The Smoky Mountains offer a truly unique golf experience, blending challenging mountain layouts with breathtaking natural beauty. Imagine teeing off with panoramic views and the crisp mountain air as your companion, all while enjoying Southern hospitality.
Top courses
Best golf courses in Gatlinburg / Smokies
Editor-picked layouts ranked by prestige, conditioning and player experience.
#1
Sevierville Golf Club (The Highlands Course)
Design by Arthur Hills · Par 72 · 6,902 yds
This championship course boasts dramatic elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and pristine conditions. Take advantage of the GPS on the carts; knowing your distances is crucial on this undulating course.
Moderate to DifficultMountain / Modern Resort$80–130
#2
Sevierville Golf Club (The River Course)
Design by Arthur Hills · Par 70 · 5,919 yds
A more player-friendly option, this course offers a flatter layout winding along the French Broad River. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the river, but don't let it distract from your game.
Easy to ModerateRiverside / Traditional Parkland$70–110
#3
Bent Creek Golf Course
Design by Gary Player · Par 72 · 6,125 yds
Designed by Gary Player, this course offers a challenging front nine carved into a mountainside and a more open back nine. Don't be afraid to lay up on the front nine's tighter holes; precision is more important than distance.
ModerateMountain / Parkland$60–100
Stay & play
Where to stay in Gatlinburg / Smokies
Resort packages bundle lodging, rounds, range access, and on-site dining. Hotel-only options give you flexibility to course-hop.
The Lodge at Buckberry Creek
Luxury Lodge
A luxurious, rustic lodge offering stunning mountain views and upscale amenities.
Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa
Resort
A family-friendly resort with a spa, multiple pools, and convenient access to Dollywood.
Sidney James Mountain Lodge
Budget Hotel
An affordable and comfortable option conveniently located near downtown Gatlinburg attractions.
The Appy Lodge
Mid-Range Hotel
Modern and comfortable accommodations with a focus on Appalachian themes and amenities.
Off the course
Things to do in Gatlinburg / Smokies
Non-golf experiences worth building into your trip — from local landmarks to nature, food, and culture.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Nature/Hiking
Explore scenic trails, observe wildlife, and enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas.
Dollywood
Amusement Park
A popular theme park offering thrilling rides, live entertainment, and Southern-inspired food.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Family Entertainment
Discover fascinating marine life in a state-of-the-art aquarium perfect for all ages.
Anakeesta
Adventure/Sightseeing
A mountaintop adventure park with zip lines, treetop walks, and panoramic views.
Ober Gatlinburg
Recreation/Sightseeing
Ski resort and amusement park access via an aerial tramway, offering year-round activities.
Itineraries
Sample itineraries
Choose your trip length. Each plan is built around the marquee courses, with rest, dining, and travel days dialed in.
1
Day 1
Arrive & warm up
Land at TYS, transfer to your hotel, hit the range, and grab a casual dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse.
2
Day 2
Round 1 — Sevierville Golf Club (The Highlands Course)
Morning tee time at Sevierville Golf Club (The Highlands Course). Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Old Mill Restaurant.
3
Day 3
Final round & departure
Early tee time at Bent Creek Golf Course, light lunch, then transfer back to TYS.
Budget
Budget breakdown · per golfer
Realistic ranges sourced from current resort rates, public green fees, and group dining averages.
Lodging
6 nights · $180/nt
$1,080
Golf
5 rounds · $120 avg
$600
Food & drink
~$110/day
$660
Ground transport
Rideshare + cart fees
$360
Flights
Search Skyscanner for live fares
Variable
Estimated total · per golfer
$2,700
Season
Best time of year to visit Gatlinburg / Smokies
humid subtropical
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Ideal Good Off-season
When to book: 3-6 months out
Dining
Where to eat in Gatlinburg / Smokies
From clubhouse classics to chef-driven dinners worth a reservation.
The Peddler Steakhouse
$$$
Steakhouse
Known for its hand-cut steaks cooked over an open flame and extensive salad bar.
Crockett's Breakfast Camp
$$
American Breakfast
A popular spot for hearty, oversized breakfast portions in a rustic, themed setting.
Old Mill Restaurant
$$
Southern Comfort
Enjoy classic Southern meals served in a historic setting by the Little Pigeon River.
Calhoun's Gatlinburg
$$
BBQ & American
Offers award-winning ribs, steaks, and a variety of American dishes in a casual atmosphere.
Cherokee Grill
$$$
Steakhouse & Seafood
An upscale steak and seafood restaurant with a cozy, mountain lodge ambiance.
Pancake Pantry
$$
Breakfast/Brunch
Gatlinburg's oldest pancake house, famous for its wide variety of unique pancake and waffle creations.
After dark
Nightlife in Gatlinburg / Smokies
Where the buddy trips end up after the 19th hole.
Sugarlands Distilling Company
Tasting Room/Bar
Offers moonshine tastings, live music, and a gift shop with local spirits.
Blake Shelton's Ole Red Gatlinburg
Live Music Venue
A lively restaurant and bar featuring live country music performances.
Shamrock Pub & Grille
Pub
A casual Irish pub offering a wide selection of beers and traditional pub fare.
Tee times
Book tee times in Gatlinburg / Smokies
Live inventory from GolfNow plus flight comparison from Skyscanner. Prices update in real time.
FAQ
Gatlinburg / Smokies golf trip FAQs
What is the best time of year to golf in Gatlinburg / Smokies?
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Spring-Fall (Sep, Oct). humid subtropical
How much does a golf trip to Gatlinburg / Smokies cost?
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Plan on $1,260–$3,320 per golfer for a 6-night trip including lodging, rounds, food and ground transport. Flights are extra.
What airport should I fly into for Gatlinburg / Smokies?
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TYS, about 38 miles from the resort area. Most national hubs offer non-stop service via TYS.
How many days should I plan for a Gatlinburg / Smokies golf trip?
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6 nights is the sweet spot — enough for 5 full rounds plus a rest or sightseeing day.
Is Gatlinburg / Smokies good for buddy trips?
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Yes — popular with buddies, corporate, solo, couples. Quieter evenings, ideal for golf-focused groups.
Ready to book
Book your Gatlinburg / Smokies golf trip
See how Gatlinburg / Smokies compares for your dates, budget and group, then build the courses, lodging and itinerary with your crew.