The Inside Swing

Best Golf Courses in Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville's golf scene is growing as fast as the city itself. Music City's rolling Middle Tennessee terrain, mild climate, and emerging collection of quality courses make it an increasingly compelling golf destination — especially for those combining a golf trip with Nashville's legendary food, music, and nightlife.

Our Methodology: Courses are ranked by an expert panel evaluating design quality, conditioning, challenge, aesthetics, and overall experience. Both private and public courses are considered on merit.
1

Nashville, Tennessee · Tom Fazio (2000) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,334 yards

Nashville's most exclusive golf address, The Golf Club of Tennessee is a Tom Fazio design that winds through the rolling hills of Williamson County. The course features dramatic elevation changes, pristine conditioning, and panoramic views of the Tennessee countryside.

Nashville's most exclusive clubTom Fazio designRolling Tennessee hill country
Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 4.7/5
2

Nashville, Tennessee · Denis Griffiths (2000) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,157 yards

Host of the Simmons Bank Open on the Korn Ferry Tour, Presidents Reserve at Hermitage is Nashville's premier public course. The layout along the Cumberland River features dramatic bluff-top views and a challenging finishing stretch.

Korn Ferry Tour venueCumberland River bluff-top holesNashville's best public course
Green Fee: $45–$85 Rating: 4.5/5
3

Nashville, Tennessee · Larry Nelson (1990) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,120 yards

Adjacent to the Gaylord Opryland Resort, this Larry Nelson design follows the Cumberland River with a links-influenced feel. The course offers a convenient, quality golf experience for Nashville visitors and Music City locals alike.

Gaylord Opryland Resort adjacentCumberland River settingLarry Nelson links-influenced design
Green Fee: $50–$90 Rating: 4.3/5
4

Nashville, Tennessee · Bob Cupp (1988) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,116 yards

A Bob Cupp design in Brentwood, Nashville Golf & Athletic Club is a well-regarded private club with a demanding layout through Middle Tennessee hills. The course rewards precision and course management.

Respected Brentwood private clubBob Cupp designMiddle Tennessee hills setting
Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 4.4/5
5

Nashville, Tennessee · Mark McCumber (1999) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,971 yards

A Mark McCumber design in Dickson west of Nashville, Greystone offers a solid public golf experience through Middle Tennessee terrain. The well-maintained layout features wooded hills, creeks, and good variety.

Mark McCumber designWell-maintained Middle Tennessee courseGood value west of Nashville
Green Fee: $35–$65 Rating: 4.1/5
6

Nashville, Tennessee · Pete Dye (1983) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,064 yards

Located in Ooltewah near Chattanooga, The Honors Course is a Pete Dye design that has hosted the U.S. Amateur, the NCAA Championship, and numerous USGA events. The course is widely regarded as the finest in Tennessee and one of Pete Dye's most complete designs.

Hosted U.S. Amateur and NCAA ChampionshipFinest course in TennesseeOne of Pete Dye's most complete designs
Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 4.8/5
7

Nashville, Tennessee · Arnold Palmer (1999) · 36 holes · Par 72 · 7,089 yards

Arnold Palmer's signature Nashville area design, The Governors Club in Brentwood offers 36 holes of golf through the rolling hills of southern Williamson County. The two courses feature Palmer's trademark risk-reward par 5s and dramatic Tennessee terrain.

36 holes — Arnold Palmer designRolling Williamson County terrainNashville's premier multi-course club
Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 4.4/5
8

Nashville, Tennessee · Tom Kite & Bob Cupp (2004) · 36 holes · Par 72 · 7,181 yards

Named in honor of Vanderbilt University, Legends Club in Franklin offers 36 holes designed by Tom Kite and Bob Cupp. The two courses — Irish and Scottish themed — wind through Middle Tennessee horse country with excellent conditioning at accessible prices.

36 holes with Irish and Scottish themesTom Kite & Bob Cupp designMiddle Tennessee horse country setting
Green Fee: $50–$90 Rating: 4.2/5
9

Nashville, Tennessee · Denis Griffiths (2001) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,038 yards

A Denis Griffiths design in Franklin south of Nashville, Temple Hills occupies some of the most beautiful rolling terrain in Middle Tennessee. The course features dramatic elevation changes, creek crossings, and pastoral views of the surrounding horse farms.

Denis Griffiths rolling Tennessee designDramatic elevation changesPastoral horse farm views in Franklin
Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 4.3/5

Public Courses in Nashville

Looking for courses you can play without a membership? See our complete guide to public courses in Nashville .

Overview

Nashville's golf identity is still evolving, but the foundations are strong. Premium private clubs like The Golf Club of Tennessee anchor the top end, while the Hermitage's Presidents Reserve provides championship-caliber public golf along the Cumberland River. The city's rapid growth is attracting golf development attention.

Best Time to Play

April through June and September through November are ideal, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful seasonal color. Summers are warm and humid but playable. Winters are mild but can bring occasional cold snaps.

Travel Tips & Getting There

Nashville International Airport (BNA) is 15 minutes from downtown. Most golf courses are south and east of the city. Combine golf with time on Broadway, in the Gulch, or exploring Nashville's incredible food scene.

Nearest Airport: Nashville International Airport (BNA)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best public golf course in Nashville?
Hermitage Golf Course's Presidents Reserve, host of the Korn Ferry Tour's Simmons Bank Open, is Nashville's top public course. It features dramatic Cumberland River bluff-top holes and championship-caliber conditioning.

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