Middle Tennessee’s softly rolling hills and vast green meadows mirror the Scottish landscape around which golf was originally created. It should, therefore, be no surprise that our region is packed with outstanding golf courses. As tricky as it was, our staff put our heads together and selected our Top Ten Golf Courses in Middle Tennessee. From impressive municipal courses to top-ranked country club greens, we have an array of course levels for every skill level and budgetary parameter.
No matter where you play, we wish you the best of luck in achieving your best scores in 2024!
Two Rivers Golf Course
2235 Two Rivers Pkwy | Nashville
Two Rivers Golf Course, located in Donelson, just east of downtown Nashville, offers a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience for players of all skill levels. The course, established in 1973 and redesigned in 1991, features 18 holes with a mix of sand and water hazards, trees, and varied terrain. The standout 8th hole offers a stunning view of the Nashville skyline.
In 2016, the greens were upgraded to Ultradwarf Bermuda, elevating the course's quality and making the greens some of the best in the state. As a municipal course, Two Rivers is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, praised for its well-maintained grounds, courteous staff, and excellent value.
The clubhouse is clean and spacious, and ample parking, including shaded spots, is available. Tee times can be reserved up to seven days in advance, though they are not required. Overall, Two Rivers Golf Course is highly recommended for anyone seeking an affordable, high-quality round of golf in the Nashville area.
Gaylord Springs Golf Links
18 Springhouse Ln | Nashville
Just a short drive from Nashville International Airport and minutes from the Gaylord Opryland Resort, Gaylord Springs Golf Links stands out as one of Tennessee's premier golf destinations. This par-72, Scottish links-style course hugs the picturesque banks of the Cumberland River and challenges golfers with its 18-hole layout framed by rugged limestone bluffs and wetlands.
Designed by US Open and PGA champion Larry Nelson, Gaylord Springs offers a test of skill at every turn. Its deep bunkers, water hazards, and rolling mounds require precision and accuracy to navigate. The undulating MiniVerde Bermuda grass greens require a delicate touch, making each shot a blend of strategy and finesse. From the first tee to the final hole, players of all levels will find the course both demanding and inspiring.
Whether you're a seasoned player familiar with the course's nuances or a newcomer teaming up with more experienced golfers, Gaylord Springs offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. The fairways are firm, the rough is challenging without being overly punishing, and the greens are lightning fast, especially given the time of year. For those who live around Nashville and those just passing through, this course ranks among the best in the area, offering a memorable round of golf.
Harpeth Hills Golf Course
2424 Old Hickory Blvd | Nashville
Harpeth Hills Golf Course is a fantastic spot to play either nine or eighteen holes. The back nine features a mix of par fives, par threes, and par fours, each offering its own unique challenges. The customer service is excellent, and the driving range and practice putting green are well-kept. The course itself is a pleasure to play, with its mix of uphill and downhill shots, curving fairways, and fast, undulating greens.
Among the region’s many municipal golf courses, this course is truly exceptional. The greens and tee boxes are in pristine condition, while the wide fairways offer a mix of openness and challenging approach shots that keep the game interesting. The clubhouse adds to the experience, offering a fantastic view of the surrounding area.
The course is impeccably maintained, with fast, firm greens and consistent traps with deep bunkers. The rough is thick, making missed fairways a real test. With its uphill greens and mounded fairways, the course demands strategic play. The large, sloping greens are among the best you’ll find anywhere, and the variety of long doglegs and interesting par threes add to the excitement.
Wildlife from nearby Percy Warner Park, like deer and turkeys, can often be seen wandering onto the course. The back nine even borders the Steeplechase horse track venue.
At just $30 a round, it’s an unbeatable deal. It features friendly staff, a helpful starter, and water coolers that provide just what you need.
Percy Warner Golf Course
1221 Forrest Park Dr | Nashville
The Friends of Warner Park, The Tennessee Golf Foundation, and Metro Parks worked jointly to transform the Percy Warner Golf Course. The course now features new greens, enhanced green surrounds, a modernized irrigation system, and clubhouse upgrades.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Percy Warner Park, this course is celebrated as one of Nashville’s most scenic and beginner-friendly options. The nine-hole, par-34 layout spans 2,600 yards, offering a blend of playability and challenge with its tree-lined fairways and small, undulating greens. Since 1937, Percy Warner has been a beloved spot for Nashvillians to learn and enjoy the game of golf.
Golf carts are available to players who have been issued accessible tags for their vehicles.
Hermitage Golf Course
3939 Old Hickory Blvd | Old Hickory
Stretching up to 7,200 yards, The President’s Reserve offers a golfing experience that can be as challenging or as enjoyable as you would like. Designed by renowned architect Denis Griffiths, who also created the courses at Atlanta's Chateau Élan Resort, this course winds through 300 acres of Tennessee wetlands and along the scenic Cumberland River. Recognized by Golf Digest as one of the top 10 courses in Tennessee, The President’s Reserve is a must-play for any golf enthusiast.
The course layout is thoughtfully designed—challenging enough to keep experienced golfers engaged yet accessible for those who play less frequently. The greens are kept in excellent condition, showing signs of consistent aeration and sanding. The fairways and tee boxes are likewise well-maintained, adding to the overall quality of play.
Old Natchez Country Club
115 Gardengate Dr | Franklin
Set against the backdrop of Middle Tennessee's rolling hills and stunning sunsets, Old Natchez Country Club offers the perfect blend of full-service amenities and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Established over a century ago, it is the oldest continuously operating country club in the area, providing a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Conveniently located off Hillsboro Road in Williamson County, Old Natchez features a challenging golf course and a well-stocked golf pro shop. The expansive 30,000-square-foot clubhouse includes a beautiful banquet facility, an event lawn, and a spacious veranda. The club also hosts a busy social calendar with events and activities for all ages.
