Welcome to the best golf experience in America.

The Course That Should Not Exist

Sweetens Cove Golf Club is a 9-hole, par-36, 3,301-yard masterpiece tucked into the Sequatchie Valley about 25 minutes from Chattanooga. It was carved out of a defunct municipal layout called Sequatchie Valley G&CC by architect Rob Collins and his partner Tad King. Collins poured his blood, savings, and roughly two years of personally on-site shaping into the property, and when it opened in October 2014, he ran out of money the same day. He laid off his crew. The bank started circling. The course almost died before anyone played it.

Then Twitter happened. Golf writers showed up, lost their minds, and Sweetens became the original social media golf course. Today it is consistently ranked the #1 public course in Tennessee, has cracked top 50 modern courses in America, and counts Peyton Manning and Andy Roddick among its ownership group. Renowned historian Anthony Pioppi compared its MacKenzie-Jones design tenets to the original Augusta National. That is not a typo.

But forget the rankings for a second. Here is what makes Sweetens Cove the ultimate bros trip.

There Are No Tee Times. There Is a Sermon.

Sweetens does not do tee times. Instead, around 8:30 a.m. central, everyone with a pass gathers at The Shed, which is the pro shop, the check-in, the merch counter, and the spiritual center of the operation all rolled into about 400 square feet. General Manager Matt Adamski, PGA, the 2024 PGA of America Private Merchandiser of the Year and the most quotable man in golf, climbs up and delivers what can only be described as a sermon.

The rules are simple. Play with the people you brought. Show up as a foursome, play as a foursome. Show up as an eightsome, play as an eightsome. Show up as a twelvesome with three cigars apiece and a cooler full of cans, play as a twelvesome. Let groups play through. Jump ahead if you want. Skip a hole. Replay a hole. Putt out from 80 yards because you feel like it. Just do not impede on anyone else's fun.

Then Matt pours everyone a shot of Sweetens Cove bourbon, the whole crowd toasts, you get assigned a starting hole, and the day begins.

That whiskey shot is not a marketing gimmick. It is a tradition that predates the current ownership. Manning has talked about it in interviews. Guests would bring a bottle, leave a bottle, share a bottle. It was so woven into the culture that when the new ownership group came in, they built an entire spirits company around it.

The Vibe Is a Frat Party With Better Architecture

By 10 a.m. the music is already blaring across the valley. Strings of lights hang between the food truck and the pavilion. The food truck slings a smash burger that has its own following. The putting green doubles as a social hub where guys gather between loops to talk trash, sip a pour, and watch their buddies four-jab from 15 feet. The Shed does about a million dollars a year in merchandise, which is insane when you consider it is the size of a one-car garage in the middle of nowhere Tennessee. Matt has turned the hat wall into a destination of its own.

You will play your loop. Come back. Eat a burger. Pour another bourbon. Light a cigar. Smash a Zyn if that is your situation. Head back out. Play it again from different tees. Walk it the third time. The all-day pass is the entire point. People who try to play 18 and bail are missing the assignment.

Bring your favorite bottle of bourbon and leave it at the famous first tee. The tradition continues. Take a shot, leave the bottle for the next group, take a shot from whatever the last group left. By the third pass of the day, you will be making friends with strangers in a way that does not happen at the country club back home.

The Architecture Is Legitimately World-Class

Beneath all the party energy is genuinely brilliant golf design. Collins built classical features into every hole: a Redan-Punchbowl green on the 1st, a 40-degree Biarritz on the 8th, massive shared fairways with elaborate bunkering, and the wildest greens you will ever putt outside of links land. The fairways are tightly mown Bermuda. The greens are Mini Verde and they roll like marble countertops with mood swings.

Because it is nine holes, the two-pin setup means you get a completely different look on the second loop. Pin positions move dramatically across these massive greens. Hole 3 in the morning is a different hole in the afternoon. Bring every club. Use every club. You will hit a 7-iron stinger off the deck on one tee and a flop shot from a closely mown collection area on the next.

Where to Stay: The E9Retreat and the Birdhouse

There are essentially three on-site lodging options, all just steps from The Shed.

The E9Retreat is the big house. Four bedrooms, two full bathrooms plus what they affectionately call an "eshitter," six twin beds, a queen, three pull-out couches, a study they nicknamed the bourbon room, a FlightScope golf simulator/movie room, and an outdoor deck with pavilion. Sleeps a full crew comfortably. The e9 concierge will stock your kitchen before you arrive so you do not have to think about a grocery run. This is your basecamp.

The e9 tinyhouses are smaller side-by-side units that work great for a foursome or a couple. Quaint, functional, and exactly enough room to sober up before the next day. If you are looking for a pool, a spa, and turndown service with a chocolate on the pillow, you are at the wrong resort. That is not what Sweetens is about.

Then there is The Birdhouse, which is the No Laying Up branded rental house next door. Upstairs sleeps eight in individual beds, each room designed by a different NLU member as an inside joke for fans of the podcast. Downstairs sleeps six more. The basement has Horace's Place, a man cave named for the longtime owner of the original house. But the real reason to book it is the secret 10th hole.

