Best Golf Courses in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Did you know Chattanooga has a golf course that spans two states? The Lookout Mountain Golf Club sits on the Tennessee-Georgia border. It offers a unique golfing experience across state lines. This is just the beginning of what makes Chattanooga’s golf scene so special.

Chattanooga is a golfer’s paradise with 14 public and 8 private courses. These courses are within 19 miles of the city center. You can play on historic layouts from the 1920s or modern designs from 2022. There’s something for every golfer, no matter their skill level.

World-renowned architects like Pete Dye and Seth Raynor have designed these courses. They offer challenges for all, from the easiest at Concord Golf Club to the toughest at Chattanooga Golf & Country Club. You can enjoy scenic views, lakeside plays, or cleverly designed greens. Chattanooga’s golf courses promise unforgettable rounds, with prices to fit any budget.

Key Takeaways

• Chattanooga offers 22 golf courses within 19 miles of the city center
• The area features both historic courses and newly designed layouts
• Courses range from easy to challenging, catering to all skill levels
• Famous golf architects like Pete Dye and Seth Raynor have left their mark
• Unique features include interstate play and expansive mountain views

Discover Chattanooga’s Golfing Paradise

Chattanooga’s golf scene is a mix of hidden gems and famous courses. The city’s artsy vibe matches its wide range of golfing spots. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s something for everyone.

Golf tourism in Tennessee is booming, and Chattanooga is a top spot. Courses like Black Creek Club and The Honors Course offer unique experiences. They combine tough play with beautiful views.

Spring and fall are the best times to play golf in Chattanooga. The weather is mild, making your game better. Plus, you get to enjoy amazing views. No matter your skill level, there’s a course for you.

Membership details vary at Chattanooga’s golf clubs. Many offer special perks like early tee times and access to club amenities. Guest policies also vary, so it’s best to check with each course.

Top 8 Golf Courses in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga’s golf scene is a mix of challenging courses and beautiful views. You can choose from private clubs to public fairways. We will look at the top 8 golf courses in the area.

The Honors Course is the top spot in Chattanooga golf. It’s ranked 1st in Tennessee by Golf Digest. This private club has unique features and stunning mountain views.

Black Creek Club is another private gem. It stretches 7,204 yards and is the only top 100 residential course in the state.

Sweetens Cove Golf Club is a standout for public play. It’s a nine-hole course ranked 21st in Golfweek’s “Best Courses You Can Play” list. Its design and guest policies make it a must-visit for golf lovers.

Lookout Mountain Golf Club offers a classic mountain course experience. Its tricky greens and panoramic views challenge golfers. Eagle Bluff and Brainerd Golf Course also offer unique experiences for public play.

Chattanooga offers a wide range of golf options. It rivals other Tennessee golfing hotspots. Whether you prefer private clubs or public courses, Chattanooga has great golf experiences.

PUTT-A-BOUT Par Three Golf Putting Green (3' x 9')

• Kidney shaped practice putting green
• Measures 3 by 9 feet
• High quality putting surface stays smooth over time
• 3 practice cup cutouts allow you to vary your angles and practice different putt lengths
• Slight incline at the cups helps to develop firmness of stroke
• Built in sand trap cutouts catch missed shots
• Non skid backing
• Easily roll out the mat when ready to putt and roll it back up for compact storage
• Weight: 3.5 Pounds
• Manufactured from PET resin
• Made in the USA

Learn More on Amazon

The Course at Sewanee: A Gil Hanse Masterpiece

The Course at Sewanee is a gem on the University of the South campus. It was beautifully renovated by Gil Hanse in 2013. Now, it’s a top spot for golf lovers.

University of the South’s Golfing Gem

The Course at Sewanee is about 7,000 yards long. It’s fun and challenging for all golfers. The course changes with a multi-tee system, making each round exciting.

Template Holes and Mountain Vistas

Hanse’s design is inspired by Scottish courses. It features special holes that honor golf’s history. You’ll also see stunning mountain views, making every shot special.

The Sewanee Inn: Stay and Play

Stay at the Sewanee Inn for a great golfing trip. It’s right by the course. This makes it easy to dive into the golfing world.

Book your tee time at this Gil Hanse masterpiece online or by phone. You can find all the green fee and booking info on the course website. This makes planning your Sewanee golf trip easy.

Sweetens Cove Golf Club: A Nine-Hole Wonder

Sweetens Cove Golf Club is a hidden gem in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. It’s a nine-hole course that has become Tennessee’s #1 public course. The New York Times called it “the course that could,” and it’s a title it well deserves.

Rob Collins and Tad King designed Sweetens Cove in 2011. It offers a unique golfing experience with 3,093 yards. The course has standout holes that challenge players of all skill levels. The Fifth hole, a 293-yard par-4, is a great example. It offers chances for easy birdies or tests your putting skills.

Booking a round at Sweetens Cove is getting more popular. In 2017, the course saw a 50% increase in rounds played. Now, 75% of visitors come from outside Chattanooga, up from 25% before.

