Bear Trace at Harrison Bay (TN Golf Trail)
Bear Trace at Harrison Bay presents an 18-hole public course with parkland character and lakeside views that offer a balanced challenge for all skill levels. Its strategic water features and well-kept Bermuda greens create a memorable golf experience within the Tennessee Golf Trail.
Course Overview
Bear Trace at Harrison Bay, part of the Tennessee Golf Trail, offers an 18-hole experience that challenges players while showcasing the natural beauty of Harrison Bay's lakeside setting. This public course is known for its parkland-style layout, blending spacious fairways with clusters of trees and multiple water hazards that demand thoughtful shot placement. Golfers will find a variety of hole designs that test different aspects of their game, from strategic tee shots to delicate approach play on well-maintained Bermuda greens.
The course winds around the shoreline, with several holes providing calming water views that contrast with the occasional undulating terrain and well-positioned bunkers guarding the greens. The front nine features a compelling series of holes where water comes into play frequently, presenting both risk and reward. Meanwhile, the back nine stretches out to offer broader fairways and ample landing areas but remains vigilant with tricky green complexes that challenge both low and mid-handicap players.
Bear Trace at Harrison Bay is approachable for players of varying skill levels. The course tees are well-distributed to offer a manageable round for higher handicaps, while the longer tees maintain enough length and complexity to engage better players seeking a strategic test. The greens roll true and fast when conditions are at their peak, requiring precision putting to score well.
The club maintains a welcoming atmosphere with attentive staff and a clean pro shop that reflects the course’s commitment to quality service. Walking is encouraged and feasible due to gentle elevation changes, but golf carts are available to ease movement around the course, especially on warmer days. Proper footwear is recommended to navigate some softer turf areas near the water features.
While pace of play can be a consideration during busier times, the overall experience at Bear Trace delivers solid conditioning with scenic variety. From the gentle lake breezes that influence club selection to the thoughtful routing that respects the natural landscape, this Tennessee Golf Trail venue invites players to enjoy a challenging yet relaxing round in a serene environment.
Course Highlights
The course prominently features water hazards that shape strategy throughout, particularly on the front nine where several holes skirt the lake’s edge. Its Bermuda greens are known for their smoothness and speed when well-maintained. The routing takes advantage of natural elevation shifts and waterfront views to offer variety without demanding steep climbs. The clubhouse serves as both a social hub and a resource for players looking to improve or relax after their round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Adam Smith
Amazing course ! Front 9 has lots of water view holes. Couldn’t have been more pleased after making the drive down from KY. We walked 18 and it’s beautiful, quite, and no wait times. Highly recommend!
Jeff Gill
The course was in great condition for the season. The staff was accommodating and every golfer that I talked to was friendly. The pro shop was clean and every staff member was professional. As we were finishing up I watched a technician meticulously sweep in front of each entry door. Even the starter was beam of positivity! Do your self a favor and book a tee time at the 🐻!!
Brian Sconberg
Absolutely insane experience with my Dad. Beautiful course, manicured greens & smacked a shot to 4 inches on the last par 3. We will definitely be back!
Cam Johnson
Don’t bother with this place. Been disappointed for the last time. WAY overpriced for a course that is constantly backed up (no matter the day) because there are no rangers to keep up the pace. Throughout the summer, there are numerous bare spots on the greens that do not go away. They lay new sod next to the cart paths every year to cover up the bare spots, which inevitably return the very next season. Also, at 4:45 the lady at the snack bar was turning away golfers making the turn simply wanting to get a drink. She told him she was already closed and simply pointed to the vending machine outside (it was 90+ degrees). Guess it shouldn’t surprise me they don’t ever run a bev cart either. Lastly, multiple times my cart has cut off because the GPS they have set up for certain holes does not work properly….while I’m ON THE CART PATH. Place is an overpriced goat ranch.
Jeff Morris
I LOVE this golf course. Amazing views, great greens, reasonably priced on weekdays. However, what I'm not a fan of, is being forced to play with other groups. There are only 3 golf courses in all of Chattanooga that I'm aware of (concord, valleybrook, montlake) that never make you play with strangers. I always get told it's because they want to maintain a good "pace of play". I'm a fast golfer. Last time I tried playing with randoms, for 9 holes it took almost 3 HOURS, when it would normally take me about an hour and 15 if I was alone. I don't want to be paired up with 3 randoms who might play very slowly and what happens if your personality doesn't mesh with other people? I know most people don't like playing with random people anyway. Growing up, I played at a course where if you were slow, you had to pull over and make the faster players through and we never had any issues. Why can't golf courses go back to this? You would in theory make more money this way as well. This place would definitely have my business more if they would stop pairing people with randoms.
Joshua Gillott
The course is in great shape.
Timothy Collins
Stay in the fairway, the rough gets rough! First nine were good, unfortunately that is all I could fit in that day.
Skip Rollins
Played there yesterday, the course is not in good shape. Most all the tees had no grass on them and were very hard, many of the fairways were bald in many places. The greens were excellent and rolled very nicely. Also, the course was not marshaled very well. Huge backup when we turned to the second 9 holes. It is certainly not worth $85 right now 04/18/25
Travis Nichols
Wow What A Great Golf Course!! Conditions on this course were excellent! Bermuda Greens were insanely good... they were running at 12 or so and smooth as a pool table! Fun layout and friendly staff, you cant go wrong here! Play it, you will not be disappointed.
Nicholas Byrd
Great condition. Greens were immaculate.
Book Your Round
Experience one of golf's most legendary courses
Direct booking • No commissions
Course Details
Access & Location
8919 Harrison Bay Rd, Harrison, TN 37341, USA
Main clubhouse includes pro shop, locker rooms, and dining facilities.
Walking is allowed and manageable due to modest elevation; expect some softer turf near lakeside holes. Comfortable golf shoes with good traction are advised.
Open to the public with tee times available online or by phone; advanced reservations recommended on weekends.
Nearby Courses
