Nestled on the pristine Cumberland Plateau in Crossville, Tennessee, Fairfield Glade stands as one of the South's most celebrated golf destinations. Known as the "Golf Capital of Tennessee," this remarkable 12,500-acre resort community offers five championship golf courses with a combined 90 holes of world-class golf. From Joe Lee's masterful Stonehenge to the historic Druid Hills, each course presents unique challenges while showcasing the natural beauty of Tennessee's mountain landscape.
Located just five miles from Interstate 40 and positioned perfectly between Nashville (100 miles east) and Knoxville (70 miles west), Fairfield Glade has earned recognition from Golf Channel's Travel Segment as a Top 10 "Buddy Trip" destination. The resort's elevation of 2,000 feet provides not only stunning mountain vistas but also ideal playing conditions that make golf enjoyable year-round.
The Championship Courses of Fairfield Glade
Fairfield Glade's five championship courses represent the work of golf's most respected architects, including Jack Nicklaus, Joe Lee, Ron Garl, Bobby Greenwood, and Gary Roger Baird. These legendary designers have masterfully utilized the natural terrain and scenic beauty of the Cumberland Plateau to create challenging and memorable golf experiences that cater to players of all skill levels.
Stonehenge Golf Club - Joe Lee's Mountain Masterpiece
Widely regarded as the crown jewel of Fairfield Glade's golf collection, Stonehenge Golf Club has earned numerous accolades including being ranked #2 in Golfweek Magazine's "Best Courses You Can Play in Tennessee" and named among the top 5 courses in the state by Golf Week Magazine. This Joe Lee design, completed in 1984, showcases the legendary architect's ability to seamlessly integrate challenging golf with natural beauty.
The course derives its name from the walls of native stone found throughout the 6,549-yard, par 72 layout. Natural rock outcroppings come dramatically into play on several holes, most notably on the signature downhill par 3 14th hole, where a 15-foot layered stone retaining wall runs along the left and rear of the green, creating one of Tennessee's most photographed golf holes.
Joe Lee, who built more than 200 courses worldwide before his passing in 2003, was known for his philosophy that courses should "make golfers smile." Jack Nicklaus paid Lee the ultimate compliment, stating that he "never built a bad course," and Stonehenge stands as a testament to this legacy. The course features pristine bentgrass greens, strategic bunkering, and elevation changes that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding Cumberland Mountains.
Druid Hills Golf Club - Historic Highland Golf
Druid Hills Golf Club holds the distinction of being the first golf course at Fairfield Glade, with the initial nine holes opening for play in 1970 and the full 18-hole championship layout completed in 1973. Designed by Leon Howard, this historic course is situated on the highest point in Fairfield Glade, providing spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains that inspired its Celtic name.
The course features rolling, tree-lined fairways that wind through the natural contours of the mountainous terrain. Multiple water hazards, strategic doglegs, and undulating bentgrass greens create a true test of golf that has challenged players for over four decades. The elevated position of Druid Hills not only provides scenic beauty but also creates unique playing conditions, with the mountain air affecting ball flight and club selection.
What sets Druid Hills apart is its combination of historical significance and natural beauty. As the original course that established Fairfield Glade as a golf destination, it represents the foundation upon which Tennessee's Golf Capital was built. The mature landscaping and established tree lines create a parkland-style experience that contrasts beautifully with the more modern designs found elsewhere in the resort.
Dorchester Golf Club - Precision Mountain Golf
Dorchester Golf Club, designed by renowned architect Bobby Greenwood, represents precision golf at its finest. This spectacular 18-hole championship course is characterized by narrow, tree-lined fairways that demand accuracy from tee to green, making it a favorite among skilled golfers who appreciate strategic play over pure distance.
The course features strategically placed bunkers set against dramatic mountain backdrops, with water hazards coming into play on eight of the unique holes. The combination of Dorchester's bentgrass greens and park-like setting creates an atmosphere of refined golf that has made it a challenging favorite among both members and visiting golfers for decades.
