Wild Laurel Golf Course
Wild Laurel Golf Course offers a rugged 18-hole mountain layout set in Tennessee’s wild highlands. Known for its scenic views and naturalistic terrain, the course presents a relaxed and approachable challenge for golfers who appreciate character over perfection.
Course Overview
Wild Laurel Golf Course presents an 18-hole challenge set against the striking backdrop of Tennessee’s mountainous terrain at 702 Country Club Dr, Townsend. This public course offers a blend of natural wilderness and rugged terrain that demands thoughtful shot-making and patience. The design embraces its uneven contours and native grasses, providing a playing experience that feels unmanicured but rich in character, particularly appealing to golfers seeking a laid-back outing with scenic variety.
The course layout meanders through a mix of fairways that, depending on the season, can range from firm and fast to more forgiving but wild underfoot. Expect to encounter holes framed by natural rough and occasionally uneven turf, with spots where native grasses and clover return a true test of accuracy. While the tee boxes and fairways have room for improvement in maintenance, the greens typically hold up well, often praised for their consistent speed and true breaks.
Wild Laurel’s appeal is not found in pristine conditioning but in the immersive setting where wildlife sightings—turkeys and even coyotes—add to the atmosphere, enhancing the feeling of playing in a more remote location. The course encourages walking, rewarding players with panoramic views and a sense of disconnect from the daily grind.
The layout favors mid to high handicappers who appreciate a course that reflects natural challenges rather than manicured perfection. Golfers aiming for a relaxed pace and modest green fees will find Wild Laurel a worthwhile destination, especially those who value character and quiet over tournament-style conditioning.
Visitors should plan accordingly for walking across uneven terrain and variable course conditions, bringing appropriate footwear and a flexible mindset. The staff’s friendly service contributes positively to the overall experience, with a clubhouse bar that provides a welcome spot to unwind afterward.
While not for purists chasing flawless fairways, Wild Laurel Golf Course delivers a unique mountain golf encounter with affordable access and memorable vistas, standing out as a genuine example of Tennessee’s outdoor golfing opportunities.
Course Highlights
Wild Laurel stands out for its rugged mountain layout that integrates native grasses and natural contours rather than conventional manicured surfaces. Signature elements include elevated tees with sweeping valley views, holes that wind through woodland patches, and wildlife sightings that enrich the round. The greens are notable for their true pace, demanding precision with approach shots amid the course’s untamed character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Quinten Drew
This is quite literally the worst golf course I’ve ever played. The fairways on the front nine were non-existent it was almost like playing purely out of the rough. I’ve been to many courses on vacation all of them advertised as nice and well maintained courses and most of them are. But, this one it’s quite the opposite. They advertised this course as well maintained and we got here and well it was hardly maintained at all. As again the fairways weren’t mowed and there was tall grass/weeds growing all over the fringes of the greens. Not to mention the greens were in some of the worst shape of any green I’ve ever seen as well. Some of the fairways on the back 9 appeared to be being mowed but that’s maybe a couple of them at most. That’s not all though, The tee boxes hardly existed at all as well. Most of the tee boxes mainly consisted of dirt and tall/uneven grass and terrain. It seems like they were kind of making an effort to mow the fairways of the back 9. But, this wasn’t started until around 2pm in the afternoon. Meaning that none of the fairways were mowed at all in the slightest and wouldn’t be fully mowed/completed until the late afternoon/evening. I’m not the best golfer out there by no means. I’m not even picky with my courses but, this course stood out as literally the worst one that I’ve ever played on. This course has decent rates for customers, but if they don’t maintain it better I’d suggest a lowering of the rates. Almost 30 bucks for 9 holes per-person. That I just felt was a waste of money for me and my friend's I don’t understand how we are expected to play on straight rough and unbowed fairway for that price. If I could give a zero star rating I would. But the service is good and the people are friendly. That’s how I came to the conclusion of at least giving it a star.
