
Dead Horse Lake Course
Dead Horse Lake Golf Course
Public: #1690
Public: #1471
Public: #22
About this course
Dead Horse Lake Golf Course sits in Knoxville, Tennessee, designed by Joe Parker. The course takes its name from the body of water that figures into the routing, a feature that likely shapes several holes and provides both strategic interest and scenic backdrop. Parker, a regional architect active in the Southeast, typically worked with rolling terrain common to East Tennessee, incorporating natural landforms and water features into layouts that reward thoughtful play rather than relying solely on length. The Knoxville area offers varied topography—wooded hillsides, elevation changes, and creek corridors—and courses here often move through hardwood stands with seasonal color and views toward the Smoky Mountains in the distance. Dead Horse Lake likely reflects this character, with holes routed around the lake and through surrounding terrain that creates natural doglegs and elevation-based shot values. Parker's designs from this era tend to be straightforward and playable for a range of golfers, emphasizing green sites and approach angles over severe hazards. The course serves the Knoxville golfing community as a public facility, accessible to residents and visitors exploring the region's golf options. It fits within a local golf scene that includes both municipal courses and private clubs, offering a round shaped by the natural setting and the practical design sensibilities of its architect. The lake itself remains the defining feature, giving the course its identity and likely its most memorable holes.
Quick facts
- Location
- Knoxville, TN, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1972
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Joe Parker
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,303 yards
- Difficulty
- 69.7/119
- Course Vaults score
- 6.9
Getting there
# Getting There
Dead Horse Lake Golf Course sits just outside Knoxville, accessible via McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), the region's primary commercial hub located roughly twenty minutes north of the property. The drive from the airport traces a straightforward path south through the urban fringe before opening into the quieter terrain surrounding the course, where the landscape begins its gentle roll toward the foothills of East Tennessee. For those seeking a more discreet arrival, nearby general aviation facilities serve private aircraft, though the modest scale of this regional gem means the journey itself remains refreshingly unpretentious - a direct, unhurried passage from tarmac to fairway that honors the understated character of the club.

FAQ
Common questions about Dead Horse Lake
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Dead Horse Lake has a Course Vaults score of 6.9 out of 10 based on 28 logged golfers.
Dead Horse Lake was designed by Joe Parker.
Yes. Dead Horse Lake is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Dead Horse Lake is 72.
Dead Horse Lake plays 6,303 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Dead Horse Lake is 119.



