Golf Across Two States
Council Fire's routing famously weaves across the Tennessee-Georgia line, with the front nine in Tennessee and the back nine in Georgia—a rarity that makes every round a border-crossing adventure.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Council Fire Golf Club
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Established
1992
Architect
Bob Cupp (original), Mike Riley (2025 renovation)
Access
Private
Par
Par 72
Length
5,725 – 6,999 yds
The verdict
Regional championship pedigree, private feel
Council Fire delivers a pure, championship-caliber parkland test in a relaxed, upscale members’ setting. Its strong tournament history and demanding signature holes reward discipline and shot selection while offering some of the finest greens around Chattanooga.
Course DNA
Difficulty
82
Scenery73
Conditioning89
Shot Variety80
Walkability67
Green Complexity77
Wow Factor75
Design Quality74
Don't miss
Notice the state line marker—the course’s front nine plays in Tennessee, while the back nine unfolds in Georgia, a unique borderland feature you’ll want to photograph.
At a glance
Quick facts
Crosses state lines
Front nine in Tennessee, back nine in Georgia
2025 renovation
Major 18th hole redesign by Mike Riley
Longest par 4
555 yards (16th, Black tees)
Greens rating
Praised for purity and conditioning
Historic event host
1992 PGA Tour Chattanooga Classic
Practice facilities
Comprehensive short game, range, putting
Signature finish
Short, tempting par-5 18th
The design
The architecture
Council Fire’s 18 blend classic parkland structure with championship-level tests, courtesy of Bob Cupp’s original vision and Mike Riley’s recent enhancements. Wide, playable corridors are punctuated by bold bunkering, strategic water hazards, and greens that demand precise approach shots. The course’s unique routing across two states sets a memorable tone, while frequent tournament use ensures it stays sharp and challenging. The 2025 renovation has given the finishing hole new drama—adding both scoring temptation and architectural bite.
Bob Cupp’s balanced parkland approach rewards thoughtful driving and creative approaches, while Mike Riley’s recent work further elevates the finish.
Defining features
- Routing crosses Tennessee-Georgia state line
- Championship-caliber Black tees at 6,999 yards
- Distinctive mix of scorable and demanding holes
- Recent 18th hole renovation with new water feature
- Premium conditioning, especially on greens
- Multiple tee sets for all skill levels
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 4
Wind-Tested Peninsula
PAR
3
YARDAGE
503
At 503 yards from the Black tees, this par 3 is a demanding test even for skilled players, with the wind creating constant uncertainty and the pin often cut just beyond a front bunker. Club selection and miss location drive the scoring swing here, and a well-shaped shot is a must.
Play it smart
Play for the center and trust your committed club; going pin-hunting risks ending in a deep front bunker or wide miss.
Where it bites
Long or left leaves a severe up-and-down; overaggressive lines leave few easy recoveries.
Course management
Shots to think about
Tee shot on 1
Favor control over pure distance; a well-placed ball makes the approach manageable.
Going at 4's pin
Unless you’re striking it crisply, aim center-green and don’t flirt with front bunkers.
Second shot on 16
Know your yardage and don't force a hero carry—risk compounds quickly.
Tee shot on 17
Commit to your yardage; a conservative line is often rewarded.
Approaching the new 18th
Weigh the payoff of a risky go-for-it second versus a safe layup—closing heroics can burn you here.
Positioning on 8
Don't challenge every pin—accept par as a win on this long par 4.
Short par 4s (5 & 9)
Dial back aggression for a strategic approach shot and likely birdie chance.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
First-rate greens and well-tended fairways, with premium surfaces throughout the year.
Pace
Steady private-club pace; weekend rounds usually flow briskly.
Vibe
Upscale but welcoming members’ club, local championship energy.
Dress code
Traditional private-club attire—collared shirts and golf slacks or shorts required.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Practice Your Lag Putting
The greens roll true but fast—get a feel before your round to save a few strokes.
02
Course Map Awareness
Knowing the routing helps—it truly crosses state lines mid-round, and a few holes demand pre-planned tee strategies.
03
Club Up for Winds
Wind is often more of a factor than it appears, especially on the demanding par 3s.
04
Study the 18th
With the recent redesign, the closing hole now swings dramatically—get the green site in your mind before you play it.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1992
Council Fire Golf Club opens; hosts inaugural PGA Tour Chattanooga Classic
- 1993
Hosts Senior Tour pro-am with Arnold Palmer
- 2008
Hosts NCAA Men’s Golf Regionals
- 2013
Hosts Tennessee Women’s Four-Ball
- 2025
18th hole and course improvements by Mike Riley
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Tournament Roots Run Deep
Within months of opening, Council Fire had already hosted the PGA Tour’s Chattanooga Classic, then welcomed Arnold Palmer and senior pros for a high-profile pro-am—and has never looked back as a key regional championship site.
A New Era on 18
The 18th hole received a dramatic redesign in 2025, introducing risk-reward angles, a new water hazard, and native grasses—raising the stakes for closing out a round with guts or strategy.
Permanent Home of the Chattanooga TPC
For over 30 years, Council Fire has been the permanent host site for the city's showcase tournament, cementing its reputation as Chattanooga’s championship venue.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Council Fire’s routing takes players across two states—Tennessee and Georgia—in a single round.
2
The course hosted the PGA Tour’s Chattanooga Classic the year it opened.
3
Arnold Palmer played the course as part of a Senior Tour pro-am in its early days.
4
It has served as the permanent home of the Chattanooga TPC tournament for more than 30 years.
5
The 18th hole’s renovation introduced exciting water risk and native grasses in 2025.
Build the trip
If you're making a Chattanooga golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
The McLemore Club
Resort
Exceptional public-access destination golf with mountain vistas.
Bear Trace at Harrison Bay
Public
State park classic with strong local reputation and scenic lakeside play.
Nob North Golf Course
Public
Locals’ favorite, fun routing, accessible green fees.
Sweetens Cove
Public (limited)
Cult-favorite for architecture fans, a must if you snag a tee time.
Chattanooga Golf & Country Club
Private
Historic riverfront layout, one of the city’s elite member clubs.
Stay in downtown Chattanooga or East Brainerd for the best access to golf, restaurants, and nightlife.
Course DNA
If You Like Council Fire Golf Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.0
Lantana Golf Club
Argyle, TexasConditioning
Why it matches: Lantana Golf Club is a natural next stop after Council Fire Golf Club: it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
Strong DNA Match7.8
Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club – Ghost Creek
North Plains, OregonConditioning
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club – Ghost Creek offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to Council Fire Golf Club.
Strong DNA Match7.2
Gentle Creek Country Club
Prosper, TexasConditioning
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Gentle Creek Country Club offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to Council Fire Golf Club.
Community Sentiment
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