Shelby Golf Course
Shelby Golf Course delivers an approachable 18-hole public layout combining rolling hills and renovated greens to challenge golfers of various skill levels. Located near downtown Nashville, it offers a balanced round with unique elevation changes and a straightforward yet engaging golf experience.
Course Overview
Shelby Golf Course, located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, offers an 18-hole public layout that presents a thoughtful balance of urban charm and genuine golfing challenge. The course’s moderate yardage demands precise shot-making rather than sheer power, making it a compelling option for a wide range of players. Its design features rolling terrain with several blind tee and approach shots, requiring golfers to craft their strategy carefully and read the land attentively. While the course stretches over modest distances, the elevational shifts inject personality and test each round with subtle complexity.
Alterations in recent years have notably improved the playing surface, with renovated greens adding a fresh dynamic that encourages well-paced putting and fosters close attention to break and contour. These new greens are undulating, rewarding finesse and patience around the holes. The fairways maintain a healthy condition throughout much of the season, standing out within its urban environment where maintenance resources can be limited. Although the course lacks traditional bunkering, natural hazards and the elevation changes compensate by challenging players to keep their shots in play.
Shelby Golf Course attracts a diverse audience, from local amateurs sharpening their short game to visitors seeking a relaxed but engaging round close to downtown Nashville. Its layout bridges the gap between accessibility and subtle testing aspects that invite repeat play and steady improvement. The course's compact nature paired with cityscape views creates a unique atmosphere, shaping an experience that feels both approachable and rewarding.
Walkers are common here, though the hills can prove relentless, so sturdy footwear is advisable. Limited cart availability means that players who prefer riding should plan accordingly, as carts are not always guaranteed late in the day during busy periods. The clubhouse, while modest, provides a friendly hub for check-in and post-round conversation.
Those planning a visit should note the course’s early closing times during peak months, which impacts tee time availability for a full 18-hole round. This detail can be critical for timing your arrival. Overall, Shelby Golf Course offers a genuine Nashville golf experience marked by recent improvements and natural charm, making it a worthy stop for those exploring the city’s sporting landscape.
Course Highlights
Shelby Golf Course is distinguished by its prominent elevation changes that influence shot selection and execution throughout the round. The course’s renovated greens offer renewed speed and subtle breaks uncommon for a municipal course, elevating the putting challenge. Several holes require players to navigate blind shots across hills, adding intrigue despite the track’s modest length. The lack of conventional bunkers is offset by natural slope and turf banking that frame many greens. Its urban setting provides glimpses of Nashville’s cityscape visible beyond fairways, blending golf with local character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Nicholas Good
Played 18 holes on 7-6-25. A very fun layout on about 14/18 holes (the other 4 are kinda just off the teebox going straight uphill that I personally don’t enjoy, but if it was easy it wouldn’t be golf) The new greens roll better or similar to what you’ll get for the same price anywhere close by. They’ve made a lot of the greens very angulating so get ready to lag putt and pray. A few blind shots over hills, but that’s the designed challenge on a shorter course like such.(and you can just drive up 50yards to see where the green is) Fairways are in nice shape, didn’t have a problem with any dead spots like most of these other courses in the area. Didn’t encounter many workers but the lady at the front desk was nice imop. Overall would highly recommend playing atleast once this season. Only downside is short staffed so no carts after 12:30 if you want to play 18, and personally you couldn’t pay me to walk up those hills.
Nicholas Good
Played 18 holes on 7-6-25. A very fun layout on about 14/18 holes (the other 4 are kinda just off the teebox going straight uphill that I personally don’t enjoy, but if it was easy it wouldn’t be golf) The new greens roll better or similar to what you’ll get for the same price anywhere close by. They’ve made a lot of the greens very angulating so get ready to lag putt and pray. A few blind shots over hills, but that’s the designed challenge on a shorter course like such.(and you can just drive up 50yards to see where the green is) Fairways are in nice shape, didn’t have a problem with any dead spots like most of these other courses in the area. Didn’t encounter many workers but the lady at the front desk was nice imop. Overall would highly recommend playing atleast once this season. Only downside is short staffed so no carts after 12:30 if you want to play 18, and personally you couldn’t pay me to walk up those hills.
Paul Roche
Fun course,great staff and brand new greens! The course challenges you through a number of blind tee and approach shots. Even with short length compared to some modern courses and no bunkers, the course layout and design makes for a fun round.
Jeff B
Place stinks, staff is rude and conditions are pathetic. Go somewhere else
Joshua Pemberton
Great local course. Greens are much better now. Hours could be better. Insane to close at 4:30pm during peak season. Can’t hit 18 after 12:30 tee time. Blame staff shortages, whatever. There’s no reason for it. It could make money if someone cared. There’s 20 people a day who end up walking the course for free at 4:30. Obviously there’s a demand.
Scott Sweeney
Visiting from Louisville. Played on 3/14/25. Fairways dormant greens in very good shape temporary tee boxes nothing unusual for mid March. Old school city course. Classic raised greens. Great inexpensive track. Friendly staff I’d play here again.
Joshua Pemberton
Great local course. Greens are much better now. Hours could be better. Insane to close at 4:30pm during peak season. Can’t hit 18 after 12:30 tee time. Blame staff shortages, whatever. There’s no reason for it. It could make money if someone cared. There’s 20 people a day who end up walking the course for free at 4:30. Obviously there’s a demand.
Vanlife Onthego
Old school guys seem to like this course, but it must be strictly nostalgia. If you've never been and want to walk, just be aware of the hills. There's several and they're obnoxious in terms of creating blind shots, etc. Course was at least fairly pretty before the tornado. Greens run ok but they're too small and always have a side where you can roll off for eternity. The Mgr must think he's running Brentwood Country Club, heard him say something to a golfer that indicated he takes running this pitiful little track too seriously. If you only care about price, this may be for you but like everything else....you get what you pay for.
Eric Reeves
I grew up playing HS golf here. With the recent renovations. This place is way better. I still hate the hills lol, but that is what makes this course unique for being a shorter course. The new greens are nice with undulation. I expect it to be in its best shape after a year of the grass growing stronger.
Martin Castro
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Course Details
Access & Location
2021 Fatherland St, Nashville, TN 37206, USA
Shelby Golf Course Clubhouse - basic facilities with pro shop and refreshment stand
Walking encouraged but be prepared for several steep hills; wear supportive shoes to manage the terrain comfortably.
Open to the public with daily tee times; no advance online booking required but early arrival recommended on busy days.
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