Old Natchez is perfectly situated near Historic Downtown Franklin, upscale Brentwood, and the vibrant city of Nashville, offering easy access to popular destinations while still providing a peaceful escape. With a variety of membership options available, Old Natchez stands out as the best value for a private club experience in the area.
The golf course is beautifully maintained, and the clubhouse exudes elegance. The dedicated and friendly staff, clean golf carts, and delectable menu options in the dining rooms contribute to the overall exceptional experience. The golf shop is well-stocked with everything a golfer might need. If you're not already a member, Old Natchez comes highly recommended—even the current members are known for their warm and welcoming attitude.
VinnyLinks Golf Course
2009 Sevier St | Nashville
VinnyLinks Golf Course is an approachable Par 3, 9-hole course situated in East Nashville's Shelby Park at 2009 Sevier Street. This walking course spans 1,210 yards and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Home to the First Tee Tennessee program, VinnyLinks is dedicated to empowering kids and teens through golf. There’s no need to book a tee time—just drop by to enjoy affordable prices, friendly staff, and a strong sense of community.
The driving range at VinnyLinks is straightforward, with about 10 mats available for practice—no grass tees here. The range features tall rubber trees and advises against hitting beyond 250 yards. While the setup isn’t particularly scenic, the convenience and value are undeniable, with a bucket of balls priced at just $6. It’s a handy spot for a quick practice session if you’re in the area. Drivers are not permitted; irons only.
VinnyLinks isn’t a championship course, but it shines as a rolling Par 3 course that is ideal for honing your short game. It’s a great place to practice your irons, wedges, and putting, making it a fantastic mid-week spot for regular practice if you’re a Nashville local. While the driving range setup is pretty basic, the course itself offers a peaceful setting, with the occasional sound of paddleboats like the General Jackson adding a bit of character. Wildlife sightings, such as deer grazing near the greens, add to the tranquil experience. Plus, the staff is super friendly, contributing to the course’s laid-back atmosphere.
Nashville National Golf Links
1725 New Hope Rd | Joelton
At Nashville National Golf Links, golfers are always the guests of honor. Their mission is to create an experience that feels like home, so they are constantly upgrading their course and amenities. Every visit brings something new, different, or improved, making each round a fresh and enjoyable experience.
Nestled among limestone bluffs, with scenic elevation changes and the serene Sycamore Creek, their 18-hole layout offers a beautiful escape from the everyday grind. Golf here is meant to be played in a relaxed and natural setting, just as it was intended.
The course’s natural beauty, with rivers, waterfalls, cliffs, and bluffs, is a big draw, especially for someone who lives in built-up areas of the state where natural beauty must be intentionally sought out. Golfers keep returning because of the friendly staff, well-maintained grounds, and challenging layout (that makes you use every club in your bag).
The greens are fast, but that’s part of the challenge. Cart features like distance monitors and Bluetooth speakers add a modern touch. Plus, the range balls included with each round are a great bonus. This course offers incredible value, and once you visit, you’ll definitely be back often.
Belle Meade Country Club
815 Belle Meade Blvd | Nashville
Belle Meade Country Club has long been an integral part of Nashville's history, serving its members and the broader community since the early 1900s. Originally established as the Nashville Golf and Country Club in 1901 on Harding Pike, the club quickly became a hub for golf and social events, with grand dances and parties complementing men's and women's tournaments.
In 1911, club president Frank O. Watts proposed relocating to Belle Meade, aiming to create the finest golf and country club in the South—a move unanimously approved by the membership that evening. By 1916, the club had settled into its current location on Belle Meade Boulevard, a site rich with history as part of the former Belle Meade Plantation, a renowned thoroughbred horse farm.
Belle Meade Country Club's longstanding reputation for excellence is deeply rooted in the respect and decorum exhibited by its members. This ethos has allowed the club to thrive for over a century. As the club has grown into a multi-generational community offering top-tier dining, events, and sporting activities, the expectations for member behavior have remained consistent.
Members, along with their families and guests, are expected to uphold the club's traditions of grace, respect, and proper decorum at all times, ensuring that Belle Meade continues to be a distinguished and welcoming community for all.
Richland Country Club
1 Club Dr | Nashville
Richland Country Club, originally chartered as the Nashville Golf Club in 1901, has a storied history marked by several relocations and a variety of golf courses. Among these was a course designed by the legendary Donald Ross in 1921. In 1988, the club made a significant move to the hill country south of Nashville and enlisted Jack Nicklaus to design a course that would meet the modern standards of the time.
Recently, in 2021, Atlanta-based architect Bill Bergin undertook a major transformation of the course, expanding greens and fairways, reducing tree density, and rebuilding grass-faced bunkers in a style reminiscent of Ross. A key change involved flipping the two nines and reversing the direction of the first and ninth holes (formerly the 10th and 18th) to enhance the course's flow. This redesign earned Richland third place in the 2023 Best Transformation awards.
Today, this premier golf course is a coveted commodity, prompting golfers in search of luxury to invest in both the initial and recurring membership fees to continue accessing it. If you would like to join or have questions about membership, please contact the Richland Country Club.
The Takeaway
Whether you’ve been an avid golfer for years or are just preparing to dip your toe into these waters for the first time, Middle Tennessee is the best place to be. Choose the golf course that’s right for you, then head out and give it a play! We look forward to hearing from you regarding your experience. Tag us in your social media posts and mention the name of this newsletter as well. Your feedback will help guide our reviews in 2025.
Happy golfing!
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