Matt B
Pros: The views are top notch. Carts are new and great shape. Clubhouse is beautiful and staff is friendly. Not very expensive either. Cons: The conditions were extremely poor. Greens baked out, tee boxes and fairways were extremely long. Some tee boxes were afterthoughts all together. It doesn’t look like chemicals or broadleaf treatments are used at all. Less than thrilling that sprinklers went off while putting. The clubhouse while nice was barren of any item of interest. When business is challenging, owners tend to skip on these items. This only escalates the cycle with a poor product. Have to invest and market well.
Steve Taylor
EvAn CoHeE
Terrible condition course. Do not play here. Tee boxes are like a 7 month unmowed lawn same with the fairways when there is a fairway half the time the rough and fairway is the same.
Quinten Drew
This is quite literally the worst golf course I’ve ever played. The fairways on the front nine were non-existent it was almost like playing purely out of the rough. I’ve been to many courses on vacation all of them advertised as nice and well maintained courses and most of them are. But, this one it’s quite the opposite. They advertised this course as well maintained and we got here and well it was hardly maintained at all. As again the fairways weren’t mowed and there was tall grass/weeds growing all over the fringes of the greens. Not to mention the greens were in some of the worst shape of any green I’ve ever seen as well. Some of the fairways on the back 9 appeared to be being mowed but that’s maybe a couple of them at most. That’s not all though, The tee boxes hardly existed at all as well. Most of the tee boxes mainly consisted of dirt and tall/uneven grass and terrain. It seems like they were kind of making an effort to mow the fairways of the back 9. But, this wasn’t started until around 2pm in the afternoon. Meaning that none of the fairways were mowed at all in the slightest and wouldn’t be fully mowed/completed until the late afternoon/evening. I’m not the best golfer out there by no means. I’m not even picky with my courses but, this course stood out as literally the worst one that I’ve ever played on. This course has decent rates for customers, but if they don’t maintain it better I’d suggest a lowering of the rates. Almost 30 bucks for 9 holes per-person. That I just felt was a waste of money for me and my friend's I don’t understand how we are expected to play on straight rough and unbowed fairway for that price. If I could give a zero star rating I would. But the service is good and the people are friendly. That’s how I came to the conclusion of at least giving it a star.
Fredrick Miller
Played the course 5 years ago with my family and we loved it. Came back 5 years later to play again. They have some awesome holes just tucked into the mountains for some absolutely beautiful views. Staff is amazing. Course shape wise the fairways are ok. Greens though are perfect no issues with the greens. Definitely recommend visiting them.
Miller C.
I really enjoy playing this course. The scenery is beautiful, and the service is excellent. We even spotted several turkey and a coyote lounging on the course, and everyone we encountered was very friendly. However, my 3-star review is based on the condition of the course. The fairways were in rough shape, with a mix of different grasses that made it feel like we were playing in someone’s backyard. Additionally, three of the pins on the back nine were not properly supported by the cup, which resulted in the edges of the cups being damaged by the flagsticks. I plan to return with the hope that the grounds crew will have the course in better shape for the fall season.
Chuck LAMBRIGHT
C R K
I’m giving this 5 stars. Yes, the fairways are a bit rough in spots and tees could use some water, but price to experience ratio, we had a great time. Dial down the expectations of perfect conditions and this has become our favorite place to play in the area. Staff and bartender were fun, other golfers were nice, greens were soft and true and the wildlife was off the charts. Not to mention the views and feeling of isolation. After 40+ years of playing golf I don’t take it serious all the time anymore. Wild Laurel is a perfect spot for getting the whole golf experience for a reasonable price. Will be back!
Lifestyleofthe Brokeandunknown
I’ll start by saying the staff are incredibly nice and super friendly. The views are spectacular! But, with that being said, you’re there to golf. And for the price of 18 holes on a Saturday, the course should be a lot better than it is currently. The tee boxes are in terrible shape, the fairways are 30% dirt and clover fields. I lost 3 balls yesterday that were within 15 feet of the green because the surrounding grass/weeds were too high.
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Course Details
Access & Location
702 Country Club Dr, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
Modest clubhouse with bar and pro shop facilities
Walking encouraged; terrain is uneven and natural, so sturdy golf shoes are recommended for comfort and stability.
Open to the public; no reservation required but recommended on busy weekends
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