceptional golf and all the modern club amenities for family-friendly fun. Chattanooga Golf & Country Club boasts of being the oldest course at its original location in Tennessee, having been established in 1896. To give extra context, the country club was formed only 8 years after the opening of the first golf course in the United States.
Sunset over wedding on golf course.
Originally designed by famed Scottish architect Donald Ross in the 1920s, the golf course stays true to the original design with updates in 2005 by Atlanta-based architect Bill Bergin. The golf course recently took tenth place for best in Tennessee 2025-2026 in Golf Digest, but historically, it has ranked within the top 5 consistently. Some of the amenities at the club include three dining locations, a resort-style pool, and a fitness center with personalized trainers. Lodging can be found in downtown Chattanooga, which is only a few minutes away from this country club.
Richland Country Club
Nashville Tennessee skyline. Editorial credit: Larry Gibson / Shutterstock.com
Located in lively Nashville, Richland Country Club began in 1901. This exclusive club moved to its current location in 1988. Today, they invite their members to enjoy premier facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, surrounded by stunning views of the rolling hills. Their current golf course features a Jack Nicklaus Signature design that was updated in 2021 by Bill Bergin. The 18-hole, par-72 course placed third in the 2023 “best transformation awards”. Membership is strictly invitation-only.
Besides golf, the club offers various services and amenities for members, like tennis courts, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and dining areas for all occasions. They do not have a resort or hotel at their club, but accommodation can be found in Nashville or the nearby town of Brentwood. Both towns have popular chains like Hilton, Marriott, and Hampton Inn & Suites.
Colonial Country Club, South
Cordova Farms Flowers Fellowship sign. By Thomas R Machnitzki – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikipedia.
Colonial Country Club is home to the historic “South Course” located in Cordova, which is part of the East Memphis Area. In the past, the South Course has hosted major golf championships, including over 30 PGA Tour events, establishing its place in the history of golf. It was the site of the old PGA Tour Danny Thomas Invitation until 1988. Architect Joe Finger did the initial golf course design, and Nathan Crace did a restoration in 2023.
Many famous professionals played on the greens at this Memphis club, from Jack Nicklaus to Lee Trevino. The golf course was also the location of President Gerald Ford’s hole-in-one, dubbed the “Shot Heard Around the World”. Golf Digest currently ranks the golf course as 7th in Tennessee for 2025-2026. Though historically, it placed as high as 4th in rank.
Owned by Heritage Golf Group, this club offers membership categories based on age and location. Once a member, you and your family can enjoy the benefits and access to the golf course. For those who enjoy travel and want to play on other golf courses, you can add Heritage Plus to your membership and gain access to all the clubs operated by the Heritage Golf Group. Colonial does not have lodging for members at their club, but Cordova has plenty of hotels operated by Hilton, Hyatt, or Best Western that might suit your needs during a golf retreat.
TPC Southwind
Also based in Memphis, TPC Southwind features a par-70, 7,244-yard championship golf course designed by Ron Prichard. Ranked at number 23 in Golf World magazine’s January 2012 edition, this Memphis course provides a tough challenge to players on the PGA tour schedule. They continue to strive for excellence and were recently ranked sixth in Tennessee by Golf Digest. For a more casual game, each hole includes a family-friendly option that allows golfers of all abilities to enjoy the game.
TPC Southwind maintains its club and golf course with care for its environment. In fact, the club states that they feel honored that their efforts were recognized through numerous environmental awards.
For less sport-focused amenities, the club provides access to a modern clubhouse and diverse dining options featuring Southern-inspired cuisine. To improve your golf game, they also offer an extensive golf practice facility, a dedicated short game area, and golf instruction. Other facilities include tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a fitness center. As Southwind is without dedicated lodging for members, you can find accommodation nearby at hotels like the Hyatt Place Memphis/Germantown or the Four Points by Sheraton Memphis – Southwind.
Holston Hills Country Club
Ranked highly by Golf Digest and others, Holston Hills Country Club features an original 1927 design by Donald Ross that’s been mostly untouched over the years. The lack of funds and membership kept the Ross golf course from being updated and changed, making it one of the best-preserved examples of his original designs in Tennessee. In 2024, they hired architect Kris Spence to revitalize the course’s bunkers and improve the course’s long-term sustainability, using Ross’ original course drawings and blueprints. Enjoy beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains as you play on a classic golf course.
Besides golf, the club has a variety of other activities like tennis, pickleball, and a pool for swimming. Holston Hills emphasizes its family-friendly environment by having a dedicated Kids Club that offers year-round events and games as well as a Junior Golf Club. The club also has two different dining locations on site. Located in Knoxville, make your stay special by staying in a downtown hotel like the Hilton Knoxville or sleep a little closer to the club at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Knoxville/East.
