The Gatlinburg Golf Course is one of East Tennessee’s most historic and scenic public golf facilities, with a legacy rooted in community pride, vision, and a love for the game. Built through the efforts of local citizens and supported by the City of Gatlinburg, the course has welcomed golfers to the Smoky Mountains for nearly seven decades.
A Community Vision Becomes Reality
In the early 1950s, local residents of Gatlinburg recognized the need for a quality golf course to serve both the community and the growing number of visitors to the area. Their vision became reality when the Gatlinburg Golf Course officially opened on July 30, 1955, as a nine-hole layout.
From the beginning, the course has been owned by the City of Gatlinburg and operated as the City’s golf department, remaining a public facility dedicated to providing an outstanding golf experience for residents and guests alike.
Expansion to an 18-Hole Championship Course
As Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountain region continued to grow in popularity, the demand for golf increased. The original nine holes were expanded into a full 18-hole championship course, carefully routed through rolling terrain.
The course design is credited to renowned golf course architect William B. Langford, whose work is known for strategic shot values, bold green complexes, and layouts that blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings. His influence is still evident today in the character, challenge, and flow of the course.
Harry “Cotton” Berrier – A Lasting Legacy
A central figure in the history of Gatlinburg Golf Course is Harry “Cotton” Berrier, who was appointed as the course’s first Head Golf Professional in 1955, prior to its opening. He would go on to serve in that role for 44 years, shaping the identity, professionalism, and reputation of the facility.
Berrier was instrumental in growing the game of golf throughout Tennessee and beyond. His accomplishments include:
- Founding leader in the creation of the Tennessee Section of the PGA in 1968
- Two-time Tennessee PGA Golf Professional of the Year
- Service on the PGA of America Board of Directors
- Committee service for the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship
- Induction into the Tennessee PGA Hall of Fame, Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame, and National PGA Hall of Fame
Known for his dedication to junior golf, player development, and customer service, Berrier’s influence remains deeply embedded in the culture of Gatlinburg Golf Course.
Professional Events and Early Recognition
In the late 1950s, the course gained national attention by hosting the Gatlinburg Open, an LPGA Tour event in 1957 and 1958. Hosting a professional tour event so early in the course’s history was a major achievement for a small mountain community and helped establish Gatlinburg Golf Course as a respected competitive venue.
Renovations and Continued Improvement
To keep pace with modern standards and golfer expectations, the course has undergone significant renovations over the years, most notably in 1993 and 2007. These projects improved greens, bunkers, fairways, drainage, and player facilities while preserving the historic character of the layout.
The City of Gatlinburg has continued to invest in the golf course to ensure high-quality playing conditions and an exceptional guest experience.
Recent improvements include:
2022 – Irrigation and Drainage System Upgrade
A complete upgrade that enhanced water efficiency, turf health, drainage, and overall playability.
2024 – Pavilion Addition at the Clubhouse
A new pavilion was added adjacent to the clubhouse to expand space for tournaments, outings, and special events, and is also enjoyed daily by golfers as a place to relax, socialize, and gather before and after their rounds.
Accolades and Recognition
Gatlinburg Golf Course has earned statewide and national recognition for its quality, conditioning, and overall experience, including:
- 2009 – Named Best Municipal Course in Tennessee by Golf Digest
- 2012 – Tennessee Turfgrass Association Public Golf Course of the Year
- 2024 – Tennessee Section PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award
- 2025 – Tennessee Turfgrass Association Public Golf Course of the Year
(The course is widely praised for its mountain views, elevation changes, and unique layout, and is especially known for signature holes such as the dramatic downhill par-3 “Sky Hi” hole.
A Tradition That Continues
From its beginnings as a locally inspired project to its place today as one of the Smoky Mountains’ most beloved public courses, Gatlinburg Golf Course remains a source of pride for the community. Owned by the City of Gatlinburg and operated for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike, the course continues to reflect the city’s commitment to quality, hospitality, and tradition.
Today, Gatlinburg Golf Course stands as a living piece of the city’s history — a place where generations have played, memories have been made, and the game of golf continues to thrive in the heart of the Smokies.