The Secret 10th Hole

Rob Collins built a hidden tee box in the yard of the Birdhouse. It is 110 to 118 yards to the center of the 1st green at Sweetens, depending on where you tee it. It is now known as the "Yard Hole" template and it is a bucket list shot. Hitting mat, your own pin, your own green, and a porch full of buddies talking smack from 20 feet away. It is the perfect break between loops, the perfect nightcap when you are too cooked to play another nine, and the perfect grudge match setting for closest-to-the-pin with the bourbon tab on the line.

One note: no glowballs at night. The course had issues with ball marks and trash, so the rule is daytime play only from the 10th. Respect it. This place runs on trust and culture and you do not want to be the guy who breaks that.

Should You Go?

If you want a manicured corridor of cart paths, a spa appointment at 4 p.m., and a sommelier walking you through the wine list at dinner, book Pinehurst. Sweetens is the opposite of that. It is gravel and aluminum and bourbon and a smash burger and 12 of your closest buddies on a putting green at sunset wondering how you waited this long to find this place.

It is the most fun you can have with a golf club in your hand in America. Make the trip. Bring the cigars. Bring the bottle. Leave the bottle. Take the shot.

And tell Matt you are playing as an eightsome. He will love it.

The Buford Ellington Course at Henry Horton State Park is characterized by generous fairways that are densely lined with towering hardwoods and thick brush. The routing takes advantage of the rolling terrain, with several elevated tees and greens. Multiple holes also challenge yardage estimations and club selections with blind tee shots and putting surfaces that cannot be seen from approach areas. The greens themselves are generally huge, with several tiers that require precise distance control to leave realistically makable putts.

I've played the Henry Horton Park course over a dozen times across the past two decades, and I can say with certainty that its current conditioning (Spring 2026) is the best I've ever experienced. A few years ago, the greens were resodded with Champion Ultradwarf Bermuda, and now that they have grown in, they are pure, true, and surprisingly fast. Every time I play here, I am shocked that the slope rating from the championship tees is just 128 (and a measly 122 from the white tees!). It's certainly always played much harder than that for me.

Playing the Buford Ellington Championship Golf Course at Henry Horton State Park

The opening hole, a gently downhill, dead-straight par 4, plays shorter than the scorecard suggests, and along with holes 11 and 12, is one of the easiest on the course. The diametric opposites of these short holes are the par-5 6th (568 yards), par-4 10th (461 yards), par-4 13th (420 yards), par-3 14th (259 yards), par-4 17th (410 yards), and par-5 18th (611 yards) - all of which, if played from the tips, rank as some of the stoutest on the Tennessee Golf Trail.

There are four sets of tees, ranging down to 5,625 yards, with approximately 300 yards between each set. The exception is between the white tees and the green tees, with a difference of some 700 yards. The most notable advantage for players teeing from the more forward green tees is on Hole 6, where the white tees are separated from the greens by a forced carry of over 200 yards. This is a great hole for scrambles, as even bombs from the whites can be upstaged by worm-burners from the greens.

One of the more memorable holes is the 411-yard 9th, where the best tee shots are fades between trees left and right over a precipitous drop-off to a blind valley. Aided by gravity and the firm, fast fairway, well-positioned tee shots will leave less than 150 yards to the three-tiered green, playing 10-15 yards longer, though, as the top of the flag will be barely visible on the steeply elevated putting surface.

After the turn, you're smacked upside the head with the number-one handicap 10th hole, which plays severely downhill and back up again. The sheer length of the hole (461 yards from the tips) means most drives hit into the opposite hillside and stop dead, leaving all but the biggest hitters 200+ yards up to the lofty green.

The remainder of the backside is composed of impressively varied holes - uphill, downhill, short, long and doglegs in both directions. The par-4 13th is one of the most vexing, as a long draw from the tee can catch the corner of the right-to-left dogleg and potentially trundle downhill to within 150 yards of the green. However, over-draw it, and you end up in jail in thick woods; hit it straight, and you can run through the dogleg into more woods with well over 200 yards left for your second shot.

The long but mostly downhill par-5 18th is an excellent closer, with a natural amphitheater around the back of the green to allow larger groups to set up and wait for foursomes to come in - ideal for spectating, applauding, or heckling, whatever the circumstances call for.

Buford Ellington Championship Golf Course at Henry Horton State Park: The verdict

The Buford Ellington Course at Henry Horton State Park has the full collection of classic defenses: elevated greens that are both multi-tiered and steeply canted back-to-front, tree-lined fairways, and some serious length. It's wild to me that the course slope rating from the white tees is only 122 - it always plays much harder for me than my home course, which has a higher slope rating. And now that the newly-sodded greens have grown in, they are some of the truest on the Tennessee Golf Trail.

Speaking of the Trail, it consists of nine courses, including three Jack Nicklaus-designed "Bear Trace" state park courses (Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain State Park, Bear Trace at Harrison Bay State Park, Bear Trace at Tims Ford State Park), which get most of the attention from out-of-state visitors. But don't sleep on the six other state park courses on the Trail, including Henry Horton, which all have lower greens fees: Fall Creek Falls State Park Course, Montgomery Bell State Park Course, Paris Landing State Park Course, Pickwick Landing State Park Course, and Warriors Path State Park Course. All state parks have cabins and lodges for golf getaways, many of which have been renovated and updated within the past 5-6 years.

