6 Best Golf Courses in Nashville, TN (2026 Golfer’s Guide)
Nashville features premier public and resort golf courses ranging from championship layouts to accessible 9-hole executive tracks. Top destinations include Gaylord Springs Golf Links, Ted Rhodes, Shelby, McCabe, Two Rivers, and VinnyLinks, catering to every handicap, play style, and budget across Davidson County.
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Quick Comparison of Nashville Golf Courses
Golf Course | Holes & Par | Course Style & Area | Best For / Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
Gaylord Springs Golf Links | 18 Holes, Par 72 | Scottish Links / Opryland Area | Championship play, scenic Cumberland River views |
Ted Rhodes Golf Course | 18 Holes, Par 72 | Public Parkland / North Nashville | Affordable green fees, strategic water hazards |
Shelby Golf Course | 18 Holes, Par 72 | Historic Municipal / East Nashville | Classic layout, rolling fairways established in 1924 |
McCabe Golf Course | 27 Holes (3 Nines) | Municipal Complex / Sylvan Park | Flexible nines, extensive driving range & practice facility |
Two Rivers Golf Course | 18 Holes, Par 72 | Public Parkland / Donelson | Elevated par-3 tee shots, undulating terrain |
VinnyLinks Golf Course | 9 Holes, Par 28 | Executive / East Nashville | Quick rounds, beginners, First Tee youth program |
Widely known for its world-class live music scene and vibrant culture, Nashville, Tennessee, is also home to exceptional golf courses across the region. Whether you are an avid player or a casual golfer, Nashville’s courses offer varied layouts for all skill levels. From meticulously designed championship tracks to historic public greens, golfing in Music City provides an outstanding experience for residents and visitors.
Top Public and Resort Golf Courses in Nashville
1. Gaylord Springs Golf Links
Gaylord Springs Golf Links stands out as a premier golf destination in Nashville. Designed by former PGA Champion Larry Nelson, this Scottish links-style course offers a challenging round set against the backdrop of the Cumberland River. Located minutes from downtown Nashville near the Opryland district, Gaylord Springs provides dramatic views and a tranquil playing environment.
The 18-hole championship layout features fairways bounded by natural wetlands, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens. The signature par-4 12th hole requires a precise tee shot to clear water along the left side while avoiding deep fairway bunkers on the right.
- Gaylord Springs Golf Links: 18 Springhouse Ln, Nashville, TN 37214
- Facility Features: Driving range, short-game practice area, fully stocked pro shop, and Springs Grill clubhouse dining.
2. Ted Rhodes Golf Course
Named after pioneering African-American golfer Ted Rhodes, this public course is a staple of Metro Nashville’s municipal golf system. Located along the Cumberland River in North Nashville, Ted Rhodes Golf Course delivers scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere across its 18-hole, par-72 layout.
The course combines wide fairways with large, well-guarded greens. The par-5 16th hole requires strategic shot placement around a dogleg right to avoid water hazards and reach the green in regulation.
- Ted Rhodes Golf Course: 1901 Walter S Davis Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208
- Facility Features: Full-length driving range, putting green, clubhouse, and affordable municipal green fees.
3. Shelby Golf Course
Established in 1924, Shelby Golf Course holds the distinction of being the first municipal golf course built in Nashville. Situated in East Nashville near Shelby Park, this historic 18-hole, par-72 layout features rolling terrain, mature hardwood trees, and small, well-protected greens.
Shelby Golf Course offers an accessible round that appeals to beginners and experienced golfers seeking a classic parkland walk. Ongoing municipal maintenance preserves its historic architecture while keeping turf conditions consistent year-round.
- Shelby Golf Course: 2201 Fatherland St, Nashville, TN 37206
- Facility Features: Pro shop, snack bar, walking-friendly layout, and rental carts.
4. McCabe Golf Course
Located in the heart of Sylvan Park, McCabe Golf Course is one of Nashville’s most active municipal golf facilities. Featuring 27 holes divided into three 9-hole loops (South, Middle, and North), McCabe gives golfers multiple 18-hole routing options.
The South nine presents the tightest layout with tree-lined fairways and guarded approaches. The Middle nine offers wider landing areas suited for higher-handicap players, while the North nine delivers a balanced test of distance and accuracy.
- McCabe Golf Course: 100 46th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209
- Facility Features: Double-decker driving range, short-game practice complex, clubhouse, and PGA instruction.
5. Two Rivers Golf Course
Two Rivers Golf Course is located in Donelson near the Music Valley corridor. This 18-hole, par-72 municipal facility features rolling hills, views of the downtown Nashville skyline, and natural water features tied to the nearby Stone's River and Cumberland River.
A highlight of the round is the par-3 5th hole, which plays from an elevated tee to a green completely fronted by water. Multiple doglegs throughout the back nine place a premium on tee-shot positioning.
- Two Rivers Golf Course: 3140 McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37214
- Facility Features: Driving range, practice green, full-service pro shop, and grill room.
6. VinnyLinks Golf Course
VinnyLinks Golf Course (The Vinny) is a 9-hole executive course playing to a par of 28, located in Shelby Park in East Nashville. Measuring just over 1,200 yards, VinnyLinks is tailored for junior golfers, beginners, and players looking for a quick practice round.
Despite its compact footprint, the course incorporates water hazards, sand bunkers, and quality greens to refine iron play. VinnyLinks also serves as the local headquarters for First Tee of Tennessee, hosting youth development and instructional programs throughout the year.
- VinnyLinks Golf Course: 2009 Sevier St, Nashville, TN 37206
- Facility Features: 9-hole executive course, youth golf learning center, and practice green.
Source: Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation Golf Division and Gaylord Springs Course Records.
Real Estate Options Near Nashville Golf Courses
Living near Nashville's golf courses provides easy access to outdoor recreation, established parklands, and desirable residential neighborhoods like Sylvan Park, East Nashville, and Donelson. Whether you are looking for a luxury home near a championship course or a property close to historic municipal greens, the local market offers diverse inventory.
About Your Nashville Agent
Your Nashville Agent is a real estate advisory team specializing in residential properties across Greater Nashville, including golf communities and historic urban neighborhoods. Our specialists provide hyper-local market analysis, property valuation, and home search services for buyers and sellers.
Verifiable Data: Metro Nashville municipal golf courses recorded over 200,000 rounds played across its six public facilities in 2025, reflecting strong local demand for recreation-adjacent residential communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nashville Golf Courses
What is the most challenging public golf course in Nashville?
Gaylord Springs Golf Links is widely considered the most challenging public-access course in Nashville, featuring a par-72 Scottish links design with water hazards, strategic bunkering, and a 7,000+ yard layout from the back tees.
Which Nashville golf courses are best for beginners?
VinnyLinks Golf Course is an ideal 9-hole executive course for beginners and juniors. For a full 18-hole round, the Middle Nine at McCabe Golf Course and Shelby Golf Course offer forgiving fairways and accessible layouts.
Are municipal golf courses in Nashville open to the public?
Yes. Metro Nashville operates several public golf courses, including McCabe, Shelby, Ted Rhodes, Two Rivers, and VinnyLinks. All offer tee times for residents and visitors with affordable green fees.
Which Nashville golf course is closest to downtown?
Ted Rhodes Golf Course and Shelby Golf Course are both located within 10 to 15 minutes of downtown Nashville, offering quick access from the urban core.
Where can I search for homes for sale near golf courses in Nashville?
You can search active property listings on the Your Nashville Agent Property Search page or explore specific neighborhood guides across Davidson County.
