Byron Nelson's Streak Ends
In 1945, the eyes of the golf world were on Chickasaw when Freddie Haas ended Byron Nelson’s legendary 11-win streak in a dramatic upset. That day wrote both the club and Haas into golf lore as ‘streak-breakers’.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Chickasaw Country Club
Memphis, Tennessee
Established
1922
Architect
William Langford (original), Bill Bergin (renovation)
Access
Private
Par
Par 72
Length
5,345 – 6,720 yds
The verdict
A Memphis Classic with History
Chickasaw Country Club is an old-school Langford design brought forward with a thoughtful 2018 renovation by Bill Bergin. While it’s the domain of its members, its storied greens have shaped regional golf history and delivered an iconic Byron Nelson moment. If you get the chance to play, do not miss the strategic tests and firm conditions on this deeply historic Tennessee track.
Course DNA
Difficulty
74
Scenery65
Conditioning86
Shot Variety78
Walkability74
Green Complexity85
Wow Factor71
Design Quality82
Don't miss
Be sure to ask a member about the Byron Nelson plaque commemorating his historic streak-ending 1945 loss—the story adds drama to any first round.
At a glance
Quick facts
Course architect
William Langford
Recent renovation
Bill Bergin, 2018
Most famous moment
1945 Memphis Invitational—Byron Nelson's streak ends
Bent grass greens
Restored to TifEagle Bermuda in 2018
Lowest amateur round
Wesley Hays, 63 (1995)
Lowest professional round
Freddie Haas, 64
Tree management project
2018 overhaul included significant tree removal
Private access
Members and guests only
The design
The architecture
Chickasaw Country Club’s course is rooted in William Langford’s crisp and strategic 1920s routing—an archetype of Golden Age Midwestern architecture, updated in 2018 by Bill Bergin to recapture firm turf, dramatic green contours, and strong risk-reward asks. Tree management, restored classic bunkering, and new forward tees mean the course now tests precision, length, and nerve, with restored Langford greens that are as fun as they are punishing. From the first tee shot to the last tricky putt, Langford’s principles are alive and well in Memphis.
William Langford left his mark here with bold green sites and strategic angles, while Bill Bergin’s touch in 2018 awakened the course’s Golden Age bones for today’s golfer.
Defining features
- Distinctive Langford green contours
- Classic parkland routing with modern conditioning
- Forward tees, playable for all levels
- Enhanced shot values via tree removal and bunker restoration
- Historic clubhouse and setting
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 5
The Beastly Five
PAR
5
YARDAGE
606
At 606 yards from the back tees, this mammoth par 5 demands three disciplined shots to have any chance at par or better. A true test of stamina and planning, it's a hole that defines the backbone of Chickasaw’s challenge.
Play it smart
Treat it as a true three-shotter; finding position on every stroke is key as the green complex gets trickier the closer you approach.
Where it bites
Greedy attempts to reach in two can lead to disaster; mis-hit layups and missed angles leave ugly recoveries.
Course management
Shots to think about
Off the tee on the 7th (short par 4)
Don’t let the yardage fool you—lay back for your favorite wedge if you’re not 100% confident in the hero shot.
Approaching the 5th green
Resist the urge to go for it in two—play your layup smart and trust your wedge over power.
Challenging the 15th par 3
Accept the long iron and play to the wide side of the green; par is a win here.
Second shot to the 18th
Commit to your line—missing left sets up a much easier up-and-down than short right.
Finding tree trouble after a wild drive
Punch out to a comfortable approach distance; don’t compound errors by getting greedy.
Facing a tightly pinned flag on a restored green
Center of the green is smart—let your putter do the work rather than chasing tucked pins.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Fast, firm greens and tightly groomed Bermuda fairways reflect modern standards and classical intent.
Pace
Member-paced play; expect well-spaced groups but no resort-casual pace.
Vibe
Traditional and clubby, anchored in Memphis golf lore and history.
Dress code
Standard private club dress code—collared shirts, proper golf attire required.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Dial in your wedges
Expect to need sharp wedge play on strategically short par 4s and tough, sloping green complexes.
02
Bring your long iron game
You’ll face tough full shots into demanding par 3s and stout par 4s, especially on the back nine.
03
Be ready for quick greens
Restored greens run fast and true; prioritize practice putting before your round.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1922
Club is founded and William Langford's course construction begins.
- 1923
Full 18-hole course is completed, attributed to Langford.
- 1945
Freddie Haas defeats Byron Nelson, ending Nelson's 11-win streak at the Memphis Invitational.
- 1995
Wesley Hays sets new amateur course record with 63.
- 2018
Bill Bergin oversees a major renovation, restoring greens, bunkers, and optimizing playability.
Stories & legends
What makes it special
The Langford Mystery
For decades, Chickasaw’s architect was a club mystery—until careful research confirmed William Langford’s authorship. A true Golden Age pedigree was restored to its rightful place.
Greens With Bite
Bergin’s 2018 renovation brought crisp edges and restored contour to greens that had softened over time, reigniting the Langford blend of precision and peril at every pin.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Chickasaw’s 5th hole ranks among the longest par 5s in Tennessee.
2
Freddie Haas broke Byron Nelson’s 11-win streak on these fairways in 1945.
3
Restoration in 2018 included both green contours and tree management, opening up historic playing corridors.
4
Wesley Hays shot a scorching 63 to set the amateur course record in 1995.
5
Early course records dated back to L.P. Jones's 65, echoing the club's long amateur tradition.
Build the trip
If you're making a Memphis golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
The Links at Galloway
Public
A playable municipal favorite located right in Memphis—perfect for a warm-up or replay round.
Mirimichi Golf Course
Public
A top-destination championship course near Memphis offering strong public access and a major-league test.
The Links at Fox Meadows
Public
A championship-style municipal with broad fairways and affordable play.
The Links at Pine Hill
Public
A budget-friendly option for an extra round, especially if you crave variety.
Tunica National
Public
A destination-caliber option across the Mississippi line, often ranked best value for serious public golf near Memphis.
East Memphis or Downtown Memphis—close to the club and city attractions.
Course DNA
If You Like Chickasaw Country Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.8
Brook-Lea Country Club
Rochester, New YorkWhy it matches: Brook-Lea Country Club is a natural next stop after Chickasaw Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match8.4
Barton Hills Country Club
Ann Arbor, MichiganConditioning
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Barton Hills Country Club offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to Chickasaw Country Club.
Strong DNA Match8.2
Somerset Country Club
Mendota Heights, MinnesotaGreen Complexity
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Somerset Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Chickasaw Country Club.
The architect's other work
More from William Langford
Lawsonia Links
Green Lake, WisconsinClassic bold contouring with timeless strategic drama
Wakonda Club
Des Moines, IowaRestored Langford classic and Iowa’s championship icon
Texarkana Country Club
Texarkana, ArkansasGolden Age Arkansas classic revived by restoration
Avon Fields Golf Course
Cincinnati, OhioHistoric muni with classic Ross shot values
Glen Oak Country Club
Glen Ellyn, IllinoisClassic parkland championship with historic roots
West Bend Country Club
West Bend, WisconsinClassic Wisconsin parkland blending history and bold greens
Community Sentiment
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