Best season
Spring-Fall
Apr · May · Sep · Oct
Trip cost · per golfer
$960–$5,570
5-night trip
Nearest airport
TYS
9 mi · TYS
Difficulty
mixed
Handicap 0–20
Overview
Knoxville doesn't announce itself the way Pinehurst or Scottsdale might, but that quiet confidence is precisely part of its appeal. Nestled in the heart of East Tennessee, this mid-sized city has quietly cultivated a legitimate golf identity built on a handful of genuinely credible courses set against the rolling backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Top courses
Editor-picked layouts ranked by prestige, conditioning and player experience.
Design by Greg Norman · Par 72 · 7,123 yds
A dramatic Greg Norman design carved through Tellico Lake ridgelines with sweeping water views on nearly every hole. Book the twilight rate after 2pm for significant savings and cooler temperatures in summer.
Design by Unknown · Par 72 · 6,800 yds
A well-maintained public track in Lenoir City offering tree-lined fairways and tricky Bermuda greens at a fair price. Play early on weekdays to get prime tee times and nearly empty fairways year-round.
Design by Unknown · Par 71 · 6,540 yds
A classic private-style layout open to resort guests, featuring rolling terrain and mature oaks throughout West Knoxville. The back nine plays significantly harder than the front, so warm up properly before the turn.
Design by Unknown · Par 72 · 6,900 yds
A hidden gem in Rockford with wide fairways and pastoral Tennessee farmland views that reward accurate iron play. Greens here are some of the fastest in the region so practice your lag putts before teeing off.
Stay & play
Resort packages bundle lodging, rounds, range access, and on-site dining. Hotel-only options give you flexibility to course-hop.
Hotel
A polished full-service hotel steps from Market Square with modern rooms and easy access to dining and nightlife.
Boutique Hotel
A boutique gem in a restored 1876 building offering stylish rooms, craft cocktails, and prime Old City location.
Hotel
Spacious two-room suites with complimentary evening reception drinks and walkable access to the Tennessee River waterfront.
Luxury Resort
A world-class luxury farm estate in Walland offering Relais & Chateaux pampering surrounded by Smoky Mountain wilderness.
Off the course
Non-golf experiences worth building into your trip — from local landmarks to nature, food, and culture.
Drive 40 minutes from Knoxville to hike or drive through America's most visited national park with stunning mountain scenery.
Kayak or paddleboard along the urban Tennessee River waterfront with rentals available near World's Fair Park.
Explore a sprawling outdoor living history museum in Norris celebrating authentic Appalachian culture, artifacts, and heritage.
Visit Dolly Parton's legendary Pigeon Forge theme park featuring world-class roller coasters, live music, and Southern food.
Fish, hike, or tour Tennessee's first TVA dam surrounded by peaceful Cumberland Plateau forests just 30 miles north.
Itineraries
Choose your trip length. Each plan is built around the marquee courses, with rest, dining, and travel days dialed in.
Day 1
Land at TYS, transfer to your hotel, hit the range, and grab a casual dinner at Stock & Barrel.
Day 2
Morning tee time at Tennessee National Golf Club. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Peter Kern Library.
Day 3
Morning tee time at Avalon Golf & Country Club. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at JC Holdway.
Day 4
Morning tee time at Fox Den Country Club. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Tupelo Honey.
Day 5
Early tee time at Egwani Farms Golf Course, light lunch, then transfer back to TYS.
Budget
Realistic ranges sourced from current resort rates, public green fees, and group dining averages.
Lodging 5 nights · $137/nt | $685 |
Golf 4 rounds · $120 avg | $480 |
Food & drink ~$110/day | $550 |
Ground transport Rideshare + cart fees | $300 |
Flights Search Skyscanner for live fares | Variable |
| Estimated total · per golfer | $2,015 |
Season
humid subtropical
When to book: 3-6 months out
Dining
From clubhouse classics to chef-driven dinners worth a reservation.
American Burgers & Whiskey
A Market Square staple famous for smash burgers, local craft beers, and an impressive Tennessee whiskey selection.
Breakfast & Brunch
A beloved downtown breakfast spot with creative egg dishes and locally sourced ingredients that draws long weekend lines.
Craft Cocktails & Small Plates
A speakeasy-style bar inside the Oliver Hotel serving inventive cocktails and upscale bites in a moody intimate setting.
New American Fine Dining
James Beard-nominated chef Joseph Lenn helms this polished downtown restaurant with wood-fired proteins and seasonal menus.
Southern Brunch
A lively Southern brunch institution serving shrimp and grits, biscuits, and sweet tea in a welcoming atmosphere.
Tennessee BBQ
A no-frills West Knoxville pit stop renowned for slow-smoked pulled pork, brisket, and homemade banana pudding.
After dark
Where the buddy trips end up after the 19th hole.
Entertainment District
Knoxville's vibrant open-air plaza lined with bars, restaurants, and live music venues that pulse every night of the week.
Live Music Bar
A sprawling multi-level Old City bar with rooftop seating, local live music nightly, and an eclectic bohemian atmosphere.
Distillery Bar
Sample Tennessee moonshine and whiskey flights at Ole Smoky's Knoxville outpost for a quintessential regional nightcap experience.
Tee times
Live inventory from GolfNow plus flight comparison from Skyscanner. Prices update in real time.
FAQ
Spring-Fall (Apr, May, Sep, Oct). humid subtropical
Plan on $960–$5,570 per golfer for a 5-night trip including lodging, rounds, food and ground transport. Flights are extra.
TYS, about 9 miles from the resort area. Most national hubs offer non-stop service via TYS.
5 nights is the sweet spot — enough for 4 full rounds plus a rest or sightseeing day.
Yes — popular with couples, families. Quieter evenings, ideal for golf-focused groups.
Ready to book
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Trip snapshot
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