Old Hickory, Tennessee
Old Hickory Country Club delivers a traditional member’s club atmosphere, rooted in nearly a century of Nashville-area history. Expect tight fairways, walkable routing, and a course built for solid everyday play rather than trophy seeking. It’s a true community anchor with lasting local significance.
Old Hickory Country Club embodies the classic parkland ethos—tree-lined corridors, modest elevation changes, and a routing that’s compact and walkable. The course follows the template of a traditional member club designed for year-round, everyday play instead of trophy golf, with holes that prioritize straightforward challenge over flashy drama. George Livingstone’s original vision lingers in the balanced sequencing and strategic simple style, while the greens and bunkering remain firmly rooted in mid-20th-century ideas. The fairways set up classic risk/reward choices, but this is a course where patience and positional play are rewarded more than daredevil heroics.
George Livingstone, a longtime Tennessee golf professional, designed the original course; although A.W. Tillinghast’s name occasionally surfaces in club lore, there is no verified evidence he directly worked on the design.
This short par 4 entices bold hitters to blast away, but narrows up near the green and punishes the wayward. It’s a classic risk/reward opportunity that defines the front nine.
Aggressive players can take on the corner for a flip wedge or try to drive the green, but a well-placed layup leaves a full, controlled approach.
Miss left or right off the tee and you’re staring at awkward angles and tricky recoveries with trees in play.
Traditionally maintained, well-groomed private club fairways and greens, with classic presentation.
Member-driven pace; typically steady and enjoyable unless a major event is underway.
Classic, understated, and community-oriented; rooted in club tradition rather than modern glitz.
Standard private club attire—collared shirts, tailored shorts or slacks recommended.
The routing puts a premium on approach shots—polish up your wedge and nine-iron play to take advantage of scoreable holes.
You’ll face several hybrids and long irons, especially on par 3s and back-nine par 4s; sharpen your yardage control.
Subtle green contours demand a steady touch—rolling practice putts before your round is a must.
Club founded by DuPont for employees
Opened as a 6-hole layout designed by George Livingstone
Expanded to a full 18-hole course
Harold Eller begins 34-year stint as head professional
Celebrity charity Mission:Possible tournament hosted
AJGA Junior at Old Hickory hosted at the course
In its earliest days, Old Hickory’s greens weren’t sodded but crafted from sand and sprayed with cottonseed oil, creating a unique playing surface for the era. This quirky tradition is fondly remembered in the club’s lore, connecting today’s members to its humble, industrious roots.
Harold Eller’s 34-year tenure as club professional turned him into an institution at Old Hickory. His impact is felt annually through the pro-am that bears his name, crafting a generational link among members and pros alike.
Founded by the DuPont Company to give employees recreation and camaraderie, Old Hickory became a civic anchor for its namesake neighborhood, carrying forward a sense of close-knit connection that outlasted its corporate origins.
The AJGA’s choice to host its Junior event at Old Hickory gives rising stars the chance to make their mark on classic terrain. For many young talents, the course is where tournament dreams start to get real.
Originally opened with just 6 holes, the course grew to 18 in 1941.
The first greens were sand blended with cottonseed oil, not grass.
Founded as a recreational benefit for employees of the original DuPont plant.
Annual Harold Eller Pro-Am draws pros and celebrities from the region.
Hosted an AJGA Junior tournament, spotlighting the next wave of golf talent.
Arguably Nashville's best daily-fee experience and a lush contrast to private-club settings.
Challenging terrain and a favorite for locals looking for variety and value.
Immaculate, tour-level conditioning with close access to downtown Nashville amenities.
For those with connections—elite experience and nationally recognized design pedigree.
Downtown or East Nashville for nightlife, or Brentwood/Green Hills for easy access to both clubs and public golf.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Marlborough Country Club is a natural next stop after Old Hickory Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: Elyria Country Club is a natural next stop after Old Hickory Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Tacoma Country & Golf Club's own setting.
Community Sentiment
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