About Bear Trace Golf Course @ Tims Ford State Park (TN Golf Trail)

Bear Trace Golf Course at Tims Ford Lake

The Bear Trace Golf Course at Tims Ford Lake is one of the golf courses in the Bear Trace golf trail designed by Jack Nicklaus. The Bear Trace courses are known for their picturesque settings and challenging layouts. The course at Tims Ford State Park, in particular, is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Tims Ford Lake and offers a mix of woodland and lakeside holes. The course is designed to be both challenging for experienced golfers and accessible for newcomers.

The Bear Trace Golf Course at Tims Ford is not just a golf course; it's an experience.  Nestled within Tims Ford State Park, this Jack Nicklaus-designed Bear Trace Golf course offers golfers a unique blend of natural beauty and architectural ingenuity. The course layout seamlessly integrates the rolling Tennessee terrain and the serene waters of Tims Ford Lake. As players navigate through woodland and lakeside holes, they are often greeted by breathtaking vistas and the tranquil sounds of nature. Moreover, the course's design ensures that it caters to golfers of all skill levels, from seasoned pros to those just picking up a club for the first time. Beyond the game, the clubhouse and facilities provide a welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for tournaments, events, or a weekend getaway. The Bear Trace Course at Tims Ford is more than just a round of golf; it's a journey through Tennessee's natural splendor

Bear Trace Golf Course at Tims Ford Lake

What Is A Bear Trace Golf Course?

A Bear Trace Golf Course is part of a collection of golf courses in Tennessee that were part of a project initiated by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. This project was envisioned as a way to boost tourism and provide high-quality golfing experiences throughout the state. The courses were designed by Jack Nicklaus, a renowned golfer and course designer.

The Bear Trace courses are spread across various regions of Tennessee, each located within a state park. This strategic placement was aimed at highlighting the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of the state.

From the website: 

 Just an hour-and-a-half south of Nashville lies another star of the Jack Nicklaus-designed Bear Trace collection. The course at Tims Ford features Champion Bermuda greens and 419 Bermuda fairways. The opening holes are a blend of links-style creations that gently roll across former pasture land, then gradually transition to wooded sites dominated by giant oak trees. The Tims Ford Reservoir is visible from some holes on the course and comes into play on several of the 18 holes, creating an excellent balance of challenge and playability. Situated on a peninsula surrounded by picturesque Tims Ford Lake, this visually compelling golf course has been described by one national publication as a “glittering newcomer…an intriguing 6,764-yard layout (gold tees) with several different looks.