What makes Dorchester particularly noteworthy is its role in professional golf. The course has co-hosted the Tennessee State Open, demonstrating its championship pedigree and ability to test the skills of the state's finest golfers. The tournament-quality conditions and challenging layout make Dorchester an excellent choice for golfers looking to experience championship-caliber golf in a stunning natural setting.
The Heatherhurst Experience
Fairfield Glade's golf offerings are completed by two magnificent courses that bear the Heatherhurst name, each providing distinct challenges and scenic beauty that complement the resort's championship collection.
Heatherhurst Brae Golf Course - Mountain Resort Golf
Heatherhurst Brae Golf Course offers a classic mountain resort golf experience at Fairfield Glade's signature elevation of 2,000 feet on the Cumberland Plateau. This 18-hole championship course stretches 6,499 yards from the blue tees, providing a challenging yet enjoyable round for golfers of all skill levels.
The course is part of Fairfield Glade's resort facilities, making it available for play by members, guests of members, and the general public with appropriate restrictions. The Brae's design takes full advantage of the natural mountain terrain, incorporating elevation changes and scenic vistas that make each hole a memorable experience.
Heatherhurst Crag Golf Course - Modern Mountain Design
Heatherhurst Crag Golf Course represents the newest addition to Fairfield Glade's championship collection, designed by Gary Rogers Baird and completed in the mid-2000s. This 18-hole, par 72 championship course features 6,171 yards from the blue tees and showcases modern golf course architecture principles while respecting the natural mountain environment.
The Crag is distinguished by its pristine bentgrass tees and greens, providing superior playing surfaces that meet championship standards. Baird's design philosophy emphasizes strategic play and natural beauty, creating a course that challenges golfers while showcasing the spectacular scenery of the Cumberland Plateau.
Planning Your Fairfield Glade Golf Experience
Course Accessibility and Membership
All five championship courses at Fairfield Glade operate as Community Club facilities, available for play by resort members, guests of members, and the general public with appropriate restrictions. This accessibility makes Fairfield Glade an ideal destination for golf groups, corporate outings, and individual golfers seeking championship-quality golf in a resort setting.
The courses maintain seasonal schedules to ensure optimal playing conditions, with Stonehenge typically closing around November 13th and Heatherhurst Brae closing around November 1st for winter maintenance. This seasonal approach allows the grounds crew to maintain the bentgrass greens and tees at championship standards year-round.
Golf Packages and Accommodations
Fairfield Glade has earned recognition from The Golf Channel's Travel Segment as a Top 10 "Buddy Trip" destination, and numerous golf package companies offer comprehensive experiences that include guaranteed tee times, green fees, carts, accommodations, and southern hospitality. Tennessee Mountain Golf and Bertram Golf Packages are among the premier providers offering custom-tailored experiences starting as low as $99 per golfer per night.
Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Glade provides on-site accommodations within the golf community, offering convenient access to all five championship courses. The resort features condominium-style accommodations, multiple dining venues, and comprehensive recreational facilities that complement the golf experience.
Beyond Golf: Resort Amenities
While golf is the primary attraction, Fairfield Glade offers a comprehensive resort experience that includes 11 spring-fed lakes for boating and fishing, tennis and pickleball facilities, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, community fitness centers, marina facilities, and convenient on-site shopping and dining venues. This variety of amenities makes Fairfield Glade an ideal destination for families and groups with diverse recreational interests.
The Architecture Legacy
What sets Fairfield Glade apart from other golf destinations is the caliber of architects who have contributed to its collection of courses. The resort features designs from some of golf's most respected names, each bringing their unique philosophy and style to the Cumberland Plateau landscape.
Joe Lee's Timeless Design Philosophy
Joe Lee's contribution to Fairfield Glade through Stonehenge Golf Club represents the pinnacle of golf course architecture. Lee's 50-year career and 200+ courses worldwide established him as a master of creating courses that challenge skilled golfers while remaining enjoyable for recreational players. His philosophy that courses should "make golfers smile" is evident throughout Stonehenge's thoughtful routing and strategic design elements.
Diverse Architectural Styles
The presence of multiple renowned architects at Fairfield Glade creates a unique opportunity for golfers to experience different design philosophies within a single destination. From Bobby Greenwood's precision-focused Dorchester to Gary Rogers Baird's modern Heatherhurst Crag, each course offers distinct challenges and aesthetic approaches that showcase the versatility of great golf architecture.