Troubadour Golf & Field Club
Built on the bones of the former Hideaway at Arrington golf course, Troubadour Golf & Field Club provides unique outdoor experiences and 5-star amenities for its members. The 18-hole championship golf course blends wonderfully into the surrounding landscape and shows off the natural beauty of the area. Designed by Tom Fazio, the famed architect thoughtfully crafted the course for both casual and professional play, welcoming players of all skill levels. Troubadour offers plenty of casual tournaments where members can enjoy some friendly competition as well as meet new people. During play, members and their guests can grab a cool drink and rest at one of the comfort stations.
Troubadour Golf & Field Club has plenty of fun-filled activities for non-golfers, too. Members can enjoy outdoor pursuits like fishing, archery, and even yoga in the fresh air. A large part of the clubhouse complex includes spaces for dining, a cigar lounge, a wine room, a fitness center, pool areas, and a music studio. There is even an observatory for stargazing on the property.
Settled between the towns of College Grove and Arrington, Troubadour is also an exclusive residential community. For those coming from farther away, the club is located about 30 miles south of downtown Nashville and 35 miles from Nashville International Airport. Lodging can be found in Franklin or Nashville. Choose between popular hotel chains like Hilton or Hampton Inn & Suites.
Spring Creek Ranch
Pretty Gazebo in Collierville, Tennessee.
Located on an old ranch in Collierville, east of Memphis, Spring Creek Ranch’s golf course is notable for its beauty and layout. The Jack Nicklaus Signature course presents an “easy-going” design that offers surprising challenges and fun play with holes that zigzag around ponds, wetlands, and other “natural” obstacles. His layout preserves the original terrain of the bull ranch while enhancing the natural beauty of the area. Jack Nicklaus once said that Spring Creek Ranch was one of the best courses he ever designed without an ocean view.
Spring Creek Ranch does offer overnight accommodation to National members or valued guests of a club member. Enjoy a luxury golf retreat or a serene getaway surrounded by natural beauty. They have different kinds of memberships depending on your age, location, and interests.
Hermitage Golf Course
Old Hickory bridge. By Flick user brent_nashville, CC BY 2.0, Wikipedia.
Voted as the #1 public golf course in Nashville by locals, Hermitage provides a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life while still being in the lively city of Nashville. It offers two spectacular golf courses – the General’s Retreat and the President’s Reserve. If you’re looking for a golf course where you can play without membership, one of these spectacular courses may be the way to go.
The General’s Retreat was designed and built by Gary Roger Baird in 1986. It hosted the LPGA Sara Lee Classic from 1988 to 1999. This golf course offers beautiful views of the winding Cumberland River. The President’s Reserve trails through 300 acres of Tennessee wetlands and also provides spectacular views of the Cumberland River. It was recognized as one of the top 10 courses in Tennessee by Golf Digest. The course was designed by architect Denis Griffiths and built in 2001. Both golf courses have roaming Scottish sheep that delight guests visiting Hermitage Golf Course.
Nashville has plenty of places to stay, from luxury hotels to resorts. Elevate your golf retreat by staying at Hermitage in one of their luxury cottages. For larger groups, the course can accommodate guests in one of its larger lodges.
The Golf Club of Tennessee
West of Nashville in Kingston Springs lies the Golf Club of Tennessee. Recently ranking #2 on Golf Digest’s list for 2025-2026 of best golf courses in Tennessee, this club provides two dedicated golf courses that its members can enjoy. This private golf course gives members a place to play and enjoy the game of golf as it should be played – without tee times, delays, or distractions.
Their main course was designed by Tom Fazio with assistance from Tom Marzolf in the early 1990s. The “Upper” course was designed by architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner and opened for play in 2024. The golf course does not offer lodging on site. Kingston Springs only has a few hotels, but Nashville is about 30 minutes away and has plenty of lodging options.
The Honors Course
Last but certainly not least is the Honors Course. Considered the #1 golf course in Tennessee by multiple sources, including Golf Digest, the Honors Course strives for excellence in providing resources for its members and maintaining its incredible golf course. Designed by architect Peter Dye, the course was considered radical when it was built in the 1980s for utilizing rough terrain. The golf course has mostly remained unchanged. Bill Bergin created a new practice facility in 2015. Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner touched everything up in 2022.
The club was created to honor amateur golfers and still hosts many amateur championships to this day. This private golf club values the game of golf and wishes to attract like-minded members to their club. They aim to provide members with first-class yet modest facilities to support their pursuits in amateur golf. Memberships are by invitation only. The Honors Course is in Ooltewah, Tennessee, and does not provide lodging for members. Stay in Ooltewah at hotels like the Hampton Inn or the Marriott.
Play Golf in Tennessee
Tennessee has incredible golf courses that show off the rivers, wetlands, and mountains of the state. Challenge yourself at one of the public golf courses, like Hermitage or Sweetens. Look into taking a tour of a private club that resonated with you. Whether you’re looking for a private club of like-minded individuals or a public club for a weekend golf retreat, each of these Tennessee courses is sure to provide a fun and diverting game of golf.
