GATLINBURG, Tenn.—The City of Gatlinburg is proud to announce that the Gatlinburg Golf Course has been named the 2025 Public Course of the Year by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association (TTA), recognizing excellence in course conditions, turf management, and overall player experience.
Presented annually, the Public Course of the Year award honors golf facilities across the state that demonstrate outstanding commitment to turfgrass science, best management practices, and customer satisfaction. The Gatlinburg Golf Course stood out among nominees for its consistently high-quality playing conditions, scenic Smoky Mountain setting, and dedication to sustainable course maintenance.
“This recognition is a tremendous honor for our city and a testament to the hard work and professionalism of our Golf Course staff,” said Greg Patterson, Gatlinburg City Manager. “The Gatlinburg Golf Course is an important community asset and a major contributor to our local tourism economy. We are incredibly proud to see the Course recognized at the state level.”
The Gatlinburg Golf Course maintenance team was acknowledged for its innovative turf management practices, attention to detail, and resilience in maintaining course quality amid challenging mountain weather conditions.
“Our maintenance team takes great pride in delivering an exceptional experience for every golfer who visits our course,” said Matt Poff, Director of Golf. “This award reflects the dedication, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement to make the course one of the best in the State.”
Since May 2022, the course has undergone significant upgrades and improvements including a full irrigation and drainage renovation. The maintenance team has also earned recognition for their exceptional dormant Bermudagrass painting, a practice that enhances visual appeal during the winter months and improves playability during the dormant season. This effort has helped increase offseason play at a course that remains busy year-round due to the area’s strong tourism demand. Additional improvements include the strategic removal of problem trees to enhance sunlight and airflow, replacement of the majority of outdated maintenance equipment, and construction of a new 75-foot by 30-foot storage building with sand bins, which is scheduled for completion in January 2026.
“With steady improvements to the course and putting surfaces, we continue to see record numbers of rounds year after year,” Gatlinburg Golf Course Superintendent Jake Moore said. “I sincerely thank the City of Gatlinburg for its ongoing investment, support, and commitment to making Gatlinburg Golf Course a great place to work and play.”
Owned and operated by the City of Gatlinburg, the Gatlinburg Golf Course is a popular destination for both residents and visitors, offering a unique layout that weaves through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The course is known for its natural beauty, wildlife sightings, and welcoming atmosphere for golfers of all skill levels.
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