Back at Henry Horton, those cabins, which are right across the road from the golf course and a short walk from the Horton-family cemetery plot, are joined by a completely renovated lodge (opening in late 2026). As for Chapel Hill itself, do yourself a favor and check out the Country Diner, just a few miles down the road from the park. The homestyle meals here are simply delicious and so reasonably priced, you almost feel guilty.

The team of Fairfield Glade PGA pros Adam Forgey and Logan Stewart, along with amateurs Rex Dale and Kyle Jackman, finished in a tie for second. The team of Jackson National Golf Club pro Mike Vance and Williams Creek's Lee Whitehead, along with amateurs Jeff Brasfield and John Slayton, edged out Forgey's team by one stroke to claim the title.

The team featuring Kelvin Bugin from Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain and local amateur Tracy Graham finished in a tie for 4th, while Fairfield Glade's Jeff Houston and Cody King, along with their amateur partners, finished in a tie for sixth.

Forgey had a great tournament, including "Low Pro" on both days (67); he also posted an eagle on the par-5, 18th hole, when he knocked it on the green in two and sank a 25-foot putt. His team also had the most "Par Breakers," a stat charted by the Tennessee PGA, with 21 birdies and Forgey's eagle.

Playing conditions at Lake Tansi were ideal, and Superintendent Todd Matthews had the greens rolling firm and fast. Several players I spoke with commented on the superior conditioning of the course and how green it is, regardless of the time of year. The only negative feedback was that there was too much sand in the bunkers, leading to buried lies, but, as Head Golf Pro Gavin Darbyshire says, "You're not supposed to be in the bunkers!"

Crossville is located in Cumberland County, up on the Cumberland Plateau. It's right off I-40, two hours east of Nashville, and about an hour west of Knoxville. Crossville garnered this distinction because of the high concentration of championship courses, a wide variety of layouts suitable for all skill levels, and a mild, year-round climate. The temperature on the plateau runs 5 - 12 degrees cooler than cities like Knoxville, Nashville, and Memphis.

Of the ten or so golf courses in the Crossville area, three facilities offer "golf packages" that include both golf and accommodations on the property: Fairfield Glade, Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain State Park, and Lake Tansi Golf Resort.

Fairfield Glade is the most recognized golf property in the area, if not the state. It's a resort/retirement community in eastern Cumberland County. Fairfield Glade is home to over 9,000 residents and five stunning championship golf courses: Druid Hills, Dorchester, The Brae and The Crag at Heatherhurst Golf Club, and Stonehenge. It's the biggest reason that Crossville holds the title.

Druid Hills Golf Club is where it all started at Fairfield Glade. The first 9 holes opened in 1970; the 2nd nine wasn't completed until 1973. Druid is located at the property's highest point and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There's a plaque behind the back tees on the 14th tee with the names of all of the mountains you see off in the distance. The course has some modest elevation changes and features tree-lined fairways, lots of water hazards, and well-undulated Bentgrass greens. It's not the longest course out here, so keeping driver in the bag on most holes is the best way to score well.

Druid Hills is also home to The Golf Garage, an indoor/outdoor teaching, training, and practice facility with two Trackman hitting bays. These bays are used for private lessons, club fittings, clinics, and training; they can also be rented and used as virtual golf courses. The Garage also does grip replacements and club repair.

In August of 2024, Druid Hills unveiled The Quarry, an 18-hole putting course that will challenge the best of putters. Each hole has multiple breaks and undulations, many of which break a lot more than you think. It's a great place to settle bets or recoup some of your earlier losses. It too can be rented out for private functions.

What Dorchester Golf Club lacks in length, it more than makes up for in accuracy and control. Many of the fairways are narrow and framed by trees, starting with Number 1, the course's No. 1 handicap. Water comes into play on 6 holes, and bunkers dot the landing area on many holes. Several holes have some noticeable elevation changes, but nothing like what lies ahead. Well-groomed fairways lead to challenging Bentgrass greens that can leave you shaking your head.

Heatherhurst is home to two challenging courses, The Crag and the Brae. The Crag is the more player-friendly of the two and begins with a short par 5 that is easily reachable with a good drive. Rolling fairways rise and fall as you play. Bentgrass tees and greens, wide fairways, plenty of wildlife, and stunning views on the 17th tee are several reasons why you'll enjoy your round on the Crag.

The Brae features two unique nines. The front nine is home to arguably the most challenging par-5 in Tennessee. The 4th hole is a double dogleg par 5 that requires two carries over Otter Creek. The back nine has three par 3s, three par 4s, and three par 5s. It starts with one of the most visually stunning courses on the property, a downhill par 5 with a green that overlooks Lake Dartmoor. The Brae is the area's only course with Zoysia fairways, which is a very tolerant hot-weather grass. Golfweek ranks The Brae #5 in their list of the Best Public Golf Courses in Tennessee for 2025.

Stonehenge is Fairfield Glade's premier layout and is ranked #3 on that same list. The course was designed by legendary architect Joe Lee, who took the best piece of land he could find on the property and carved out the golf course. As you play, you'll pass large, natural rock outcroppings and walls of native stone, which is where the course gets its name. Stonehenge's signature hole is the par 3, 14th, which plays about 80 feet downhill and is photographed by just about every player who's part of a golf package! Stonehenge Golf Club features Bentgrass from tee to green, providing optimal playing conditions.

Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain was designed by Jack Nicklaus and was quickly named "One of the Top Ten Courses You Can Play in North America" when it opened in 1999. The course blends in nicely with its surroundings, capitalizing on several elevation changes that create a mix of both uphill and downhill shots. Mother Nature adds some natural features like flowing streams and clusters of mature pines, and Nicklaus adds strategically placed bunkers and a handful of risk/reward opportunities. Recently, the course underwent a huge transformation that involved switching 28 acres of cool-season grass to warm-weather Bermudagrass. Not only does it make it better for golfers, but it also looks a lot better. Everyone I've spoken with raves about the conditioning.

As you make your way around the course, you'll find native woodlands bordering many of the rolling fairways and rock formations that need to be avoided at all costs. Elevated tee boxes offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and the Nicklaus greens will keep even the best of players guessing. There's nothing better than hitting a drive from an elevated tee box and watching it fly over valleys and ravines and catching a downslope when it lands. It's the downhill shots I'm not fond of!

In my opinion, the most underrated golf course in Cumberland County is Lake Tansi. Over the years, Lake Tansi Golf Course has received numerous accolades, including being rated one of the Top 10 courses in Tennessee by Golf Advisor. Golf Course Superintendent Todd Mathews and his staff do a tremendous job keeping the course green year-round with a closely guarded secret mixture of Bentgrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Fescue. "Lake Tansi lies at an elevation of 1,900 feet, making the daytime temperatures considerably cooler than other areas of the state. The grasses don't lose a lot of their color when they go dormant in cooler weather," says Mathews. Early in the season, the greens may throw you off. They are various shades of green until fully grown, but still roll true.

It's probably my favorite, not because I had a hole-in-one a couple of years ago on the 15th hole while playing with Head Pro, Gavin Darbyshire, but because the staff is great, the course is challenging, yet fair, and green year-round. But seriously, it's the hole-in-one!

A couple of the par 5s are reachable in two with a good drive, and the par 3s, while not the longest, will challenge your shot-making and putting abilities. The two par-3s on the front side feature greens with a lot of slope, and if you're not below the hole, putting can be an adventure. Number 17 is a long par 4 with an approach shot over water, and unless you're long off the tee, you'll have a long to mid iron into the green. Number 18 is a three-shot par 5 with an elevated green that also has a lot of slope to it. Good rounds are often spoiled on these finishing holes!

This charming lake-resort community has a lot going for it besides the golf course; there's the 550-acre lake, complete with a beach area and boat rentals.

All three properties offer accommodations, whether it's a cabin at Cumberland Mountain State Park, a lakeside cottage at Lake Tansi Village, or a condo rental at Fairfield Glade. Each one also has a restaurant or two on the property, with plenty of choices nearby. So, when you're done with golf for the day, and you've enjoyed a good meal at one of the restaurants, sit back on the patio and look around at all of the wonderful views up here on the Cumberland Plateau. With a low cost of living, a modest climate where golf can be played year-round, and the friendliest people you'll meet, it's enough to make Crossville your home. I did.

For more information or to book your next golf vacation to Tennessee's Golf Capital, visit them online www.explorecrossville.com/explore/golf/

Robert "Rab" Summers has been in the road building industry since May 12, 1946. His grandfather, Lines R. Taylor, founded the firm of Taylor-Summers and became the 69th firm licensed to serve the State of Tennessee on important construction projects. They have built many of the roads and highways you drive on in northeastern Tennessee.

Duke Ingram has been in the insurance and financial securities industry since graduating from college in 1969 and has enjoyed uninterrupted membership in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) ever since. In 1997, these two men, along with a few friends, decided to build a residential golf community in Jonesborough, TN, and The Ridges Golf and Country Club, now known as Blackthorn Club at the Ridges, was born. After a successful build-out of the community, the golf course and community were sold to the members.

Unfortunately, the 2008 recession took its toll on The Ridges Golf and Country Club. The Club saw its membership numbers fall to an unsustainable number, and the members were being forced to sell. Grace intervened when two of the original owners, Ingram and Summers, stepped in and repurchased the club, renaming it Blackthorn Club at The Ridges. It became a "for-profit" company that needed no committees to govern it. The two quickly assembled an all-star management team and set their sights on becoming a full-service, family-centric private club with a wide range of vibrant amenities and programs.

Evergreen Partners owns several golf and country clubs and has built its reputation on offering unparalleled hospitality, long-term visions, and creating a sense of belonging within each club, making each member feel like part of the family. They achieve this by assembling a staff at each club that provides exceptional service and empowers each member of the team to think and act like owners. Many staff members have worked at the club for a long time. The Director of Racquets, John Lucchesi was the club's first employee when it was founded in 1997.

When Evergreen Partners sought to purchase a club in East Tennessee and make it their first property, there were several criteria they wanted to meet. They wanted a club that was well respected in the area and had a strong, loyal membership base. Preferably, the course would be in an upscale community that offered room to grow and had an ownership group that members felt strongly about.

