Nestled in the lush landscapes of Eastern Tennessee, near the tranquil waters of Tellico Lake, lies a golfer’s paradise. The region is adorned with a selection of golf courses that not only challenge enthusiasts of all skill levels but also offer breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains and the lake itself. This blog post takes you on a journey through the premier golfing destinations near Tellico Lake, exploring the unique features and experiences each course offers.
Rarity Bay Golf and Country Club
Starting our tour at Rarity Bay on the beautiful shores of Tellico Lake, this golf course is a true gem in the crown of Tennessee golfing. Designed by D.J. DeVictor and Peter Langham, the course stretches over 150 acres, offering a mix of challenging holes and scenic beauty. The 18-hole championship course is known for its Bermuda fairways and bentgrass greens, providing a pristine playing surface year-round. Golfers at Rarity Bay are treated to stunning lake views on several holes, making for an unforgettable golfing experience. The course’s signature hole, the par-3 15th, requires a precise tee shot over water to a well-guarded green, offering both challenge and beauty.
Tellico Village Golf Courses
Tellico Village boasts three distinct golf courses, each with its character and challenges, making it a central hub for golfing near Tellico Lake.
- Toqua Golf Club: The first of the trio, designed by Ault, Clark & Associates, offers a blend of natural landscapes and strategic play. The course has undergone significant renovations to enhance playability and aesthetics, including updated bunkering and expanded tee boxes. Toqua’s finishing hole, a par-4 with a demanding approach shot over water to a sloping green, is a fitting end to a round full of variety and challenge.
- Tanasi Golf Club: Also designed by Ault, Clark & Associates, Tanasi is renowned for its scenic vistas and holes that run along the shoreline of Tellico Lake. The course features Zoysia fairways and large, undulating greens, presenting golfers with a premium on accurate approach shots. The par-3 13th hole, with its tee shot over water to a peninsula green, is one of the most picturesque and challenging on the course.
- The Links at Kahite: This links-style course offers a different golfing experience with wide fairways, rolling hills, and challenging bunkers. Designed by Ault, Clark & Associates, Kahite’s signature hole is the 9th, a long par-5 that demands strategic thinking from tee to green. The course also features a unique 9-hole practice facility, perfect for honing your skills.
See a complete list of golf courses at Tellico Village here: https://tellicolakehometeam.com/resources/golf-courses/
WindRiver Golf Club
Designed by Jack Nicklaus protégé, Bob Cupp, WindRiver Golf Club offers an exceptional golfing experience with its strategic layout and impeccable conditioning. The course winds through the WindRiver community, offering elevation changes, natural water features, and breathtaking views of Tellico Lake. The challenging par-3 14th hole, with its green perched above the lake, requires both courage and precision. WindRiver also prides itself on its practice facilities, including a driving range and putting green, allowing golfers to perfect their game in a stunning setting.
Green Meadow Country Club
Though a bit further afield, Green Meadow Country Club in Alcoa, Tennessee, deserves mention for its rich history and classic design. Established in 1925, this course offers a traditional golfing experience with tree-lined fairways and small, fast greens. The course layout requires accuracy and strategy, rewarding thoughtful play over sheer power. Its storied past and welcoming atmosphere make Green Meadow a beloved destination for golfers seeking a nostalgic round.
Avalon Country Club
Located in Lenoir City, Avalon Country Club provides a challenging but fair test of golf in a beautiful, rolling terrain setting. The course features Bermuda fairways and bentgrass greens, with water coming into play on several holes. The layout offers a variety of holes that cater to different strengths and strategies, ensuring that every golfer finds their round both challenging and enjoyable. The clubhouse and practice facilities round out the experience, making Avalon a full-service golfing destination.
Golfing Near Tellico Lake: A Confluence of Beauty and Challenge
The golf courses near Tellico Lake offer more than just a game; they provide an experience—a chance to enjoy the sport amidst some of the most stunning landscapes Tennessee has to offer. From the championship layouts of Rarity Bay and WindRiver to the community-centric courses of Tellico Village and the historic fairways of Green Meadow Country Club, there’s a course to suit every golfer’s preference. Each round played in the shadow of the Smoky Mountains or along the shores of Tellico Lake is a reminder of the beauty and challenge that golf offers. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer seeking new challenges or someone looking to enjoy a leisurely round in a picturesque setting, the courses near Tellico Lake are sure to provide an unforgettable golfing adventure.
