ARCHITECTS
Course info
Score
Difficulty
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Course Report
The Honors Course exists to honor amateur golf and has hosted the U.S. Amateur, NCAA Championship, and numerous other top-tier amateur events, reflecting the founder’s vision of a true amateur’s sanctuary.
About
The Honors Course, designed by the legendary Pete Dye and established in 1983 for the advancement of amateur golf, winds through woodlands just outside Chattanooga. Renowned for its pure zoysia fairways, lightning-fast greens, and secluded, natural environment, it is a perennial top-30 U.S. layout and a regular host of major amateur championships.
Caddie Tip
Approach shots often play longer than the yardage—take extra club, especially on par 3s with water in play. Keep approach shots below the hole for uphill putts, as the pristine greens tend to be exceptionally fast and tough to read from above the cup.
The Main Challenge
Relentlessly challenging for all handicaps, the course demands accuracy on every shot. Strategic bunkering, large and fast greens with significant undulation, and penal native rough test both execution and course management—especially under tournament conditions.
The Good
Golfers consistently highlight the greens—fast, smooth, and immaculately conditioned—and the secluded, natural routing. The club’s devotion to pure, amateur golf and an uncompromised walking experience sets a unique atmosphere, elevating every round into something truly memorable.
The Not So Good
Many cite the extreme difficulty and penal nature of the layout, particularly off the tee and around greens, which can overshadow enjoyment for mid- and high-handicap players. The exclusivity also means few ever get the chance to play, which some find frustrating.
Signature Hole:
#
16
The 16th hole at The Honors Course is a stunning par 3 playing roughly 200 yards over a water hazard to a green fronted by rocks and backed by a canopy of trees. Accuracy is critical, as any shot short will find water and there is little bailout. It's regarded as a beautiful, no-nonsense one-shotter with high nerves late in the round.
Clubhouse
The classic clubhouse offers first-class locker rooms, a pro shop, multiple dining options, patio seating with course views, and attentive service. Amenities are understated but elegant, aligning with the club’s emphasis on substance over flash.
Practice Facilities
Extensive practice facilities include a full-length driving range with zoysia turf, large short game and putting areas, and bunker complexes maintained to the same standard as the course. The environment is quiet and focuses entirely on quality practice.
Dress Code:
Strict
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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