Although Blackthorn Club was not for sale at the time, Ingram and Summers decided to meet with Matthew Hobbins and Lincoln Duff from Evergreen Partners. The previous owners were so impressed with Evergreen's vision for the Club and its commitment to maintaining its legacy that they decided to entertain an offer, and eventually, a deal was made. After all, both Summers and Ingram resided in the community and would frequently interact with the Club's new ownership.

Blackthorn Club met all of Evergreen's purchasing criteria and more. Average home prices in the community exceed $1 million. East Tennessee State University's Medical School is helping them reach a whole new demographic, as many medical school graduates look to stay in the area. Young professionals with high earning potential are bringing down the average membership age, a great sign for any club.

The centerpiece of this upscale community is the 18-hole Arthur Hills championship golf course and practice facility, which includes a full-length driving range, a short game area featuring challenging bunker shots, and a practice putting green.

From 1998 - 2023, the Club hosted the Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate golf tournament, which featured East Tennessee State University and other schools from around the country. Many PGA TOUR players have participated, including Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Jason Duffner, Luke Donald, and Will Zalatoris. According to Head Golf Professional Michael Davenport, the new owners plan on reviving the tournament in the fall of 2026.

The golf course winds through several neighborhoods in The Ridges and can play anywhere from 4,846 to 7,147 yards. There are seven sets of tees to choose from and a couple more hybrid yardages on the scorecard, so finding a suitable distance should be easy. When in doubt, play it forward!

Arthur Hills had a great piece of property to work with, and as you look over the holes on your drive onto the property, you wonder if you'll ever find a flat lie. As you make your way around the layout, you'll encounter meandering creeks, challenging fairway bunkers and green complexes, and a couple of water hazards. The Crenshaw Bentgrass greens are quick and roll true. They feature subtle undulations and are a lot of fun. The course is always in immaculate condition.

Russell Lutz has been the Head Superintendent for 15 years and led the charge 12 years ago to obtain Audubon certification. He is quick to recognize that when Hills built the golf course, he did a good job with the drainage, an amazing feat given how hilly the terrain is. The course has never undergone any major renovations since being built.

When prospective members are deciding on a new club, the dining and culinary department usually rate high on the list. Certified Executive Chef James Allen and his team cannot be beaten. Allen joined the Blackthorn Club over 15 years ago and is dedicated to his craft. The food is prepped in such a way that he and his staff can easily handle special orders and create dishes that exceed the expectations of even the most discriminating diner, something they will request on their next visit. Menu selections such as Crab Rangoon Tacos, South Meats Far East, and Uncle Boudreaux's Pasta showcase his outside-the-box thinking.

In addition to fantastic golf and incredible dining, Blackthorn Club features all the amenities you'd expect at an upscale club. If you prefer the courts over the course, there's a 16,800-sq. ft. indoor tennis/fitness/lounge facility and three new outdoor pickleball courts.

Get back in shape - or in better shape - at the Club's indoor fitness center. Choose from weight benches and free weights to cardio and strength training machines. There's a separate studio for fitness and stretching classes, and a personal trainer is also available.

Burn off what energy you have left at Blackthorn's large, heated pool with lanes for swimming laps, and a smaller kids' pool. The Club offers swimming lessons for all ages, aquatic fitness classes, youth programs, and poolside dining. It's the summertime gathering place for the whole family. Other amenities include a children's playground and the barn on Hole No. 13, a replica of the original barn from the farmland on which the Club was built and now serves as an outdoor entertainment venue with the best view in East TN.

I've been writing about the golf industry for over twenty years and have found that many golf club sales are fueled by necessity and often lead to resentment between the two parties. This is not so at the Blackthorn Club. Neither party can find enough good things to say about the other! And with the former owners on site, Evergreen's management staff has a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips.

What struck me about Blackthorn Club is the camaraderie between the members; it's not the typical cliquish feel you find at many clubs. The relationship between the members and the staff is incredible and is built on mutual respect. It's the type of club I'd want to belong to.

For more information on becoming a member, call them at (423) 913-3164 or visit www.blackthornclub.com.

Among the confirmed competitors are five players from Crossville, including 2023 Tennessee Senior State Open Champion Kip Henley, Jesse Anderson, John Bradshaw, Dale Wheeler, and Greg Wyatt.

From surrounding areas, the field includes seasoned names like Brent Henley (Chattanooga), Jared Melson, PGA (Tullahoma), and Loren Personett, PGA-a four-time Tennessee PGA Senior Player of the Year, three-time Tennessee PGA Professional Champion, and 11-time Tennessee PGA Player of the Year. Also joining from Knoxville are Jake Reeves, PGA, a 2024 Senior PGA Championship qualifier, and well-known amateurs Jeff Golliher and Steve Golliher, along with Buzz Fly, a two-time Super Senior Division Champion.

The championship will feature four past TN Senior State Open Champions: * Joe Markham (Cleveland), 2024 TN Senior State Open Champion, 2023 Signal Mountain Invitational, 2022 Willow Creek Invitational, 2022 Chattanooga Men's Metro.

* Bill Breen, PGA (Nashville), four-time TN Senior State Open Champion (2013, 2016, 2020, 2022), 2020 TN Senior PGA Professional Champion, 2016 & 2022 TN PGA Senior Player of the Year, PGA Teaching Professional at Harpeth Valley Golf Center.

