Top 5 Best Golf Courses Near Nashville, Tennessee 2025
- 5. Vanderbilt Legends Club
- 4. GreyStone Golf Club
- 3. Gaylord Springs Golf Links
- 2. Hermitage Golf Course
- 1. Belle Meade Country Club
Vanderbilt Legends Club
Founded in 1992, Vanderbilt Legends Club is a 36-hole golf club located in Franklin, just 17 miles south of downtown Nashville. Designed by Bob Cupp and Tom Kite, the club features two championship courses with the North course measuring 7,200 yards par-72 and the South course playing 7,100 yards par 71. The courses, along with their pristine 19-acre practice facility, are widely recognized among the finest in Tennessee. Beginning in 2024, the club became the host venue for the Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation on the Korn Ferry Tour, played on the North Course.
Pros
- Two championship courses available
- Host venue for Korn Ferry Tour event
- Pristine 19-acre practice facility
- Designed by Bob Cupp and Tom Kite
Cons
- Private club membership required
- Located 17 miles south of Nashville
GreyStone Golf Club
GreyStone Golf Club is an acclaimed public-access venue designed by Mark McCumber that offers a value-focused golfing experience with challenging terrain and scenic views. The course has hosted multiple Tennessee State Opens and other higher-profile competitive golf tournaments, establishing its credentials as a championship venue. GreyStone maintains an exceptional 4.7-star rating based on 279 Google user reviews and is scheduled to host the 2025 Tennessee State Junior Amateur. The course intentionally aims to be a value-brand of first-class public golf courses while maintaining championship-level conditions.
Pros
- Mark McCumber championship design
- Hosted multiple Tennessee State Opens
- Exceptional value for quality of play
- Outstanding 4.7-star Google rating
Cons
- Located 40 minutes west of Nashville
- Challenging terrain for beginners
Gaylord Springs Golf Links
Located just 10 minutes from Nashville International Airport and five minutes from Gaylord Opryland Resort, Gaylord Springs Golf Links offers an unparalleled Scottish links-style, par-72 layout. Designed by former US Open and PGA Champion Larry Nelson, this 18-hole golf course is carved from the banks of the Cumberland River and bordered by breathtaking limestone bluffs and wetlands. The course features rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens that have earned numerous accolades over the years, including being named one of the "Best Courses You Can Play" by Golfweek magazine.
Pros
- Designed by Major Champion Larry Nelson
- Unique Scottish links style in Tennessee
- Stunning Cumberland River setting
- Golfweek "Best Courses You Can Play"
Cons
- Premium pricing for public access
- Windy conditions can be challenging
Hermitage Golf Course
Hermitage Golf Course is voted #1 Public Golf Course in Nashville and consistently ranks among the best public golf courses in Tennessee. The facility boasts not one, but two championship courses that offer a diverse range of challenges. The President's Reserve has been recognized as one of the top 10 courses in Tennessee by Golf Digest, while the General's Retreat is set along the Cumberland River and played host to an LPGA event from 1988 to 1999. Both courses provide challenging tree-lined fairways and strategically placed hazards, ensuring an exciting and rewarding round of golf for players of all abilities.
Pros
- Voted #1 public course in Nashville
- Two championship courses available
- Golf Digest Top 10 Tennessee ranking
- Former LPGA tournament venue
Cons
- Popular course can be crowded
- Challenging for high handicap players
Belle Meade Country Club
Belle Meade Country Club stands as Nashville's premier golf destination, ranked among Golf Digest's top golf courses in Tennessee for 2005-06 and widely regarded as one of the best golf courses in Tennessee. This historic club features a classic Donald Ross-designed Bermuda grass golf course that first opened in 1901, representing over a century of Nashville golf excellence. The par-72 course plays to 6,885 yards with a course rating of 74.6 and a slope of 139. With its beautiful historic architecture coupled with modern amenities, Belle Meade Country Club is known as one of Nashville's best golf courses, consistently maintaining excellent course conditions.
Pros
- Classic Donald Ross design from 1901
- Golf Digest Top Tennessee ranking
- Excellent course conditions year-round
- Historic Nashville golf heritage
Cons
- Extremely exclusive membership
- Very limited guest access
Honorable Mentions
Old Hickory Country Club
Location: Old Hickory, TN
Built in 1926, Old Hickory Country Club features one of Nashville's oldest and best golf courses. At 6,617 yards and par 71, the course boasts some of the best Bermuda greens in the area that are quick, smooth, and consistent. Once a Web.com qualifying course, Old Hickory is known for its championship-level conditions and is truly an underrated gem of a golf course with excellent course conditions throughout the year.
Two Rivers Golf Course
Location: Nashville, TN
Two Rivers Golf Course is a municipal course favorite located in the heart of Donelson, east of downtown Nashville. Built in 1973 with greens and tees redesigned in 1991, the course underwent a major greens renovation in Summer 2016, upgrading to Ultradwarf Bermuda and placing Two Rivers greens among the best in the state. As one of 7 Nashville city courses, Two Rivers is very well maintained with greens covered in winter and consistently in great shape year-round.
The Nashville golf scene offers exceptional variety, from classic Donald Ross designs at Belle Meade Country Club to championship public golf at Hermitage Golf Course and unique Scottish links at Gaylord Springs. Whether seeking private club exclusivity or accessible public golf, these five courses represent the pinnacle of Nashville golf excellence, each offering distinct challenges and memorable experiences.
Rankings based on comprehensive analysis from multiple golf publications, player reviews, and championship pedigree for 2025.