The Golf Club of Tennessee: Hanse Course
The Golf Club of Tennessee: Hanse Course
1000 Golf Club Dr
Kingston Springs, TN 37082-8193
United States
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Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
Reviews
Review
“Golf Club of Tennessee's Upper course serves up a very healthy portion of drama and scale. The par-4 1st demands a solid drive uphill over a ravine, and the 2nd hole is a 200+ yard uphill par-3 that demands another uphill carry over ravine plus large, steep and menacing bunkers. Some holes conjure Kapalua, some Tobacco Road, and others Bethpage Black. Scale and distinctiveness remain a central theme throughout the round, but layout variety is also excellent as holes vary dramatically. Half-par holes abound here, with several reachable par-4's and several gargantuan par-3's. The routing is well executed on variable and highly sloping terrain. Views down to the river valley are wonderful, but the views of the golf features are equally impressive. Conditioning was excellent, particularly for such a young golf course: firm and fast tee to green with true-rolling greens."
Read More2026
Review
“Simply too severe of a site for a golf course. Sometimes, the architect needs to say "no" to a project rather than just take the club's money. This is one where I wish Gil Hanse would have done so."
Read More2026
Review
“I was very excited to play this course. One of golf's busiest architects, Gil Hanse, who likes to design playable golf courses, presented with a mountain setting at one of the most prestigious clubs in the South. Unfortunately, the golf course did not meet expectations, as it was designed upon too severe of a site and has many resulting flaws. Designing a golf course on top of a mountain is challenging. While it may lend itself to great views, it is difficult to route the golf course with so many of the forced carries required on these sites. Further, with forced carries as the challenge, the architect has to be careful in the placement of other hazards. Unfortunately, The Upper Course has too many forced carries and too many hazards waiting you on the other side. The Golf Club of Tennessee has two golf courses. The Lower Course is an enjoyable round, playable for all of its members, but still challenging for its better players. The Upper Course is literally the exact opposite experience. The golf course has too many severe holes that outweigh the good golf holes. The average and higher handicap simply does not have a chance playing this golf course, as there are too many forced carries and difficult shots. So, what results is a golf course for the longest, low handicap members. I understand that this golf course has been highly controversial with its membership, which is unfortunate for such a special club. Hopefully, the disgruntled members will be listened to by club leadership and the club will work on the course to make it a more playable experience for all of its membership."
Read More2026
Review
“Really difficult course. Greens are tough with lots of contours and grains. Course plays difficult in part to several tee shots not being able to see landing areas where the ball finishes. Lots of shot options, especially on the back with some go for it short par 4s or lay back and try to score that way. Par 3s face all different directions and have great differing lengths. There are numerous bunkers that have the ability to ruin your day."
Read More2026
Review
“Really difficult course. Greens are tough with lots of contours and grains. Course plays difficult in part to several tee shots not being able to see landing areas where the ball finishes. Lots of shot options, especially on the back with some go for it short par 4s or lay back and try to score that way. Par 3s face all different directions and have great differing lengths. There are numerous bunkers in play that have the ability to ruin your round."
Read More2026
Review
“Really good variety with five par 3's and five par 5's along that play to various lengths along with 3 short par 4's. Most holes provide several options for one to play shots off the tee and into the green. The greens were very severe in spots, but meant to be more of a match play course so Hanse & Wagner took some risks in that regard."
Read More2026
Review
“Really good variety with five par 3's and five par 5's along that play to various lengths along with 3 short par 4's. Most holes provide several options for one to play shots off the tee and into the green. The greens were very severe in spots, but meant to be more of a match play course so Hanse & Wagner took some risks in that regard."
Read More2026
Review
“Course was built on a challenging property necessitating a golf cart ride to the 1st tee. The routing is fairly impressive. Greens are challenging. A few shorter par fours right in a row on the back nine. The views from 17 and 18 are quite nice. Par threes run in different directions."
Read More2026
Review
“The Upper has an impressive routing flowing through extremely varied topography with elevation changes, doglegs moving both directions, wide variety in hole length and a high frequency of risk-reward based not only on hole length, but with the challenges on each respective shot. The fun doesn't end there as the greens consistently have humps and spines for the superintendent to have fun with the hole locations. Surrounds are a mixture of neatly shaved slopes, deep bunkers, and some deeper rough, creating a lot of different shot options."
Read More2026
Review
“The Upper has an impressive routing, flowing through extremely varied topography with elevation changes, doglegs moving both directions, wide variety in hole length and a high frequency of risk-reward based not only on hole length, but with the challenges on each respective shot. The fun doesn't end there as the greens consistently have humps and spines for the superintendent to have fun with the hole locations. Surrounds are a mixture of neatly shaved slopes, deep bunkers, and some deeper rough, creating a lot of different shot options. A very good golf course that would be fun to play from multiple tee settings and in a match play format."
Read More2026
