Top 5 Best Golf Courses Near Knoxville, Tennessee 2025
- 5. Williams Creek Golf Course
- 4. Whittle Springs Golf Course
- 3. WindRiver Golf Club
- 2. Cherokee Country Club
- 1. Holston Hills Country Club
Williams Creek Golf Course
Williams Creek Golf Course stands out as the highest-rated public course in our rankings with an impressive 4.51 out of 5 stars based on 581 reviews. Located off James White Parkway on Dandridge Road, this par-3 course offers golfers an excellent 18-hole experience that can be completed in approximately 2 hours. Recent players consistently praise the course for its excellent fairway and green conditions, making it an ideal choice for both practice and casual rounds.
Pros
- Highest rating among public courses (4.51/5)
- Excellent fairway and green conditions
- Quick 2-hour round perfect for practice
- Consistently positive player reviews
Cons
- Par-3 only, limited to short game practice
- May not challenge experienced golfers
Whittle Springs Golf Course
Whittle Springs Golf Course holds the distinction of being Knoxville's first public golf course and continues to host annual amateur golf tournaments. This 18-hole, par-70 course is operated by Purple Horse Hospitality and ranks as the 6th best golf course in Knoxville according to local rankings. With a rating of 3.86 out of 5 stars based on 398 reviews, Whittle Springs offers golfers a historic and well-maintained golfing experience that has served the community for decades.
Pros
- Historic significance as first public course
- Hosts annual amateur tournaments
- Professional management by Purple Horse
- Full 18-hole championship layout
Cons
- Lower rating compared to newer courses
- May show age in some facilities
WindRiver Golf Club
WindRiver Golf Club is a prestigious private golf club and residential community featuring an 18-hole championship golf course designed by renowned architect Bob Cupp. Located in Lenoir City, this club offers a challenging yet fair course with well-maintained fairways, challenging layout, and true sandy greens. The facility includes comprehensive practice facilities, tennis courts, swimming pools, and dining venues, making it a complete luxury golf destination.
Pros
- Bob Cupp championship design
- Well-maintained fairways and greens
- Comprehensive resort amenities
- Challenging yet fair layout
Cons
- Private club with membership requirements
- Premium pricing for non-members
Cherokee Country Club
Cherokee Country Club stands as the #1 ranked golf course in Knoxville according to local rankings, featuring an 18-hole championship golf course designed by the legendary Donald Ross. This private golf club offers an 18-hole, par-70 course with tree-lined fairways, bluegrass and bent grass greens, plus comprehensive amenities including tennis courts, swimming pool, and dining facilities. The North Course is particularly recognized in state-wide golf rankings alongside other prestigious Tennessee clubs.
Pros
- #1 ranked course in Knoxville
- Classic Donald Ross design
- Complete club amenities
- Tree-lined fairways and premium greens
Cons
- Private club membership required
- Limited public access opportunities
Holston Hills Country Club
Holston Hills Country Club represents the pinnacle of Knoxville golf, ranking as the #7 golf course in Tennessee according to Golfweek 2024 rankings and earning recognition as the #1 private golf club in Tennessee by Golfweek for 2022. This historic 18-hole, par-72 course features a Donald Ross design from the 1920s that has remained largely unaltered since its original layout. The course showcases some consider the best-preserved Donald Ross design in the USA, maintaining its classic architecture and strategic challenges.
Pros
- #7 course in Tennessee state rankings
- Best-preserved Donald Ross design
- Historic 1920s layout maintained
- Recognized as top private club in state
Cons
- Exclusive private club membership
- Extremely limited public access
Honorable Mentions
Avalon Golf & Country Club
Location: Lenoir City, TN
Avalon Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole, par-72 course with an impressive 4.34 out of 5 stars rating based on 671 reviews. This public course offers excellent value and consistently high player satisfaction, making it one of the most popular golf destinations in the greater Knoxville area. The course provides a challenging yet accessible layout suitable for golfers of all skill levels.
Dead Horse Lake Golf Course
Location: Knoxville, TN
Dead Horse Lake Golf Course ranks as the #1 best public golf course in Knoxville according to local rankings. This 18-hole, par-72 public course offers golfers an excellent championship layout with a 4.25 out of 5 stars rating. The course provides outstanding value for public golf in the Knoxville area, featuring well-maintained conditions and challenging play that attracts both locals and visitors.
The Knoxville area offers exceptional golf diversity, from Donald Ross classics at Holston Hills Country Club and Cherokee Country Club to modern championship designs and excellent public facilities. Whether seeking prestigious private club experiences or outstanding public golf values, these five courses represent the finest golf destinations within easy reach of Knoxville.
Rankings based on comprehensive analysis from Local Golf Spot, GolfPass, Golfweek, Tripadvisor, and multiple local golf publications for 2025.