The Honors Course
The Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tennessee, is a private 18-hole championship layout designed by Pete Dye. Set among a protected national forest, it offers a demanding yet rewarding challenge with pristine conditions and a peaceful, natural landscape.
Course Overview
Located in the verdant outskirts of Ooltewah, Tennessee, The Honors Course commands attention as one of the nation’s most meticulously maintained private golf venues. This exclusive 18-hole championship course, crafted by Pete Dye, spans approximately 7,416 yards of Zoysia-grassed fairways that blend seamlessly into the surrounding national forest. The design presents a compelling balance of challenge and fairness, appealing especially to accomplished players seeking a true test without surrendering playability. The routing carves through mature hardwoods and natural contours, with strategic water hazards and tightly placed bunkers that demand thoughtful shot placement.
From the first tee to the 18th green, The Honors Course thrives on its understated yet relentless challenge. Its greens are consistently firm and fast, requiring precise approach shots and deft putting skills. The tree-lined holes wind through quiet woodlands, evoking a sense of seclusion that sharpens focus and heightens the golfing experience. Players are encouraged to expect the unexpected as subtle elevation changes and hidden hazards come into play, rewarding both strategic thinking and controlled execution.
The club’s grandeur extends beyond the course itself. The clubhouse offers refined comfort with attentive service and a well-stocked pro shop that caters to members and guests alike. Post-round dining echoes the quality found on the course, providing an ideal setting to reflect on the day’s play. While carts are available by request, walking is encouraged and well-supported owing to the course’s thoughtful design and natural terrain. Sturdy shoes are advised, given the undulating landscape.
Though access is strictly reserved for members and their invited guests, appreciation for The Honors Course continues to grow among the broader golf community through limited invitationals and exhibitions. Its blend of pristine conditions, harmonious natural environment, and strategic challenge firmly position it as a landmark in Southeastern golf. For those fortunate enough to experience it, The Honors Course offers an immersive journey into a realm where golf’s subtleties come alive against the backdrop of Tennessee’s rolling forests.
Course Highlights
Designed by Pete Dye, The Honors Course is recognized for its immaculate Zoysia fairways, strategic bunkering, and integration with a protected national forest environment. The layout demands precision and thoughtful course management, with narrow tree corridors and water features that influence shot selection. The quiet setting offers minimal distractions, highlighting the pure golf 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
Hudsonfromyt 2
Mike Henry
Rob Henry
Beautiful golf course, one of the best I’ve ever seen.
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.
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.
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.
Mike Landon
Better have your 'A' game...
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Course Details
Access & Location
9603 Lee Hwy, Ooltewah, TN 37363, USA
The Honors Clubhouse offers upscale amenities including dining, locker rooms, and a pro shop.
Walking is encouraged; the course terrain is gently rolling. Quality golf shoes with good traction are recommended.
Membership and member invitation are required to play. Limited guest access through exclusive events.
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