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SkiingTee Off in the Smokies: The Best Golf Courses Around Gatlinburg
Golfing in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains
Golfing in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains isn’t just a round on the links—it’s an unforgettable journey through rolling fairways framed by sweeping mountain vistas. From the dramatic elevation changes at Gatlinburg Golf Course to the riverfront beauty of Sevierville Golf Club, each course offers a unique blend of natural scenery and challenging play. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking to test your skills on a Robert Trent Jones II design at Sequoyah National Golf Club or a casual player ready to enjoy a relaxed round at Wild Laurel Golf Course, Gatlinburg has something for every golfer. Pack your clubs, lace up your golf shoes, and prepare to tee off in one of the most scenic golf destinations in the country!
Gatlinburg Golf Course
Located in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg Golf Course features some of the most dramatic elevation changes in the region, including the famous “Sky Hi” hole, a 194-yard par-3 with a 200-foot drop from tee to green. With stunning mountain views, this course is a favorite among both locals and tourists for its unique challenges and well-kept fairways.
Bent Creek Golf Course
Nestled at the foot of Mount LeConte, this Gary Player-designed course is a gem for its scenic layout and technical challenges. The back nine is particularly memorable, weaving through dense woods and along a winding creek. Bent Creek is a must-play for those who enjoy strategic play.
Sevierville Golf Club
Featuring two championship courses, the Sevierville Golf Club offers diverse play. The River Course hugs the Little Pigeon River, presenting water hazards on nearly every hole, while the Highlands Course challenges golfers with rolling terrain and tight fairways. The annual Sevierville Invitational draws players from across Tennessee.
Wild Laurel Golf Course
Located in Townsend, this mountain-style course is beloved for its serene setting and challenging elevation changes. Players often cite the back nine as a highlight, with scenic views of the Smokies and tightly wooded fairways requiring precision.
Dandridge Golf & Country Club
Overlooking Douglas Lake, Dandridge Golf & Country Club offers a mix of open and tree-lined holes with breathtaking water views. Its challenging par-4 9th hole, with a dogleg that demands precision and power off the tee, is a favorite among seasoned players. Beyond its scenic fairways, the course is known for its historical charm as one of Tennessee’s oldest golf courses, originally designed to complement the area’s natural landscape when it opened in 1959.
Baneberry Golf and Resort
Known for its immaculate greens and lakeside setting, Baneberry Golf and Resort offers a relaxing round of golf with the option to stay at its on-site resort. The 14th hole, a par-3 with a challenging island green, is a standout for its beauty and difficulty. Additionally, players often praise the back nine for its peaceful surroundings, where several holes meander along Douglas Lake, offering stunning views and a serene golfing experience.
Smoky Mountain Country Club
Located in Whittier, NC, Smoky Mountain Country Club is renowned for its dramatic elevation changes and sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains. Its signature par-5 13th hole features a breathtaking tee shot over a ravine, combining risk and reward for an unforgettable experience. The course also boasts a unique “cliffside” driving range, allowing players to practice their swing while taking in panoramic mountain views. This combination of challenging play and awe-inspiring scenery makes it a standout in the Smoky Mountains region..
Sequoyah National Golf Club
Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, Sequoyah National is a visual masterpiece with rolling fairways and stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The course’s signature par-4 18th hole features a double dogleg with a panoramic mountain backdrop, making it a memorable finish for any round. The course is also part of the Cherokee Tribal Lands, giving it cultural significance and a distinctive ambiance that sets it apart from other courses in the region.
Frequently asked questions
Planning a golf weekend with friends, or perhaps just trying to get a round in while on summer vacation? Get answers to common questions about golfing in the Great Smoky Mountains.
For an epic guys’ weekend, check out Gatlinburg Golf Course for its dramatic elevation changes or Sevierville Golf Club’s River Course, which winds along the Little Pigeon River. Wrap up the weekend with some post-round beers at Sevierville’s on-site restaurant—bonus points if someone nails the 14th hole’s island green at The Oaks Course!
Absolutely! Many resorts, like the Bent Creek Golf Course, offer stay-and-play packages that bundle tee times, accommodations, and sometimes even meals. Call ahead to check for seasonal deals—your wallet will thank you.
Of course! Most courses, including Smoky Mountain Country Club and Wild Laurel Golf Course, offer high-quality club rentals. Whether you forgot yours at home or want to try out new gear, you’ll be covered. Rentals typically cost $25-$50 per round.
Don’t let a little drizzle ruin your day! Many courses, like Sequoyah National Golf Club, have rain-check policies that let you finish your round another time. Pro tip: Always check the forecast and pack a rain jacket—mountain weather can be unpredictable.
Sequoyah National Golf Club takes the crown here. With its Robert Trent Jones II design, tight fairways, and breathtaking elevation changes, this course will test your skills while treating you to incredible views.
Yes! The Smoky Mountain Open at Sevierville Golf Club is a popular annual event open to amateurs and pros alike. Keep an eye out for charity tournaments too, which are a fun way to compete while supporting local causes.