ARCHITECTS
Course info
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Course Report
Holston Hills remains one of the most original Donald Ross courses, hosting the 1968 Rebel Yell Open (a PGA Tour satellite event) and the Knoxville Invitational in the 1940s.
About
Holston Hills Country Club, located beside the Holston River in Knoxville, Tennessee, is celebrated as one of Donald Ross's most untouched and authentic designs. Opened in 1927, the course offers a challenging yet fair test, highlighted by classic routing, subtle greens, understated bunkering, and natural parkland beauty.
Caddie Tip
The greens at Holston Hills are full of subtle breaks; aim for the center of the green when unsure, and play a conservative game off the tee as the classic Ross design rewards smart, accurate shots over power.
The Main Challenge
The course is renowned for subtle greens and strategic bunkering that make approach shots and putting demanding. Wind from the Holston River and elevation changes add challenge, particularly on the finishing holes.
The Good
Golfers rave about the pure Donald Ross design, which preserves classic architecture, strategic bunkering, generous fairways, and challenging greens, offering a timeless and fair test of golf enjoyed by both professionals and amateurs.
The Not So Good
Although conditions are generally good, some golfers wish for slightly faster greens and more consistent bunker sand. The routing is exceptional, but busy days sometimes slow pace of play during popular times.
Signature Hole:
#
16
The signature hole at Holston Hills Country Club is the 16th hole, a 304-yard par-4 that exemplifies Donald Ross's “volcano” green design. This challenging, driveable par-4 plays uphill with a right-to-left sloping fairway and a trio of bunkers guarding the right side. The green’s unique volcano shape creates strategic risk-reward shot options, especially late in the round.
Clubhouse
The historic clubhouse features fine dining, casual grill, locker rooms, pro shop, event spaces, and patios with scenic views of the course and Holston River. Tennis and swimming pool facilities are also available to members.
Practice Facilities
The club offers a quality driving range, short game area, and putting green, all maintained to high standards. Practice areas are integrated for warmup and focused training, supporting players of all skill levels.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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