Gatlinburg, Tennessee, sits on the doorstep of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, drawing visitors for hiking, wildlife viewing, and stunning Appalachian scenery.
What many travelers don’t realize is that this mountain town also serves as an excellent base for golf. The Gatlinburg area offers one flagship public course plus several highly rated options within a short drive.
Gatlinburg golf courses offer unique scenery, with breathtaking mountain views, dramatic elevation changes, and lush, rolling terrain that create an unforgettable backdrop for every round.
Book your stay at Treehouse Grove and build a golf-filled Smokies itinerary around these picturesque courses.
1. Gatlinburg Golf Course
Photo Credit: George Rudy
- Address: 520 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge
- Open to public: Yes
This 18-hole, par-71 layout, situated just five miles from downtown Gatlinburg near Dollywood, stands as the region’s flagship public course.
At roughly 6,280 yards from the tips with four tee boxes for various skill levels, Gatlinburg Golf Course accommodates everyone from beginners to single-digit handicaps.
Originally designed by architect William Langford in 1955, the entire course received a major renovation by Bob Cupp in 2007. Signature holes include:
- Long Lane (#3): A 529-yard par-5 demanding a precise fade around mature hardwoods
- Sky Hi (#12): A dramatic par-3 dropping approximately 150 feet from tee to green
- Hole #17: A tough 231-yard par-3 over a ravine
Amenities feature a fully stocked golf shop with apparel and accessories, club rentals, and The Bear’s Den Café for dining.
The course is open year-round with online booking available. This is a popular course so book your tee times in advance in peak season (June to October).
2. Bent Creek Golf Course
- Address: 3919 East Parkway, Gatlinburg
- Open to public: Yes
Located on East Parkway about 15–20 minutes from town, Bent Creek Golf Club offers an 18-hole, par-72 layout designed by three-time Masters champion Gary Player.
The front nine flows through a valley along a sparkling creek, while the back nine climbs into rolling terrain with challenging elevation shifts.
Recognized by the Southern Living Travel Guide as one of the top golf courses in the South, Bent Creek emphasizes a quieter, more secluded experience than the Gatlinburg Golf Course.
The property includes a pro shop with rental clubs and a modest clubhouse. It’s ideal for golfers seeking a relaxing round away from tourist crowds.
3. Sevierville Golf Club River Course
Photo Credit: PeopleImages
- Address: 1444 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville
- Open to public: Yes
Approximately 30–35 minutes from Gatlinburg, Sevierville Golf Club features 36 holes across two courses. Both layouts offer generous fairways, water hazards, and mountain backdrops across rolling terrain.
The Highlands course is par-70 and set among rolling hills and mountain streams.
The River Course is a longer, more traditional par-72 course with water in play on 14 of the 18 holes as it winds along the Little Pigeon River.
Although both courses are worth playing, it’s The River Course that draws the most attention. It currently hosts several regional and state events, including the SSAA State HS Golf Championships, the TGA State Mid-Am, and the Scotty, which is hosted by PGA Tour winner Scott Stallings.
The club boasts complete practice facilities, a full-service golf shop, and clubhouse dining. This is the pick for golfers prioritizing conditioning and a country club feel at public course pricing.
4. Island Pointe Golf Club
- Address: 9610 Kodak Rd, Kodak
- Open to public: Yes
Set along the French Broad River in Kodak (45 minutes away from Gatlinburg), this Arthur Hills design routes several holes across natural river islands. This layout makes it one of the best golf courses in Tennessee.
Highlights of Island Pointe Golf Club include a mid-length par-3 from an elevated tee to an island green. Visually stunning and strategically demanding, it’s one of the most picturesque courses in Tennessee.
The open, windswept fairways contrast with tighter mountain woods, appealing to shotmakers who enjoy water-lined play.
5. Wild Laurel Golf Course
Photo Credit: Jacob Lund
- Address: 702 Country Club Dr, Townsend
- Open to public: Yes
Located in Townsend, the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies”, (50 minutes from Gatlinburg), Wild Laurel Golf Course features a beautifully maintained 18-hole, par-70 layout.
The course combines gentle hills, wooded areas, and water features to create a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.
The pro shop offers rental clubs, and the on-site tavern provides food and beverages with Smoky Mountain views from the deck.
This course pairs perfectly with exploring the quieter sections of the national park.
What Makes Golf in Gatlinburg & the Smokies Unique
Golf courses in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains offer a truly unique golfing experience shaped by the region’s dramatic natural landscape.
Unlike traditional flat courses, these layouts navigate steep terrain with significant elevation changes, requiring golfers to consider their club selection and shot strategy carefully.
Elevated tee boxes provide breathtaking views, while fairways wind through lush forests and alongside sparkling creeks, immersing players in the vibrant beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
The design of these courses embraces the rugged Smoky Mountain environment, blending challenging play with scenic appeal. Signature features, such as the Sky Hi hole at Gatlinburg Golf Course, showcase dramatic drops from tee to green, adding excitement and visual drama.
Rolling terrain and strategically placed bunkers further enhance the challenge, making each round both engaging and memorable.
Beyond the technical aspects, the Smoky Mountain scenery elevates the entire golfing experience. Golfers enjoy sweeping vistas of mist-covered peaks, vibrant foliage (especially in the fall), and tranquil woodland settings that change with the seasons.
This stunning backdrop not only provides a serene atmosphere but also attracts visitors seeking a blend of outdoor adventure and sport. Whether playing a casual round or honing skills on these picturesque courses, golfers in Gatlinburg are rewarded with an unforgettable connection to nature and the game.
Just be sure to enjoy a hearty breakfast in Gatlinburg before you hit the tees.
Get Your Golf Swing Ready for Your Gatlinburg Getaway
Gatlinburg golf courses offer a truly unique experience, combining challenging play with breathtaking mountain scenery that sets them apart from typical courses.
From the dramatic elevation changes at Gatlinburg Golf Course to the serene, rolling terrain of Bent Creek and Wild Laurel, golfers of all skill levels can enjoy a memorable round surrounded by the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
Whether you’re seeking a challenging game, picturesque views, or modern amenities, the Gatlinburg area has something for every golfer. Book your stay at Treehouse Grove – perfectly positioned between these layouts—and start planning your game.