* Gibby Gilbert III, PGA (Ooltewah), three-time consecutive TN Senior State Open Champion (2016-2018) and current PGA TOUR & Champions TOUR Member.

Cliff Kresge (Knoxville), 2021 TN Senior State Open Champion, Former PGA TOUR and Champions TOUR Member.

The current player roster can be viewed here: Tennessee Senior State Open - Player Roster Tennessee PGA (bluegolf.com)

Volunteer Opportunities For those interested in volunteering at the 2025 Tennessee Senior State Open and Tennessee Women's Open, please contact: Jeremy Jones: jjones@fairfieldglade.cc | 931-484-3731 Jeff Houston: jhouston@fairfieldglade.cc | 931-707-2158

Among the confirmed competitors are five players from Crossville, including 2023 Tennessee Senior State Open Champion Kip Henley, Jesse Anderson, John Bradshaw, Dale Wheeler, and Greg Wyatt.

From surrounding areas, the field includes seasoned names like Brent Henley (Chattanooga), Jared Melson, PGA (Tullahoma), and Loren Personett, PGA-a four-time Tennessee PGA Senior Player of the Year, three-time Tennessee PGA Professional Champion, and 11-time Tennessee PGA Player of the Year. Also joining from Knoxville are Jake Reeves, PGA, a 2024 Senior PGA Championship qualifier, and well-known amateurs Jeff Golliher and Steve Golliher, along with Buzz Fly, a two-time Super Senior Division Champion.

The championship will feature four past TN Senior State Open Champions: * Joe Markham (Cleveland), 2024 TN Senior State Open Champion, 2023 Signal Mountain Invitational, 2022 Willow Creek Invitational, 2022 Chattanooga Men's Metro. * Bill Breen, PGA (Nashville), four-time TN Senior State Open Champion (2013, 2016, 2020, 2022), 2020 TN Senior PGA Professional Champion, 2016 & 2022 TN PGA Senior Player of the Year, PGA Teaching Professional at Harpeth Valley Golf Center. * Gibby Gilbert III, PGA (Ooltewah), three-time consecutive TN Senior State Open Champion (2016-2018) and current PGA TOUR & Champions TOUR Member. * Cliff Kresge (Knoxville), 2021 TN Senior State Open Champion, Former PGA TOUR and Champions TOUR Member.

The current player roster can be viewed here: Tennessee Senior State Open - Player Roster Tennessee PGA (bluegolf.com)

Volunteer Opportunities For those interested in volunteering at the 2025 Tennessee Senior State Open and Tennessee Women's Open, please contact: Jeremy Jones: jjones@fairfieldglade.cc | 931-484-3731 Jeff Houston: jhouston@fairfieldglade.cc | 931-707-2158

Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property Bear Trace Tims Ford is a beautiful Par 71, 18 hole golf course surrounded by a 10,500 acre man-made lake. We say we are on a "virtual island" as the only connection to land is the entranceway to the course which is only about 40 yards wide. The course opened in 1999 as part of Jack Nicklaus' Bear Trace golf courses.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course? Very player friendly golf course combined with natural beauty and quiet serenity. Super friendly staff to welcome you and help you enjoy your day.

What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course? "All putts break towards the water!" Seriously, every putt breaks towards the water because we're on a "virtual island" completely surrounded by water. All joking aside, Bear Trace Tims Ford plays slightly easier off the tee compared to typical Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses. The approach shot into the greens are more challenging, but not so difficult you can't score well.

Any recent changes to the golf course? Or any upcoming changes? New greens were sprigged in 2024 with TifEagle Bermuda grass. Greenside bunkers were renovated using the Better Billy Bunker method to ensure drainage and washout problems were eliminated. We are in Phase 1 of 2 of fairway bunker renovations and hope to have those completed by this fall/winter.

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole? Hole #6 includes a Half Biarritz green design with the front third approximately 8 feet above the bottom two-thirds. Being on the correct tier is of utmost importance. Hole #9 (formerly #18) is very challenging with a two-tiered green protected by bunkers on either side. A view of Tims Ford Lake is to the golfer's right as they finish the hole. Hole #18 is a Par 3 slightly over water protected by bunkers both short left and long right. A great opportunity to end your day with a Hole-In-One!!

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It? I love them all!

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole? Burgers are cooked fresh as you order! A great mixture of beer, soft drinks, and sports drinks can satisfy your thirst after your round.

For the traveling golfer, do you have lodging onsite or partner with any area hotels? Tims Ford State Park has 20 cabins and multiple campgrounds within the Park.

Who Holds Course Record and What Was Their Score? Tournament record of 63 shot by two different players on back to back days in August 1999, just after grand opening, in a TearDrop Mini-Tour event.

Back Tee Stats Par: 71 Yardage: 6,763 Slope: 128 Rating: 72.7

More Information Bear Trace Tims Ford

891 Wiseman Bend Road Winchester, TN, 37398

(931) 968-0995

https://tnstateparks.com/golf/course/bear-trace-at-tims-ford

Can you provide our readers a brief biography? I've been in the golf business for more than 5o years. I have a turf degree from the University of Tennessee/Knoxville & have been a PGA member for 26 years. I just started my 39th year as the head professional here at Paris Landing

When did you start golfing and who introduced you to the game? I was introduced to golf when I started working at a golf facility at the age of 14.

