Kingston Springs, Tennessee
The Upper Course at The Golf Club of Tennessee instantly takes a seat among the Southeast's elite. Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner's design wrings strategic drama from hilltop ridges, severe bunkering, and wildly contoured greens—a must for serious players seeking challenge, beauty, and unforgettable moments.
Ask your host about the annual Vinny Pro-Celebrity-Am—clubhouse tales from this star-studded pro-am are legendary among members.
The Upper Course at The Golf Club of Tennessee is a modern Hanse & Wagner creation, etched dramatically into the wooded, rocky hills and sweeping ridges of rural Kingston Springs. Wide fairways tempt the bold but reserve their strictest test for the approach, where deep-faced bunkers and daunting green contours rarely forgive a distracted miss. The routing leaps from wooded elevation to exposed hilltop and back, providing panoramic views, downhill tee shots, and unforgettable strategic tests on nearly every hole—a course built equally for match-play thrill and golden-age adventure.
Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner's work on the Upper Course represents a distinctive, bold vision—melding classic match-play strategy with adventurous topography and state-of-the-art greens.
This extra-long par 3 sets the tone early, with a dramatic forced carry and a green perched atop a shallow plateau. Demanding both distance and accuracy from the tee, the hole punishes under-clubbing or misjudged wind with steep runoffs and strategically placed bunkers.
Take enough club to ensure you reach the green, but beware a left miss—deep bunkers and shaved slopes make recovery brutal.
Short or left is dead: miss in the wrong spot and par becomes a scramble.
Elite private-club conditioning—fast greens, tightly mown surrounds, perfect bunkers.
Unhurried and exclusive, with no tee times or crowding.
Formal, understated, and member-focused—respect is given to the game and the club's traditions.
Traditional private-club attire expected.
Brush up on mid-iron and wedge distance control—the toughest tests here are on and around the exquisitely defended greens.
Hilltop holes are exposed to variable breezes; check conditions before setting your club strategy for long par 3s and risk-reward par 5s.
Prepare for long walks over hilly terrain—good footwear and stamina will enhance the experience.
Brush up on private-club etiquette—blazers in the clubhouse won't look out of place here.
Club founded by Toby Wilt and Bronson Ingram
Original Fazio-designed course opens
Hosts Women's Trans National Championship
Hosts U.S. Women's Amateur (Lower course)
Upper Course by Hanse & Wagner opens
Announced host of U.S. Mid-Amateur (Upper Course main host)
Announced host of U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur
Toby Wilt and Bronson Ingram set out to create the definitive golf escape just outside Nashville, attracting the nation's attention with Fazio's debut layout. Decades later, their vision expanded with a bold Hanse addition—transforming the club for a new era.
The club's annual Vinny Pro-Celebrity-Am injected Music City energy into the fairways for over 25 years, while U.S. Women's Amateur and Mid-Amateur championships cemented its competitive pedigree among the very best in Tennessee.
Hanse and Wagner's Upper Course took full command of the rocky, forested ridges above Brush Creek, introducing a match-play stage where bold tee shots and strategic risk yield rewards—or disaster—that stick in memory.
The Upper Course opened in July 2024 as a brand-new Hanse/Wagner design.
Both the Lower and Upper courses at the club have hosted or are scheduled to host USGA national championships.
The area’s rocky, wooded ridges are used to create extreme elevation swings and match-play drama.
The club has never required tee times for member play.
The annual Vinny Pro-Celebrity-Am is a hallmark Nashville golf event, drawing stars from music and sports.
Strong daily-fee course and local favorite with strategic design.
Popular guest-friendly option with wide open vistas near downtown.
Two good layouts and some of Middle Tennessee’s best visitor access.
Solid, fun local track near the city.
Affordable round for those looking to fill in their trip with a casual game.
West Nashville or Belle Meade for best access; downtown Nashville for nightlife.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: If The Golf Club of Tennessee – Upper is your kind of course, Blackwolf Run (Meadow Valleys) is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Westchester Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to The Golf Club of Tennessee – Upper.
Why it matches: Great River Golf Club is a natural next stop after The Golf Club of Tennessee – Upper: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Community Sentiment
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