This Small Tennessee Community’s Golf Course Was Ranked No. 2 Among The State’s Best Public Courses For 2026
Mules and a college football team helped build this golf course back in 1915. Now Golfweek ranks it No. 2 among the best public courses in Tennessee for 2026.
The twist? It only has nine holes.
Alternate tees turn it into two different loops, so you still get a full 18-hole round.
I have to admit, that sounds like a clever trick. Famed architect Gil Hanse reworked the greens and bunkers in 2013.
He kept the original routing that a bishop drew more than a century ago.
The views help too. The course sits high on a mountain plateau, right on a college campus. One par 3 is even nicknamed The Edge. I’d be tempted to drive a few hours just to see why.
Wouldn’t you want to know how a nine-hole course climbed so high?
A Nine-Hole Course Beat Out Almost Every 18-Hole Giant
Golfweek released its 2026 list of the best public courses you can play in Tennessee. The Course at Sewanee landed at No. 2, which is a big deal for a nine-hole layout.
That ranking wasn’t a one-time fluke either. GolfTennessee.com put it at No. 1 on its 2026 list, based on votes from golfers.
The national praise is just as loud. Golf.com named it the 9th-best nine-hole course in the country and 18th-best in the world.
Golf Digest joined in back in 2023. It ranked the course No. 10 among the 25 greatest college golf courses in America.
So why does a short course get this much attention? It comes down to smart design, wild views, and a setting you won’t find anywhere else.
Plenty of big resort courses would love that kind of resume. This one earned it on a college campus in a small mountain town.
Fans of short courses will feel right at home here. Players who usually want 18 holes might be surprised by how much fun nine can be.
Tee times are recommended, so plan ahead. A ranking like this tends to fill up the calendar fast.
Mules, a Bishop, and a Football Team Built the Original
Most golf courses start with bulldozers. This one started in 1915 with mules and a team of college football players.
Bishop Albion W. Knight designed the first layout.
He got help from the University of the South football team to shape the land.
That team had a famous history of its own. The school’s football squad earned the nickname Iron Men in 1899 after an undefeated season.
Imagining the university’s football players hauling dirt back in 1915 is pretty fun. It makes the course feel like a true campus project, built by the community itself.
The best part is that the old routing still exists today. The holes follow the same basic path the bishop laid out over a century ago.
Golf history buffs will love that link to the past. You’re playing on a plan that has survived for more than 110 years.
It also explains the course’s down-to-earth feel. Nothing here was built to show off, and the land itself guided the design.
Keep that story in mind as you walk the fairways. Every hole carries a little bit of that early mountain grit.
Gil Hanse Gave the Old Layout a Fresh Spark
In 2013, the course got a major upgrade from a big name. Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner led the renovation.
Hanse was named Golf Magazine’s Architect of the Year in 2009. His work is well known among serious golfers across the country.
The pair kept the original routing in place. Instead of starting over, they added new green complexes, bunkers, and alternate tees.
That choice respected the history while making the course more exciting. It’s a little like restoring an old house without tearing down the walls.
More updates arrived in 2026. A full bunker renovation began in March to improve both playability and looks.
Fresh bunkers matter more than you might expect. They change how shots roll, how you plan your swing, and how the holes look from the tee.
Visiting soon means you’ll see that newest work in action. It’s a good time to experience a historic course with modern polish.
Just remember that great bunkers are still bunkers. They look lovely, but you’ll probably want to admire them from the fairway.
Two Sets of Tees Turn Nine Holes Into a Full Round
Nine holes, eighteen experiences. That’s the clever math behind the layout here.
Alternate tees let golfers play two distinct loops. The second time around, holes can feel noticeably different from the first.
A new tee spot changes the angle and the distance. Suddenly, the club you used before might not be the right choice anymore.
This setup keeps things interesting for every skill level. Strong players get a real test, while newer golfers can enjoy a manageable round.
It also makes the course a smart pick for busy days. You can play a quick nine or go for the full 18.
Shorter rounds are great for families or beginners. Nobody has to commit to a five-hour day just to enjoy the views.
Planning tip: decide before you book which option fits your group. That way, you won’t feel rushed or end the day too soon.
Either way, the course gives you plenty to think about. Each loop asks you to rethink your strategy, which keeps your brain as busy as your swing.
