
Holston Hills Course
Holston Hills Country Club

About this course
Holston Hills, a proud landmark in Knoxville, stands as a testament to classic course design where strategy trumps sheer power. The course is an exemplary model of Golden Age parkland architecture across rolling hills and subtle elevation changes. Strategic bunkering and closely mown green surrounds, typical of the era, reward thoughtful approaches. Designed by Donald Ross, Holston Hills has remained remarkably true to its original vision. While subtle tweaks have occurred over the decades, the integrity of Ross's routing and green complexes is carefully preserved. The course favors players who can shape the ball and manage the nuances of the undulating terrain, particularly around the greens. Known for a welcoming and engaged membership drawn from the Knoxville community, Holston Hills cultivates a vibrant golfing atmosphere that honors the game's traditions. The club hosted the 1945 Knoxville Open, won by Byron Nelson during his historic streak of 11 consecutive victories. Though major championships are not a regular occurrence, Holston Hills remains a respected venue for regional and state-level competitions. The course's enduring appeal lies in its playability, historical significance, and the strong sense of community fostered amongst its members.
Quick facts
- Location
- Knoxville, TN, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1927
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Donald Ross
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,932 yards
- Difficulty
- 73.5/126
- Course Vaults score
- 8.4
Getting there
Holston Hills Country Club is most readily accessed via McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base (TYS), Knoxville's primary commercial airport, situated roughly twenty minutes north of the club by car through the rolling foothills of East Tennessee. The drive south from the terminal traces a gentle descent into the verdant valley where the Holston River winds through the region, the urban sprawl of Knoxville gradually yielding to tree-lined residential streets and the manicured grounds that announce your arrival at this venerable private sanctuary. For those with access to private aviation, Knoxville's general aviation facilities offer convenient alternatives, though the understated elegance of Holston Hills' approach - a quiet turn onto a tree-canopied drive - rewards the journey regardless of how you arrive. The entire passage from airport to clubhouse unfolds as a seamless transition from the modern world into the timeless, oak-shaded grounds where Tennessee golf tradition has flourished for over a century.

FAQ
Common questions about Holston Hills
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Holston Hills has a Course Vaults score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 40 logged golfers.
Holston Hills was designed by Donald Ross.
Holston Hills is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Holston Hills is 72.
Holston Hills plays 6,932 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Holston Hills is 126.



