The Honors Course
The Honors Course offers an exclusive, Pete Dye-designed 18-hole championship layout set within a protected national forest. Its demanding length and strategic design provide a captivating experience for skilled golfers, framed by pristine natural beauty and exceptional course care.
Course Overview
The Honors Course, located in Ooltewah, Tennessee, stands as a premier example of purposeful golf architecture combined with a fiercely natural environment. Designed by Pete Dye, this exclusive private 18-hole layout challenges players with strategic risk-reward opportunities set amid the serenity of a protected national forest. From the moment teeing off begins, golfers feel the presence of an untouched wilderness where wildlife sightings often accompany the round, contributing to an immersive atmosphere rare in modern championship golf.
The course measures just over 7,400 yards from the back tees, with a par of 72, presenting a formidable test for low handicappers while maintaining enough options to engage strong amateurs who relish shot-making variety. The routing weaves seamlessly through rolling terrain that features fast, true greens and undulating fairways framed by mature hardwoods. Natural water hazards and well-placed bunkers demand thoughtful club selection and precise execution.
Playability is deliberately complex yet fair, rewarding strategic thinking over sheer power. The greens, meticulously maintained to provide firm but receptive surfaces, allow for subtle breaks that challenge putting strokes without punishing aggressive approaches unfairly. The balance of beauty and difficulty makes The Honors Course a worthy journey for experienced golfers seeking a demanding but captivating test.
As a members-only facility, The Honors Course maintains an emphasis on exclusivity and quality service. On-site amenities include a well-appointed clubhouse featuring dining options and a pro shop stocked with premium equipment and apparel. The course encourages walking, providing a quiet connection to the environment and rewarding players who traverse its paths on foot with a deeper appreciation of the landscape and pace of play.
For those fortunate enough to receive an invitation, The Honors Course represents an exceptional combination of elite golf design and pristine natural setting. Planning visits around temperate weather months maximizes enjoyment of the terrain and conditions. This is a course where every shot feels deliberate, every hole presents a fresh puzzle, and the landscape remains a living partner in the game.
Course Highlights
The Honors Course is distinguished by its integration into a protected national forest landscape, delivering uninterrupted natural scenery and encounters with native wildlife. Its Pete Dye design emphasizes strategic shot placement over raw power, with firm greens, contoured fairways, and a mix of challenging bunkers that guard the scoring zones. The remoteness and minimal development around the course heighten a sense of escape, making play a focused and contemplative experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
David Gardner
Obviously it is a exclusive private golf course designed by Pete Dye. What an incredible track well-maintained beautiful views lots of risk and reward. I would recommend networking and finding someone who's a member as this would be a wonderful opportunity if you love and enjoy golf to play a course that is fantastic had lunch and the food was as impeccable as the golf. Pro shop was well staff friendly and lots of inventory to choose from
Hector “The Jefe” Salazar
If you’re an uppity douche then this is the place for you. While the zoysia looks terrible, you can always find your way into the golf course thru the neighboring Cambridge neighborhood if you don’t want to go thru either of the gates they leave open constantly. Staff is completely useless and full of attitude. Yea presidents may have played here but it’s still mediocre at best!
Rob Henry
Beautiful golf course, one of the best I’ve ever seen.
Rob Henry
Beautiful golf course, one of the best I’ve ever seen.
Hudsonfromyt 2
Mike Landon
Better have your 'A' game...
James Heartfield
If there is a better golf course in the Southeastern U.S. (Augusta being the noted exception), then I'll have to play it to believe it because The Honors is simply as good as it gets. No detail has been overlooked in the design, layout, maintenance, or setting of this magnificent golf course. It's like playing on the finest fairways and greens in the U.S., all the while hiking through a protected national forest where the only other signs of life are the occasional deer or turkey. No humans. No noise. No buildings. No houses. Just water, wind, trees and turf that is manicured like the grounds at Biltmore. Wow wow wow. Maybe one day I can join, but until then, I appreciate the chance to play this course a couple of times each year and it will absolutely but your handicap to the test.
Jeff Legg
First class Nicest course I’ve ever played
Austin Hicks
Hands down the most beautiful tract I've ever played. This is a course that that imaginations are made of. A great challenge and experience for anyone lucky enough to get the opportunity.
Mike Henry
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Course Details
Access & Location
9603 Lee Hwy, Ooltewah, TN 37363, USA
Main clubhouse with dining, locker rooms, and fully stocked pro shop
Walking is encouraged and supported; course terrain is varied with some moderate elevation changes – comfortable golf shoes recommended.
Member invitation and advance reservation required for all rounds
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