Hole No. 5 Earned Its Nickname for a Good Reason
They call it The Edge. With a name like that, you know the views are going to be something special.
Hole No. 5 is the signature hole at The Course at Sewanee. It’s the one that tends to show up in photos and conversations.
The hole sits near the brow of the Cumberland Plateau. That position opens up impressive views beyond the green.
Focusing on your shot might be the hardest part. The scenery can easily pull your attention away from the ball.
Bring your phone or camera for this one. You’ll probably want a picture, even if your tee shot doesn’t cooperate.
Signature holes often set the tone for a whole course. This one shows why the setting plays such a big role in the rankings.
Take a moment before you swing. A deep breath helps with nerves, and it gives you a chance to enjoy the view.
Golf can be frustrating sometimes. Still, a tough score feels a lot easier to accept when the backdrop looks like this.
You Get to Play Golf on One of America’s Prettiest Campuses
In March 2026, Travel + Leisure highlighted the University of the South as America’s most beautiful college campus, based on a study of Tripadvisor reviews. The golf course sits right on that campus.
The school is also known simply as Sewanee. It rests atop the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, with mountain views all around.
That setting gives the course a calm, scenic feel. You’re surrounded by nature instead of busy roads or crowded neighborhoods.
Plan some extra time after your round. Exploring the campus makes the trip feel like a mini getaway instead of just a tee time.
It’s a great add-on for non-golfers in your group too. They can stroll around while you work on lowering your score.
Fall can be an especially pretty time to visit. Changing leaves on the plateau add even more color to an already lovely place.
Bring comfortable shoes for walking. Between the course and the campus, your step counter is going to have a very good day.
Few public courses can share a home like this. It’s part of what makes the whole visit memorable.
Walking Is Encouraged, and Practice Is a Blast
Golf carts are limited here. That’s on purpose, since the course was designed to be walkable.
Online tee times are priced for walking. It’s a nice nudge to enjoy the course the old-fashioned way, one step at a time.
Walking lets you take in the mountain air and the views. You’ll notice small details on each hole that you might miss from a cart.
If you need a cart, ask ahead. Since they’re limited, it’s smart to plan before you arrive.
Warming up is easy too. The course offers practice facilities, including an irons-only driving range where golfers can warm up before their round.
There’s also a driving range, but it’s irons only. Leave the driver in the bag for practice and save it for the first tee.
General practice areas round things out. A few minutes on the greens before your round can save you some painful putts later.
Refuel at the Grill and Browse the Pro Shop
Hungry golfers have a handy stop right on site. Green’s View Grill serves fast-casual food at The Course at Sewanee.
It’s a simple way to grab a bite before or after your round. No need to leave the property when your stomach starts rumbling.
The pro shop is worth a look too. It carries premium golf apparel, accessories, and Sewanee merchandise you won’t find just anywhere.
Brands include Holderness and Bourne, Greyson, AndersonOrd, Byron Nelson, Stitch, and Winston Collection. That’s a solid lineup for anyone who likes looking sharp on the course.
A logo hat or shirt makes a fun souvenir. It’s also a quiet way to brag that you played a top-ranked Tennessee course.
As of March 2026, KemperSports manages the course and the grill. The company runs golf operations at many well-known spots.
Plan your budget with a little room for the shop. It’s easy to walk in for tees and walk out with a new pullover.
Make a Weekend of It on the Mountain
One round might not feel like enough. The good news is that staying overnight is easy to arrange.
The Sewanee Inn offers Stay and Play packages with the course. It’s a simple way to bundle lodging and golf into one trip.
You’ll find the course at 444 Greens View Rd, Sewanee, TN 37375. The course is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday through Sunday, with opening times ranging from 6 AM to 7 AM and closing at 6:30 PM.
Plan around that Monday closure. Nothing spoils a road trip like arriving to a locked gate.
The course has also hosted notable events. These include the 2016 Girls State Junior, the 2018 Women’s Mid-Am and Senior-Am, and the 2021 Challenge Cup.
Playing where tournaments were held adds a little extra excitement. You can test your skills on the same greens those players faced.
Book your tee time ahead, especially on weekends. A No. 2 ranking in Tennessee tends to bring curious golfers to the mountain.
Pack layers, good shoes, and a sense of adventure. The plateau is ready when you are.