What is your current home course? The Tennessee Golf Trail @ Paris Landing

To date, what is your proudest golf accomplishment? All the improvements we've made here at the course over the past 39 years. We've re-built 3 greens, re-grassed all the greens & added a few bunkers. Also being a PGA member for 25 years.

What is your biggest golf pet peeve on or off the course? People not following the rules: cart paths only, slow play & just all-around poor golf etiquette

What is your favorite club in your bag and why? 8-Iron, I just have the most confidence with it.

What is your favorite golf destination? St. Andrews. I was fortunate enough to get to play it one time. The small quaint town of St. Andrews on the sea is incredible

What course is on your bucket list that you have not played yet? Augusta National but I would settle for Pebble Beach

If you woke up tomorrow and could play one course you played before, where would you play? St. Andrews

If you could change one aspect, rule or thing about golf, what would it be and why? Try to make the rules of golf easier for the average golfer to understand

Dream foursome (living)? My Dad, Jordan Spieth, Tiger Woods & myself

Dream foursome (living or dead)? Old Tom Morris, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus

Favorite 19th hole drink? Water with Lemon

18 Rapid Fire, Off The Cuff Questions

2) Having Round of Life OR Hole in One? Hole in One

3) Golfing at the crack of dawn OR twilight? Dawn

4) Hit a power fade OR power draw? Draw

5) Beverage cart OR halfway house? Cart

6) Bathroom OR bushes? Bushes, I'm a county boy

7) Hot dog OR wrap? Hot Dog

8) Around the green, being in sand OR thick rough? Around green

9) Walking OR riding? Riding

10) Do you carry traditional 3 iron OR hybrid? Hybrid

11) Do you prefer long par 3 OR long par 5? long par 5

12) Pants OR Shorts? Shorts

13) Palmer OR Nicklaus? Toss up: I respect both of them for what they did for golf

14) Beatles OR Elvis? Beatles

15) Play for fun OR play for money? small amount of money

16) Bump and run OR flop shot? whatever it takes

17) Lay up OR gamble? gamble

18) 18 holes OR 36? 18

In this Q&A, Mary Jo provides insight into what makes Fairfield Glade such a unique place to live, relax, and play. From its stunning Stonehenge Golf Course to the miles of hiking trails, boating on one of its 11 lakes, and the vibrant social events calendar, Fairfield Glade offers an array of recreational activities to suit every lifestyle.

Whether you're considering a move or planning a getaway, this FAQ sheds light on everything Fairfield Glade has to offer-from golf and pickleball to resort-style dining and even "stay & play" packages for prospective residents. So, let's dive in and see why Fairfield Glade stands out among Tennessee's premier communities.

Can you provide a general overview of the community? Fairfield Glade is an affordable 12,000+ acre golf, tennis, pickleball and lake resort community located on the Cumberland Plateau near Crossville, Tennessee. Situated between Nashville and Knoxville, 2000 feet about sea level, it is the highest point between the Rocky and Smoky Mountains. This resort community has five championship golf courses, including Stonehenge Golf Course, home of the Tennessee Women's Open and the Tennessee Senior Men's Open Championships. There are 11 lakes for boating and fishing along with two full-service marinas and sandy beaches on Lake Dartmoor and St. George. There are miles of paved walking and hiking trails which take advantage of the incredible natural beauty and beautiful mountain views. The Center has 36,000 sq. ft. with meeting space to satisfy the needs of any event. The Center also has an indoor Junior Olympic sized pool, hot tub, sauna, basketball courts, a Trackman Golf Simulator, Sip & Savor Café and Classroom meeting space. There is an on-site Wellness Center with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, another indoor pool and exercise classes. Fairfield Glade has a Racquet Center with indoor and outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, two outdoor pools, Mini-Golf, Library, parks and Wildwood Stables. In addition to all the outdoor amenities and activities, Fairfield Glade offers resort casual dining in Stonehenge Grille along with excellent food options at each golf course snack bar.

The juxtaposition of mountains, golf courses, lakes and wooded areas provide a vast array of spectacular vistas which are extremely impressive. There is not a shortage of golf and mountain resort communities around the country, but few can offer the same rich diversity of views and amenities as Fairfield Glade, which make this resort community a very special place to call home.

Where are you located and nearby airports? Fairfield Glade is located at 7827 Peavine Road, near Crossville, TN just 6 miles off I-40 within a short driving distance of three metropolitan cities-less than an hour from Knoxville and less than two hours from Nashville and Chattanooga. All three of these cities have airports serving commercial airlines. Additionally, Crossville has a wonderful smaller scale airport for private planes.

Why do residents choose your state/community? People choose Tennessee because the quality of life is high, and the cost of living is very low. There is no state personal income tax in Tennessee. Tennessee does not tax pensions. Tennessee has no state property tax. Property taxes are determined by the local government. Based on 2020 annual averages, TN has the 8th lowest cost of living in the nation at 10.3% below the national average.