Sweetens Cove’s greens fees show its growing popularity and design excellence. Its unique features, like two flags and cups on each green, make it special. For the best experience, bring friends and play match-play. Treat it like your own golf playground.

The Honors Course: Pete Dye’s Tennessee Tribute

The Honors Course in Chattanooga is a top spot for amateur golf. It was started in 1983 by Jack Lupton. This Pete Dye design covers 460 acres at the base of White Oak Mountain.

Originally, it was 7,064 yards long. Now, it’s 7,500 yards, ready for today’s golfers.

Exclusive Amateur Golf Experience

For almost 40 years, The Honors Course has hosted big events like the U.S. Amateur and Curtis Cup. It’s all about amateur golf, with a tough layout and perfect conditions. The course is rated 74.4 and has a Slope Rating® of 154, testing your skills.

Lakeside Holes and Mountain Views

Dye’s design is full of challenges and different green shapes. You’ll face tough shots by lakes with mountains in the background. The fast greens require you to be very precise.

Five-Star Service and Amenities

The Honors Course has amazing amenities and service. It’s not just about the golf. In 1991, the Audubon Society named it a wildlife habitat, showing its care for the environment.

The Honors Course keeps its high standards, supporting golf events at all levels. It’s known for its tough play, stunning views, and great service. It’s a highlight of golf in Tennessee.

Black Creek Club: A Seth Raynor Homage

Black Creek Club is a tribute to Seth Raynor’s design philosophy. Opened in 2000, it’s a 18-hole course that blends classic golf architecture with unique features. It challenges and delights players of all skill levels.

The course features steep, angled grass bunker faces and bold green contouring. Fairway bunkers, with their five-foot high grass faces, require strategic play. The 6,586-yard layout from the Blues tees (slope 130) has real fairway bunkers on holes 8, 12, 13, 14, and 16.

Black Creek’s guest policies encourage exploring its varied play corridors. Unlike modern courses, it offers multiple paths to each hole. The flat-bottomed greenside bunkers remind us of older hazard styles, rewarding good technique and thoughtful approaches.

The Biarritz Hole is a highlight, with a 75-yard long green and a five-foot swale. It shows the course’s focus on strategic ground play, seen also on the 4th, 10th, and 15th holes. The 6th hole has a blind, massive green, and the 7th offers a unique Redan design twist.

Lookout Mountain Golf Club: A Classic Mountain Course

This golf course sits atop Lookout Mountain, offering stunning views of Chattanooga and the Cumberland Plateau. It’s located right on the Tennessee-Georgia state line. This makes it a unique place to play golf.

Seth Raynor’s Final Design

Seth Raynor designed this course in 1925. It was one of his last projects before he passed away in 1927. Building it cost nearly $400,000, making it very expensive back then, second only to Yale.

Tricky Greens and Stunning Vistas

The greens at Lookout Mountain Golf Club are very challenging. The mountain’s slope makes putts act differently than they look. With 81 bunkers covering 266,000 square feet, it’s a tough test of skill with amazing views.

Tennessee-Georgia State Line Play

Playing here means you get to play in two states. The course uses the mountain’s terrain for exciting elevation changes and views. It’s a thrilling round.

Recent updates have made the course better for playing. You can book tee times to play this classic mountain course. Here are the current rates:

McLemore Club: Golf on the Edge

McLemore Club sits 2,300 feet above sea level, offering a stunning golf experience. The Highlands Course, designed by Bill Bergin and Rees Jones, stretches 7,055 yards as a par 71. It features over a mile of cliff-edge play, providing breathtaking views and tough challenges.

McLemore has two unique courses. The Highlands Course is a top winner, and The Keep has five holes right on the cliff. Golfers can play these courses in three ways: as a Friend of McLemore, a Stay & Play guest, or a Club Member.

To book tee times, contact the club directly. Green fees depend on your membership or stay package. McLemore is just a two-hour drive from Atlanta and Nashville, perfect for golf trips.

Eagle Bluff Golf Club

Eagle Bluff Golf Club is in Harrison, Chattanooga. It has a tough 6,700-yard course. Bill Bergin designed it in 1995. It’s a beautiful place that needs skill and precision.

The third hole is a highlight, a 550-yard par-5. Players face big elevation changes, narrow fairways, and tricky greens. The hills make the game exciting and offer stunning views.

Even though the greens are great, some areas need work. The fairways have thin grass and overgrown spots. The course is friendly for players, with a layout score of 3.5 and a pace of 3.9.

The prices at Eagle Bluff reflect its current state. Some players think the fees are too high because of maintenance issues. Still, 62.5% of reviewers say it’s worth it for its unique layout and beauty.

Brainerd Golf Course: A Historic Chattanooga Favorite

Brainerd Golf Course is a critical part of Chattanooga’s golf history. It was designed by Donald Ross in 1926. The course has seen updates in 1953 and 1983.

The layout is known for its challenging greens. Players will find the fifth hole’s three tiers and the ninth hole’s undulations particularly tough.

