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Bear Trace at Tims Ford

Jack Nicklaus Signature Design • Winchester, Tennessee

Course Information

Holes: 18
Par: 71
Yardage: 6,764 (Gold Tees)
Designer: Jack Nicklaus
Opened: 1999
Type: Public
Rating: 72.5
Slope: 130

Green Fees

In Season (Mar 26–Nov 16)

Weekday Weekend
18 Holes w/ Cart $69 $79
9 Holes w/ Cart $39 $45
18 Holes Walking $49 $59
Senior 18 w/ Cart (62+) $55 N/A
Junior 18 (18 & under) $25 $25
Twilight 18 (after 3pm) $45 $45

Off Season (Nov 17–Mar 25)

Weekday Weekend
18 Holes w/ Cart $51 $60
9 Holes w/ Cart $27 $32
18 Holes Walking $31 $40
Senior 18 w/ Cart (62+) $41 N/A

All rates + tax • Senior weekday only • Rates subject to change

Location & Contact

Address:
570 Bear Trace Drive
Winchester, TN 37398

Phone:
(931) 962-4653

Website:
tnstateparks.com

Tee Box Details

Tee Yardage Rating Slope Par
Gold 6,764 72.5 130 71
Blue 6,469 71.3 125 71
White 6,109 69.6 120 71
Red 5,517 66.8 115 71

About Bear Trace at Tims Ford

Bear Trace at Tims Ford is a distinguished Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course that opened in 1999 in Winchester, Tennessee. Situated on a scenic peninsula formed by Tims Ford Lake, this award-winning course represents one of the Golden Bear's most innovative designs in the southeastern United States.


What sets Bear Trace at Tims Ford apart is its unique links-style character, resembling traditional British Isles courses rarely found in Tennessee. The 6,764-yard, par-71 layout carries a course rating of 72.5 and slope of 130 from the Gold tees, offering a distinctive golfing experience where the Tims Ford reservoir is visible from every hole, with water coming into play on eight holes strategically positioned throughout the course.


The course design masterfully transitions from rolling former pastureland on the opening holes to wooded areas dominated by giant oak trees. This diverse terrain creates multiple "looks" throughout the round, keeping golfers engaged while providing varying strategic challenges that showcase Nicklaus's design philosophy of risk-reward golf.


Recognition came quickly after opening, with Bear Trace at Tims Ford earning prestigious awards including "Top Ten Places You Can Play" and "Best New Destination" in Tennessee for 1999. The back nine provides a particularly challenging test, culminating with the demanding 18th hole—a 453-yard par-four featuring strategic bunkers and the lake shoreline.


As part of the Tennessee Golf Trail and Bear Trace collection, the course represents Jack Nicklaus's commitment to providing quality public golf. The Golden Bear himself noted, "The idea of providing quality golf to residents and visitors of Tennessee is a wonderful concept," and Bear Trace at Tims Ford exemplifies this vision with its exceptional balance of challenge and playability.


Located within Tims Ford State Park, the course offers families additional recreational opportunities beyond golf. The state park features camping, hiking trails, swimming areas, boat launches, and fishing on Tims Ford Lake, making it an ideal destination for golf trips where the entire family can enjoy outdoor activities while golfers experience this world-class Nicklaus design.

Course Amenities

Driving Range
Practice Green
Snack Bar
Golf Lessons
On-Site Cabins & Campsites
Club Rental

Ready to Play Bear Trace at Tims Ford?

Book your tee time today and experience this award-winning Jack Nicklaus design on Tims Ford Lake