Golf... Smokies Style
Enjoy A Full Variety Of Golf Experiences And Unique Golf Vacations

The Great Smoky Mountain courses offer golfing experiences at all levels. Golfers can find many challenges on the courses in the area. First is the challenge of playing on courses designed by greats like Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Edmund Ault. Then there is the challenge of concentrating on the game while surrounded by the splendor and majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

For those not accustomed to it, mountain golf presents its own unique challenges and thrills. “Reading the green,” for example, can be particularly difficult when the slope of the putting surface is severe, yet disguised by a mountainous backdrop. Addressing the ball and obtaining the proper stance can be challenging when the terrain is rolling and often rough. Golfers, particularly those with errant drives, often will find themselves with a lie going into a hill or with the terrain going away from them.

The change in altitude on many mountain courses, many times from tee to green, can give golfers the thrill of a lifetime with drives that travel 300 yards and more to the fairway below. Even the crisp mountain air seems to allow the ball to travel farther and roll longer.

The golf business is booming in the Smokies, with a wide range of golfing experiences, course designs and unique challenges. Bent Creek in Gatlinburg offers a diverse, Gary Player-designed course with a very different front and back nine. For golfing in Townsend, visit the lush Bermuda fairways at Laurel Valley Golf Course. The course, rated 68.6 with a slope rating of 120, exhibits 5,753 yards of golf from the back tees for a par of 70. The Sevierville Golf Club features two 18-hole championship courses: The Highlands, a par 70 that winds through lush rolling hills and fresh water mountain ponds and The River, a par 72 plays along and across the Little Pigeon River.

Courses in the Smoky Mountain area have taken advantage of the scenic beauty and the natural surroundings to create an experience that will be long remembered and a challenge for golfers at all skill levels as well. It is an easy transition to take America’s favorite pastime and place it in one of the most scenic spots in the country.

All set to golf but missing the gear? Not to worry! Visit one of the many pro shops for a wide selection of golf bags, balls, clubs and apparel from name brands like TaylorMade, Nike, Callaway and Titleist. Then head out to the course of your choice and swing like you mean it.

Make sure to plan a couple rounds of golf during your visit. If you love golf, you’re going to love it even more here in the Tennessee Smokies.