10 Scenic & Challenging Golf Courses in Nashville, TN
Nashville offers golfers some of the most breathtaking and demanding courses in Tennessee. Rolling hills, water hazards, and championship-level designs create perfect challenges for players of every skill level. Music City’s golf scene combines Southern hospitality with world-class facilities that test your game while treating your eyes to stunning landscapes.
1. Temple Hills Golf Club
Carved into rolling countryside southeast of downtown, this Arnold Palmer-designed masterpiece demands precision on every shot. Elevated tees provide spectacular views of the Cumberland River valley below.
Strategic bunkering and undulating greens challenge even scratch golfers. Water comes into play on six holes, creating risk-reward scenarios that separate good rounds from great ones.
The signature par-3 17th hole plays downhill to an island green surrounded by native wetlands and wildflowers.
2. Nashboro Golf Club
Mature oak trees frame fairways that wind through natural Tennessee terrain just minutes from downtown Nashville. This classic layout rewards thoughtful course management over pure distance.
Bentgrass greens roll true year-round, while strategically placed sand traps catch wayward approach shots. The back nine features dramatic elevation changes that reveal panoramic views of the Nashville skyline.
Local golfers consider the par-4 finishing hole one of the toughest closers in Middle Tennessee, with water guarding the left side of the green.
3. Highland Rim Golf Course
Perched atop the Highland Rim plateau, this course offers some of the most dramatic vistas in Middle Tennessee. Cool morning mist often blankets the valleys below while golfers enjoy crisp mountain air.
Championship tees stretch over 7,200 yards, testing every club in your bag. Deep ravines and rock outcroppings create natural hazards that demand accurate shot placement.
The par-5 eighth hole drops nearly 100 feet from tee to green, creating an unforgettable risk-reward opportunity for brave golfers.
4. The Grove
Luxury meets challenge at this exclusive resort course designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates. Manicured conditions rival any PGA Tour venue, while thoughtful routing showcases the property’s natural beauty.
Multiple tee boxes accommodate all skill levels, though championship pins demand surgical precision. Waste bunkers filled with native grasses create visually striking hazards throughout the layout.
The practice facilities include a short game area that replicates on-course conditions, helping golfers prepare for the unique challenges ahead.
5. Hermitage Golf Course
History and golf combine beautifully at this course located near President Andrew Jackson’s historic plantation. Ancient hardwoods provide natural corridors that have challenged golfers for over half a century.
Traditional design principles emphasize strategy over technology, rewarding players who think their way around the course. Subtle green complexes feature slopes and tiers that demand precise distance control.
The clubhouse overlooks the 18th green, where many rounds end with spectacular sunset views filtering through century-old trees.
6. Richland Country Club
Exclusivity defines this private club where Nashville’s elite have played golf for generations. Immaculate conditioning and old-school Southern charm create an atmosphere unlike any public facility.
Donald Ross design principles shine through in subtle green contours and strategic fairway bunkering. Members often host business meetings on the course, combining Nashville’s music industry deals with beautiful golf.
The dining room overlooks the practice green, where you might spot country music stars working on their short games between recording sessions.
7. Ironhorse Course at Legends Club of Tennessee
Championship golf reaches its peak at this Tom Kite and Roy Bechtol design that has hosted numerous professional tournaments. Every hole presents a different test, from long carries over wetlands to precise approaches into elevated greens.
Tournament-quality conditioning means lightning-fast greens and firm fairways that reward proper ball striking. Spectator mounds around key holes create an amphitheater effect during competitive events.
The finishing stretch includes three demanding holes that have decided countless tournaments and casual matches alike.
8. Harpeth Hills
Municipal golf reaches championship standards at this public course that proves great golf doesn’t require country club membership. Rolling terrain follows the natural contours of the Harpeth River valley.
Value-conscious golfers appreciate the reasonable green fees and well-maintained conditions. Wide fairways welcome beginners, while strategically placed hazards challenge experienced players attempting aggressive lines.
The pro shop staff includes PGA professionals who offer lessons and clinics, making this an ideal place for golfers looking to improve their games.
9. Belle Meade Country Club
Prestige and tradition define this historic club where Nashville society has gathered for over a century. The course winds through the exclusive Belle Meade neighborhood, passing million-dollar mansions and manicured gardens.
Classic parkland design features tree-lined fairways that demand accuracy off the tee. Members include business leaders, entertainers, and politicians who appreciate the club’s discretion and old-world elegance.
The 19th hole offers Southern cuisine and bourbon selections that perfectly complement a round of golf in Music City.
10. Gaylord Springs Golf Links
Links-style golf comes to Tennessee at this resort course adjacent to the famous Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Open fairways and minimal trees create a Scottish-inspired layout that plays differently than traditional parkland courses.
Constant winds add an extra element of challenge, making club selection crucial on approach shots. The course offers spectacular views of the Cumberland River and downtown Nashville skyline.
Resort amenities include luxury accommodations and world-class dining, making this perfect for golf vacation packages and corporate retreats.
