Golf in the Smokies – Top Courses Near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Golfing in the Smoky Mountains: Courses Around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Golf enthusiasts visiting the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee will find an exceptional variety of courses in and around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The region’s diverse terrain, ranging from flat expanses to rolling hills and mountainous landscapes, offers unique challenges and stunning scenery for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you are seeking to refine your game or simply enjoy a round amidst breathtaking natural surroundings, this area provides a memorable golfing experience.
Several highly regarded golf courses are conveniently located within a short drive from Gatlinburg, with options ranging from serene valley settings to more rugged mountain layouts. Below are seven notable golf courses, listed by proximity to Gatlinburg, each offering distinct features and amenities.
Bent Creek Golf Club
Located in Gatlinburg on East Parkway, Bent Creek Golf Club is a par 72 course designed by the legendary Gary Player. The front nine holes lie in a scenic valley, while the back nine wind through mountainous terrain reaching toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This course has earned acclaim, including recognition as one of the South’s top golf destinations by Southern Living Travel Guide.
www.bentcreekgolf.com
Phone: 865-436-3947
3919 E. Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Gatlinburg Golf Course
Just a short distance away, Gatlinburg Golf Course offers a challenging and picturesque experience. Originally designed by William Langford and renovated in 2007, this course features the famous 12th hole, “Sky Hi,” known for its dramatic 200-foot drop from tee to green. The course’s layout includes a variety of exciting holes across 6,281 yards of rolling terrain, making it a favorite among local and visiting golfers alike.
golf.gatlinburg.com
Phone: 865-453-3912
520 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Sevierville Golf Club
Situated just beyond Pigeon Forge in Sevierville, this award-winning public course offers two 18-hole courses set against rolling hills and freshwater views. The club hosts several championship events and caters to golfers of all skill levels with well-maintained fairways and a full-service pro shop.
www.seviervillegolfclub.com
Phone: 865-429-4223
1556 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville, TN 37876
Wild Laurel Golf Club
Nestled in a tranquil valley in Townsend—the “Quiet Side” of the Smokies—Wild Laurel Golf Club combines natural beauty with a challenging yet accessible course. Wildlife abounds, and the layout features a harmonious mix of hills, wooded areas, and water hazards. The clubhouse offers excellent dining, a bar, and panoramic views, making it an ideal spot to unwind.
www.wildlaurel.us
Phone: 865-448-6690
702 Country Club Dr, Townsend, TN 37882
River Islands Golf Club
Located in Kodak near Interstate 40, River Islands Golf Club is a distinctive course rated four stars by Golf Digest—the highest for a public course in Tennessee. The course’s signature par 3, 195-yard third hole, requires a tee shot to an island green surrounded by the French Broad River. With four holes situated on islands and others bordering the riverbanks, it offers a unique combination of natural beauty and competitive play.
www.riverislandsgolf.com
Phone: 865-933-0100
9610 Kodak Rd, Kodak, TN 37764
Dandridge Golf & Country Club
Approximately 35 minutes from Pigeon Forge, this facility features 27 holes divided into three 9-hole courses that can be combined in various ways. The course provides a balanced challenge on rolling terrain suitable for intermediate players, complemented by scenic views and a welcoming atmosphere.
www.dandridgegolf.com
Phone: 865-397-2655
1247 Stonewall Jackson Dr, Dandridge, TN 37725
Baneberry Golf and Resort
Situated on the shores of Lake Douglas, about an hour from Gatlinburg, Baneberry Golf and Resort offers a peaceful setting with gently rolling terrain and mountain vistas. The 6,700-yard course is perfect for a relaxing round away from the crowds.
baneberrygolf.com
Phone: 865-674-2500
704 Harrison Ferry Rd, Baneberry, TN 37890
Whether you prefer a challenging mountain course or a serene valley layout, the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area provides exceptional golfing options amid the natural beauty of the Smokies. Explore these courses during your visit and experience golf like never before.