
Bear Trace at Harrison Bay Course
Bear Trace at Harrison Bay


About this course
Bear Trace at Harrison Bay leverages Tennessee Valley Authority land to offer scenic public golf along the shores of Chickamauga Lake. Built during the state’s late 20th-century golf boom, this Jack Nicklaus design blends a parkland aesthetic with strategic bunkering and undulating greens that subtly punish imprecision. The course unfolds across gently rolling terrain punctuated by water hazards and native grasses, rewarding thoughtful shot selection more than raw power. Favoring a right-to-left ball flight off the tee, the design incorporates several demanding doglegs and approaches that require precise distance control. Its regional reputation rests on accessibility and playability, making it a favorite among local golfers seeking a relaxed but engaging round. While not a major championship venue, Bear Trace at Harrison Bay plays host to numerous local tournaments and events. The course remains a popular spot for anglers coming off the lake, who often stop by the clubhouse grill to grab their self proclaimed "Chick Burger". The "chick burger" is a fried chicken breast sandwich topped with local favorite - buttermilk ranch, pickles, and cole slaw.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in TN
Quick facts
- Location
- Harrison, TN, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1999
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Jack Nicklaus
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,140 yards
- Difficulty
- 74.9/136
- Course Vaults score
- 7.3
Getting there
The journey to Bear Trace at Harrison Bay begins at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, a compact regional hub just twenty minutes north of the Tennessee River valley where the course resides. The drive traces the shoreline of Chickamauga Lake, winding through wooded hills and past quiet marinas before turning into Harrison Bay State Park - a transition from suburban sprawl to protected lakefront wilderness that feels more dramatic than the brief mileage suggests. The final approach delivers you to one of Jack Nicklaus's most accessible public designs, tucked into a peninsula where the rhythms of the Tennessee Valley Authority reservoir dictate both routing and atmosphere.

FAQ
Common questions about Bear Trace at Harrison Bay
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Bear Trace at Harrison Bay has a Course Vaults score of 7.3 out of 10 based on 32 logged golfers.
Bear Trace at Harrison Bay was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Yes. Bear Trace at Harrison Bay is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Bear Trace at Harrison Bay is 72.
Bear Trace at Harrison Bay plays 7,140 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Bear Trace at Harrison Bay is 136.




