Tennessee combines good-value golf with some of America's best music, food and mountain scenery. Courses range from rolling parkland around Nashville and Memphis to hilly mountain layouts near the Great Smoky Mountains, and the long season runs from spring to late autumn. It's an easy state to combine golf with a city break or a mountain holiday.
The main golf areas
Nashville and Middle Tennessee
The area around Nashville has many public and private courses among rolling hills, lakes and woodland. Golf combines easily with live music, restaurants and day trips to nearby towns.
Memphis and West Tennessee
Memphis offers flatter, parkland-style golf near the Mississippi River, along with blues music, barbecue and history.
Chattanooga
Set among ridges and rivers, Chattanooga has hilly courses with valley views and a lively riverside city centre.
Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains
East Tennessee's mountain towns, near the Great Smoky Mountains, have scenic courses with dramatic elevation changes, combined with hiking and family attractions.
When to go
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Mild and green; ideal |
| Summer (June to August) | Hot and humid; play early or head to the mountains |
| Autumn (September to November) | Excellent, with autumn colour in the east |
| Winter | Mild spells, but some cold and wet days |
Playing tips
- Hilly courses: expect sloping lies and elevation changes. Read how to play uneven lies.
- Tree-lined fairways: accuracy matters. Read golf course management.
- Summer storms: leave the course when lightning approaches. Read golf course safety.
- Heat: read hot weather golf.
Costs and booking
- Public courses in the cities offer good value.
- Mountain resorts sometimes offer stay-and-play packages. Read stay-and-play packages explained.
- Book weekends early in peak autumn colour season.
Sample trip ideas
- Nashville long weekend: three rounds and evenings of live music.
- Smoky Mountains autumn break: mountain golf with hiking and scenic drives.
- Road trip: Memphis to Nashville to Chattanooga. Read golf road trips.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tennessee good for golf?
Yes. It offers good-value golf, scenic mountain courses and great cities.
When is the best time for golf in Tennessee?
Spring and autumn.
Are Tennessee golf courses hilly?
Many are, especially in the east of the state.
Can I combine golf with music in Tennessee?
Easily, especially in Nashville and Memphis.
The bottom line
Tennessee offers good-value golf with music, food and mountain scenery. Visit in spring or autumn, mix city and mountain courses, and enjoy the evenings. For neighbouring states, read golf in Georgia and golf in the Carolinas.