Dead Horse Lake Golf Course
Dead Horse Lake Golf Course in Knoxville offers a simple, approachable 18-hole public layout suited for recreational golfers who prioritize affordability and an easygoing pace. While lacking extensive amenities, the course provides playable conditions and an accessible environment for players honing their skills.
Course Overview
Dead Horse Lake Golf Course offers a straightforward 18-hole layout designed primarily for recreational players seeking an affordable round within Knoxville, Tennessee. Situated at 555 Frank Gardner Lane, this public course provides an experience geared toward golfers looking to enjoy a casual outing rather than a championship challenge. The terrain is relatively flat, with open fairways that allow for an unhurried pace of play but leave less room for strategic shot-making typically found on more complex designs.
The course’s conditioning fluctuates seasonally, with greens generally maintained to a playable standard, which remains one of the consistent positive notes among frequent visitors. However, golfers should come prepared for minimal on-course guidance, as distance markers and pin locations are limited, requiring careful navigation from the yardage map on the scorecard. Players favoring walking will appreciate that the course’s mostly gentle elevation changes make for an easier trek, though those new to the course should bring sturdy footwear for occasional uneven ground.
Dead Horse Lake’s layout encourages an accessible experience, well-suited to beginners and higher-handicap players aiming to practice their basic skills or enjoy a relaxed day. While the course does not offer extensive amenities or a full roster of services, it manages to fulfill its purpose as a local public venue where affordability and convenience take precedence.
Prospective visitors should note that tee time management is critical, as reports reveal instances of limited availability and crowded groupings during peak hours, which might impact the expected flow of play. The staff’s approach to customer service has received mixed reviews, underscoring the importance of booking well in advance and confirming details prior to arrival.
For those seeking a no-frills golfing excursion near Knoxville with straightforward playability and budget-friendly rates, Dead Horse Lake provides a chance to enjoy the outdoors and work on fundamental shots without pressure. It’s a practical choice for casual golfers looking to spend a few hours away from home turf but not for those chasing meticulously crafted course architecture or a high-end golf resort experience.
Course Highlights
A straightforward, flat course with minimal hazards and open fairways that favor a quick round. While lacking signature holes or architectural complexity, it offers consistent greens maintenance. The absence of distance markers and limited on-course signage challenges players to rely on yardage maps and personal judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Sean Carroll
No markers to tell how far from the pin you are. Bring reading glasses so you can look at the tiny map on the back of your score card. You're probably better off closing your eyes and hitting the ball than you are guessing where the pin is at when shooting over a hill. No cart girl either. The price to play says everything you need to know about the course.
Bryson Long
Don't even bother making a tee time!! Way offer priced for the experience that you get. If you work and have to go in the evening you always have 2 other groups with you. I have yet to finish a whole 18 holes on this course. The owner has to stop being cheap and get a starter.
Sean Carroll
No markers to tell how far from the pin you are. Bring reading glasses so you can look at the tiny map on the back of your score card. You're probably better off closing your eyes and hitting the ball than you are guessing where the pin is at when shooting over a hill. No cart girl either. The price to play says everything you need to know about the course.
Katie Ostrouchov
We scheduled to play 2 weeks in advanced with family. They placed us in front of a golf league, forced us to skip 2 holes, and we finished 9 holes in under an hour. Would not recommend this course.
Ethan Dills
Booked a Tee time AND Paid for 18 holes of golf. At the turn, we were told that we couldn’t keep playing and they tried charging us an additional 25$ to continue playing, saying it was “their mistake” that they put us down for 18. When we told him and showed him that we in fact made the tee time for 18 and paid for it, he got very upset and rude so we just went home. They gave us no rain check or discount to make up for the fact that we were conned out of 9 holes even though the course and the pro shop worker admitted that they were in the wrong.
Jesse Kiser
Brett Currado
Always love and enjoy coming to play Dead Horse. Wish that the cart fees were included with the green fees and not separately. I love how the greens are always in fantastic shape no matter what. Wish some of the fairways for winter golf were in more dryer conditions for better drainage system.
Jessica Hildebrand
GoodCitizen
A nice course for the price! Challenging layout
Bryson Long
Don't even bother making a tee time!! Way offer priced for the experience that you get. If you work and have to go in the evening you always have 2 other groups with you. I have yet to finish a whole 18 holes on this course. The owner has to stop being cheap and get a starter.
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Course Details
Access & Location
555 Frank Gardner Ln, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA
Modest clubhouse offering basic check-in and pro shop services
Walking permitted with no restrictions; comfortable shoes advised due to uneven ground in spots.
Open to all golfers; advance tee time reservations recommended, particularly on weekends.
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