By Ken Mink
SEVIERVILLE-PIGEON FORGE-GATLINBURG, Tn. – Many of the millions of visitors to this area each year are golfers, and they have found there are several interesting and challenging golf courses available to all level of skills.
One of the oldest and most interesting courses is the Gatlinburg Municipal, actually located in Pigeon Forge only minutes away from the popular Dollywood theme park.
The golf course describes itself as the area’s “most uniquely designed course. From the challenging layout and emerald fairways to beautifully wooded landscapes and well-manicured greens, you’ll remember this picturesque setting in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. In prime condition after a half-million dollar renovation to several holes during 2007, the Gatlinburg course provides unique golfing excitement in a spectacular mountain setting.”
Gatlinburg Municipal is open year-round with modern facilities, fully equipped pro shop and food services area. This beautiful 18-hole course was designed by noted golf course architect William Langford. In 1993 and again in 2007, it underwent major renovations by Bob Cupp & Associates of Atlanta. Today, the completely rebuilt greens and reworked fairways are better than ever.
The course offers the well-seasoned golfer as well as the beginner a challenge on every hole, while its scenic beauty is unsurpassed. The course has been acclaimed as one of the most picturesque courses in America with breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The signature hole is Number 12, called “Sky High,” 194 yards in length with a drop of 200 feet, tee to the green, making it one of the most dramatic holes in the country.
There several other interesting and dramatic holes over the course’s well-manicured 6,281 yards.
Green fees (price includes 18 holes with cart):
June through October & Holidays
• Before Noon: $60
• Noon to 4 p.m.: $50
• After 4 p.m.: $40
• 9-Hole Fee: $30
April, May & November
• Before Noon: $55
• After Noon: $45
• 9-Hole Fee: $30
For more information or tee times, call the pro shop at (800) 231-4128 or (865) 453-3912 or visit their web site at http://www.golf.gatlinburg.com/course. During prime season (June through October) tee times are available and may be reserved up to 14 days in advance. Discounts are available for seniors, juniors and active military.
Nearby is the twin 18-hole courses at the Sevierville Golf Club, The Highlands and The River (www.seviervillegolfclub.com)www.seviervillegolfclub.com).
Nestled in the foothills of the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains. The Sevierville Golf Club offers the services, amenities, and presentations of a high-quality private club on a daily fee basis.
The Sevierville Golf Club features two 18-hole championship courses: The Highlands, a 6,200-yard par 70 that winds through lush rolling hills and fresh water mountain ponds and The River, a par 72 that plays along and across the Little Pigeon River.
Also, the club features one of the most extensive driving ranges in the South and a full service restaurant with breakfast and lunch served daily.
Both courses offer stern challenges, with the Highlands utilizing large, sloped greens which are usually very fast. Downhill putts can be an adventure. The course rating is 70.2 with a slope rating of 128.
The River course can be troublesome for aquaholics (those who have a fear of water). Golfers find themselves having to hit over numerous water hazards. Bring extra balls.
Though challenging, the courses offer several sets of tees, so everyone will at least have a chance at par.
The courses are situated where the old Eagles Landing course was located, with several holes from the old course incorporated into the new twin layouts.
Additional amenities include an extensive driving range with grass tees, expansive putting green as well as a chipping area.
The facility has a relatively new clubhouse, offering extensive equipment and clothing choices and a full dining area.
A few miles east of Gatlinburg on Highway 321 is the Bent Creek course.
Bent Creek Golf Club is located in the Diamond Resorts International, located adjacent to the course.
Bent Creek Golf course was designed by three-time Masters and British Open Championship Winner Gary Player. It is a par 72 course that has been popular since the sunny day it opened back in 1972.
The front nine hugs the valley floor while the back nine offers a challenging mountain course. A beautiful sparkling mountain stream meanders throughout the entire course making for a breathtaking contrast between water and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Southern Living Travel Guide rated Bent Creek Golf Resort one of the “Top Fifty Golf Courses in the South.”
For info and rates: www.bentcreekgolf.comwww.bentcreekgolf.com
Bent Creek Golf Club • 3919 East Parkway • Gatlinburg, TN 37738 • Phone: (865) 436-3947
