News Summary
Tennessee’s golf scene is spotlighted with public courses like Sweetens Cove and The Course at Sewanee gaining acclaim. Sweetens Cove’s unique design and 9-hole charm attract golfers, while Sewanee’s recent redesign adds to the allure. Ranked by Golfweek, these courses exemplify the state’s diverse golfing landscape. The upcoming PGA Tour FedEx St. Jude Championship further fuels excitement in Memphis. With varied green fees and accessibility, Tennessee’s golfing experiences provide something for everyone.
Chattanooga, Tennessee — The golf scene in Tennessee is drawing increased attention from enthusiasts and travelers alike, particularly spotlighted by two standout public courses: Sweetens Cove and The Course at Sewanee. Sweetens Cove, located just outside Chattanooga, is gaining traction due to its unique design and engaging playing experience.
Sweetens Cove is a nine-hole course designed by King-Collins, offering an inviting atmosphere for golfers. The Course at Sewanee, which has recently undergone a redesign by renowned architect Gil Hanse, is situated on the beautiful campus of the University of the South, located between Nashville and Chattanooga. Both courses are conveniently only 30 minutes apart, presenting an excellent opportunity for golfers to enjoy an 18-hole day.
Tennessee’s public golf courses are characterized by significant elevation changes and abundant natural wildlife, enhancing the overall golfing experience. As part of a national assessment for 2025, Golfweek has ranked some of the top public-access golf courses in the state, highlighting five favorites. Distinguished among them, Sweetens Cove is ranked as one of Golfweek’s top 100 modern courses in the United States, further underscoring its appeal.
Ranking of Tennessee Golf Courses
The top courses highlighted in this recognition include:
- Sweetens Cove: 2040 Sweetens Cove Road, South Pittsburg, TN
- The Course at Sewanee: 444 Greens View Road, Sewanee, TN
- Stonehenge: 222 Fairfield Blvd., Crossville, TN (Fairfield Glade resort)
- Gaylord Springs: 18 Springhouse Lane, Nashville, TN
- Heatherhurst Brae: 421 Stonehenge Drive, Crossville, TN (also at Fairfield Glade)
Upcoming Events and Rankings
The PGA Tour will make a return to Memphis for the FedEx St. Jude Championship, set to take place at TPC Southwind from August 7-10. This championship is an essential event within the FedEx Cup Playoffs, adding to the excitement within the Tennessee golf community. TPC Southwind is a private course dedicated to hosting this prestigious tournament.
In addition, GolfPass is responsible for an annual curation of the Top 20 Public Golf Courses list in Tennessee based on golfer reviews and actual experiences. Notably, Sweetens Cove is not included on this list primarily because it is a nine-hole course. The General’s Retreat and The President’s Reserve at the Hermitage Golf Course similarly did not qualify due to insufficient reviews.
Golf Course Review Process
In 2024, a significant number of Tennessee golf courses—66 in total—were evaluated, with a remarkable 2,298 reviews submitted by golfers. These reviews often emphasize aspects like friendly staff, well-maintained course conditions, and scenic views, which enhance the overall golfing experience across various courses.
The ranking process for golf courses involves an expert panel consisting of over 100 professionals who assess and score each course based on set criteria. The top ten golf courses in Tennessee encompass prestigious venues including the Honors Course, Holston Hills, and the Golf Club of Tennessee, among others.
Green Fees and Accessibility
Green fees for golf courses in Tennessee show substantial variability, generally ranging from $18 to over $100 depending on the course. This wide price range makes golf accessible to a broader audience while also accommodating different preferences and needs.
As Tennessee’s golf offerings continue to shine, Sweetens Cove and The Course at Sewanee represent just a glimpse into the rich golfing experiences available throughout the state. With the combination of natural beauty, skilled course design, and a range of amenities, Tennessee is poised to become a preferred destination for golf travelers.
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Additional Resources
- Golf Digest: Best Public Courses in Tennessee
- Tennessean: Tennessee’s Best Public Golf Courses 2025
- GolfPass: Best Public Golf Courses in Tennessee 2025
- Golf.com: Best Golf Courses in Tennessee 2024-25
- Golf Digest: Tennessee Best Golf Courses Rankings
- Wikipedia: Golf in the United States
- Google Search: Best Golf Courses in Tennessee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Tennessee Golf
Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