New residents choose Fairfield Glade because of its natural beauty, amenity rich environment and activities. Fairfield Glade and the surrounding area has a small-town feel yet located within a short distance of three great mid-size Tennessee cities. Crossville is considered the Golf Capital of Tennessee, with five of those championship golf courses located within Fairfield Glade.

General overview of golf courses on property? Fairfield Glade is home to five dramatic and challenging championship golf courses, among Tennessee's best, according to Golf Digest, Golfweek and Golf Magazine. Druid Hills has rolling tree-lined fairways, plenty of water and undulating Bentgrass greens. The second shortest of our 5 courses, Druid Hills, is also the second most difficult with elevated approaches and greens that difficult to read, but amazing to play.

Dorchester Golf Club is a favorite among Fairfield Glade residents and guests. By today's standards it's not long, but the Bentgrass greens, narrow tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers and water on 8 of the 18 holes, make it a challenge for even skilled golfers.

Heatherhurst Golf Club offers two beautiful golf courses, the Crag and the Brae. The Crag course is more player-friendly with tee locations ranging from the more forward Green tees at 3,600 yards to the Blue tees at 6,200. Bentgrass tees and greens, wide fairways are great for short hitters and strategically placed sand bunkers add to the fun. On the Brae course, the front 9 holes provide the most challenge, including a double dogleg fairway on the 4th hole, said to be the toughest par 5 in Tennessee. Number 10 is a par 5 that moves downhill to a green overlooking Lake Dartmoor. The Brae is the only course in the area with Zoysia grass fairways.

Stonehenge Golf Club ranks as one of Tennessee's top courses. It is host to the Tennessee Men's Senior Open and the Women's Open. Architect Joe Lee took the rolling, wooded Cumberland Plateau and created a beautiful mountain layout with Bentgrass greens, tees and fairways. Natural rock outcroppings come into play on several holes and a stone retaining wall runs along the left and rear of the signature 14th holes, a downhill par 3. Mixed in are 65 bunkers just to make things interesting.

Amenities of community? Five championship golf courses, 11 lakes, 2 marinas, Racquet Center with indoor and outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, Conference Center, indoor and outdoor pools, miles of hiking trails, library, Mini-Golf, parks, Stonehenge Grille restaurant and golf course snack bars, Wellness Center with fitness center, physician offices and services, Wildwood Stables. 12,000+ acres with dramatic mountain vistas, beautiful lake views and natural wooded environment.

Any age restrictions? There are no age restrictions in Fairfield Glade. While Fairfield Glade attracts many retirees, there are also families living in Fairfield Glade.

What home or real estate is available in the community? Include new typical inventory levels and home-site lots available? Fairfield Glade offers both resale and new construction homes, along with a variety of home styles to fit every lifestyle. There are low-maintenance cottage homes, elegant custom homes and everything in between. Resale homes are available and there are many home site options to choose from if you'd like to build a custom home. Home sites options are extensive, including waterfront, golf course and wooded locations.

For new construction, what are building restrictions for builders/architecture? Builders must follow the minimum square footage requirements for the home site being built upon. Builders must follow the set-backs for the lot being built upon. All homes must have a garage. Garage doors cannot appear to be greater than 8' in height. Garage must have pedestrian door or window. Homes cannot be more than 2.5 stories tall. Home must have a minimum of 6 roof planes. The roof must be a minimum of 6/12 pitch on the primary and 4/12 pitch on any secondary. The roof cannot exceed 22' without an architectural feature, window, door etc. Driveways must be a minimum of 12' wide. Lots must contain a minimum number of trees on the lot. All exterior colors must be approved by the Architectural Controls Committee. The foundation cannot exceed 32" at the highest ground level point. Each home plan submitted by a builder will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for adherence to the New Home Requirements.

How do you differ from other golf communities? It's difficult to imagine finding a more beautiful place to live with five championship golf courses located within the community. The HOA fees are exceptionally low, along with the low taxes and the amenities are extensive. In addition to all the beautiful amenities, Fairfield Glade provides over 200 events each year for our residents, many of which are free events for the enjoyment of our residents and guests. Tennessee is also within driving distance of nine states which many retirees love because they have an easy drive back to family and friends in the Midwest, Northeast and Southeast states.

Do you provide prospective residents with a tour or stay & play opportunity? Explain program and who to contact? Fairfield Glade offers a "Play Through" stay & play program. This includes 2-night accommodations for 2 adults and a $50 dining certificate for only $359*. Guests stay in Fairfield Glade in a one-bedroom condo with full kitchen, living room and patio or balcony. Golf rounds can be added to the package for an additional fee. To reserve your "Play Through Getaway" please call (888) 334-5233. (*Resort accommodations and tee times are subject to availability.)

Prospective residents may also book a meeting with a Fairfield Glade Ambassador. The Ambassadors are Fairfield Glade residents and provide excellent information about the lifestyle of Fairfield Glade and what it's like to be a resident. Meetings with an Ambassador can be booked by visiting the Fairfield Glade website: https://www.fairfieldgladeresort.com/become-a-resident

Prospective residents can also log into the member side of the Fairfield Glade website using the "Non-Resident Guest Login" on that same page.

The Fairfield Glade website also has a listing of Fairfield Glade brokers and realtors: https://www.fairfieldgladeresort.com/real-estate