Golf lovers enjoy Brainerd’s low prices and friendly vibe. A Sunday afternoon of nine holes costs only $13. The pro shop has all you need, and the snack bar keeps you fueled.

Brainerd Golf Course is a true community gem. Its beautiful landscape and mature trees make it a great place to play. Despite its modest surroundings, the course remains charming and full of potential. It’s a cherished part of Chattanooga’s golf history.

Moccasin Bend Golf Course: Accessible Play for All Levels

Moccasin Bend Golf Course welcomes golfers of all skill levels. This 18-hole public course is a favorite in Chattanooga. It features natural elements, offering both challenges and beautiful views.

Water Hazards and Scenic Challenges

The course has water hazards on several holes, adding excitement. These features test your skills and make the course visually appealing. As you play, you’ll see stunning views of the landscape.

Four Tee Options for Various Skill Levels

Moccasin Bend offers four tee options for all players. Beginners can enjoy a less challenging round, while experienced golfers face a real test. Its accessibility makes it a hit with locals and visitors.

Pro Shop and Practice Facilities

Visit the well-stocked pro shop for gear and advice before playing. The practice facilities help you warm up or improve your game. Moccasin Bend’s guest policies ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

Bear Trace at Harrison Bay: Lakeside Golfing Adventure

Bear Trace at Harrison Bay offers a unique golfing experience in Tennessee’s first state park. The course spans 7,111 yards, blending open green spaces with scenic lakeside holes. Golfers of all skill levels flock to this picturesque destination, drawn by its stunning views and challenging layout.

The park’s 1,200-acre expanse along Chickamauga Lake provides a breathtaking backdrop for your game. With nearly 40 miles of shoreline, you’ll enjoy water vistas throughout your round. The Jack Nicklaus-designed 72-par course caters to both novice and seasoned players alike.

Facilities at Bear Trace include a pro shop, practice areas, and rental equipment. The course is part of the Tennessee Golf Trail, ensuring high-quality maintenance and service. For those looking to extend their stay, Harrison Bay State Park offers camping options with 128 RV sites and 27 tent-only spots.

Tee time bookings are essential, especially during peak seasons. Spring and fall offer ideal golfing weather, while summer attracts water sports enthusiasts to the park. Remember to arrive early to secure parking and enjoy the full Bear Trace experience.

Valleybrook Golf & Country Club: A Residential Golf Haven

Valleybrook Golf & Country Club is a top spot for golf in Chattanooga. It opened in 1959 and has an 18-hole course over 6,000 yards. The club has hosted 9 PGA tours and many other big events.

Recent updates have made it even more appealing. It’s one of the first 18-hole residential golf communities in the U.S. Valleybrook mixes tough play with a cozy suburban feel.

Booking a tee time at Valleybrook is easy. You can book online or call the pro shop. They offer great rates, including discounts for twilight and juniors. Don’t forget to ask about their stay-and-play packages for a longer golf trip in Chattanooga.

How it stacks up against Nashville, Knoxville, and other Tennessee golf hotspots

Chattanooga’s golf scene is a bright spot in Tennessee. It may not have the big crowds of Nashville or Memphis. But, it offers a special golfing experience. The city’s courses suit all skill levels and tastes.

The mountains in Chattanooga make its holes stand out. Compared to Nashville and Knoxville, Chattanooga’s prices are better. This makes it a great choice for golf lovers.

Chattanooga’s golf courses mix challenges with stunning views. Prices are easier on the wallet than Nashville. The quality of play is up there with Knoxville and Memphis. The city’s unique landscape makes golfing here unforgettable.

Indoor Golf Options in Chattanooga

Chattanooga has indoor golf spots open all year. They use the latest tech in cozy settings. It’s great for improving your game or having fun with friends.

Albatross Golf Sim & Bar

The Back Nine is at 6429 Lee Hwy. It has three bays with Trackman radar systems. Each bay fits four players and offers over 250 virtual golf courses. Members get 24/7 access and can join local tournaments.

Topgolf: High-Tech Golfing Fun

Topgolf adds a fun twist to indoor golf. Their tech makes it perfect for groups and parties. You’ll find comfy seats and a full bar.

Choo Choo Golf Academy & Range

This place has both indoor and outdoor areas. The indoor academy uses Trackman for detailed analysis. The outdoor bays are for those who like traditional practice.

Chattanooga’s indoor golf spots offer something for everyone. Whether you want to get better or just have fun, there’s a place for you.

Planning Your Chattanooga Golf Getaway

Chattanooga’s golf scene has something for everyone. It offers both public and private courses. With 21 courses around, 10 are open to the public and 11 need a membership.

Book your tee times early, especially for popular spots like Bear Trace at Harrison Bay State Park. It’s known for its fair rates and Jack Nicklaus design.

When planning your trip, consider these golf package options in Tennessee:

Check guest policies and facilities before you go. Some clubs, like Black Creek Club and The Honors Course, are private. Others, such as Brown Acres Golf Course, offer public access with amenities like full-service snack bars and driving ranges.

Remember, tee time bookings are essential for a smooth golfing experience in Chattanooga.