Tournament Heritage and Professional Golf
Fairfield Glade's championship courses have played host to numerous professional and amateur tournaments, establishing their credentials as tournament-quality venues. Dorchester Golf Club has co-hosted the Tennessee State Open, while Stonehenge Golf Club is scheduled to host the 2025 Tennessee Senior State Open from June 9-10, and Fairfield Glade returns as a sponsor for the 2025 Tennessee Women's Open.
This tournament heritage speaks to the quality of course conditions, strategic design challenges, and operational excellence that defines the Fairfield Glade golf experience. Playing these same courses where state championships are contested provides golfers with an authentic championship golf experience.
Seasonal Golf and Weather Advantages
The Cumberland Plateau's elevation of 2,000 feet provides Fairfield Glade with distinct seasonal advantages for golf. Summer temperatures are moderated by the elevation, creating comfortable playing conditions when lower elevations become oppressive. The mountain climate also provides beautiful fall colors that enhance the golf experience during Tennessee's spectacular autumn season.
Spring arrives early on the Cumberland Plateau, extending the golf season, while winter conditions are generally mild enough to allow year-round play on courses that remain open. The elevation also affects ball flight, adding an interesting strategic element that golfers must consider when planning their approach to each hole.
Why Fairfield Glade Stands Apart
Several factors combine to make Fairfield Glade Tennessee's premier golf destination and one of the Southeast's most respected golf resorts:
- Architectural Diversity: Five championship courses designed by legendary architects offer varied playing experiences within a single destination
- Championship Quality: Tournament venues with professional-level course conditions and strategic challenges
- Natural Beauty: Cumberland Plateau setting provides stunning mountain vistas and pristine natural environment
- Accessibility: Public access to resort-quality golf without private club membership requirements
- Comprehensive Experience: Full resort amenities beyond golf create memorable multi-day experiences
- Strategic Location: Easy Interstate access between major Tennessee metropolitan areas
- Proven Recognition: Awards and rankings from golf industry publications and media outlets
Making the Most of Your Visit
Recommended Playing Order
For first-time visitors to Fairfield Glade, we recommend beginning your golf experience with Stonehenge Golf Club to experience Joe Lee's masterful design and the course consistently ranked among Tennessee's finest. Follow this with Druid Hills Golf Club for its historical significance and mountain vistas, then challenge yourself on the precision layout of Dorchester Golf Club.
Complete your Fairfield Glade experience with rounds on both Heatherhurst courses: Heatherhurst Brae for classic mountain resort golf and Heatherhurst Crag for modern championship design. This progression provides a comprehensive overview of golf architecture evolution while showcasing the natural beauty of the Cumberland Plateau.
Best Times to Visit
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer ideal playing conditions with moderate temperatures and spectacular scenery. Spring brings wildflowers and fresh mountain air, while fall provides brilliant foliage colors that frame each golf hole beautifully. Summer offers extended daylight hours and comfortable mountain temperatures, while winter provides opportunities for peaceful golf on courses that remain open.
Conclusion: Tennessee's Golf Capital
Fairfield Glade's designation as the "Golf Capital of Tennessee" is well-earned through its combination of championship-quality courses, legendary architectural pedigree, stunning natural beauty, and comprehensive resort amenities. The five championship courses offer 90 holes of diverse golf experiences that challenge players while showcasing the best of Cumberland Plateau scenery.
Whether you're planning a multi-day golf retreat, seeking tournament-quality courses for a competitive group, or simply looking to experience some of Tennessee's finest golf in a spectacular mountain setting, Fairfield Glade delivers an unmatched combination of quality, beauty, and hospitality that has made it a cornerstone of Southern golf for over five decades.
From Joe Lee's stone-walled masterpiece at Stonehenge to the historic highland beauty of Druid Hills, from the precision challenges of Dorchester to the modern excellence of the Heatherhurst courses, Fairfield Glade offers a golf experience that satisfies the most discerning players while creating lasting memories in one of Tennessee's most beautiful settings.