You probably think of Franklin, Tennessee as that cute historic town with antique shops and Civil War battlefields. And you're not wrong, but you're missing the bigger picture: this place has quietly become one of the Southeast's most underrated golf destinations. With plenty of courses ranging from quick executive tracks to championship layouts that have hosted professional tournaments, Franklin offers golf variety that rivals destinations with much bigger reputations.
Why Franklin should be on your golf radar
Look, we get it. When you think "Tennessee golf," your mind probably jumps straight to Nashville or maybe those fancy mountain resorts out east. But Franklin sits right in that sweet spot where rolling hills meet the meandering Harpeth River, creating some seriously gorgeous backdrops for your inevitable three-putts.
The numbers alone tell a compelling story: 9 public courses and 17 private facilities spread across the area, ranging from quick 9-hole executive tracks to full championship layouts that'll test every club in your bag. Golf Digest's army of 1,900 course-ranking panelists evaluate these courses on everything from shot options to aesthetics, and Franklin's tracks consistently earn solid marks across the board.
The region's mild climate means you can realistically play year-round, with most courses only closing their doors on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Plus, Franklin sits just 20 minutes south of Nashville, so you get small-town charm with big-city accessibility.
Public courses that won't break the bank
Franklin Bridge Golf Club leads the pack
When locals talk about public golf in Franklin, Franklin Bridge Golf Club usually tops the conversation. This 18-hole championship course stretches 7,042 yards with a slope rating of 130, which means it's going to challenge you without being completely unfair.
Here's what makes it special: the Harpeth River winds alongside 15 of the 18 holes, creating both scenic beauty and strategic water hazards that'll keep you honest. The finishing hole features an island green that's become something of a local landmark… and a scorecard wrecker for many a weekend warrior.
The course originally opened in 1970 and has earned recognition for having two of Tennessee's most challenging holes (the 16th and 18th, if you're keeping score). At around $88 for greens fees, it's positioned as a premium public option but still accessible compared to private club alternatives.
The amenities don't disappoint either. You'll find an 8-acre driving range along with chipping and putting greens, plus their on-site restaurant Persimmon Pub for post-round analysis of what went wrong on that island green.
Towhee Club brings Arnold Palmer pedigree
Just south of Franklin in Spring Hill, Towhee Club represents what happens when you combine legendary design with modern investment. This 6,807-yard Arnold Palmer creation got a major facelift in 2020 when new ownership poured money into all-new TifEagle greens and rebuilt bunkers.
The layout shows Palmer's thoughtful approach to course design. Each nine features three par 3s, four par 4s, and two par 5s, with four different tee options ranging from 5,000 to 6,800 yards. This flexibility means beginners won't feel overwhelmed while better players still get a solid test.
Towhee Club uses dynamic pricing that adjusts rates based on demand, weather, and other factors in real time. Think of it like airline pricing but for golf… which means booking early often pays off.
Cheekwood Golf Club for quick rounds
Sometimes you don't have four-plus hours to dedicate to golf, and that's where Cheekwood Golf Club shines. This executive 9-hole course packs a par 33 layout with four par 4s, four par 3s, and one par 5 into a beautifully wooded setting.
At $30 on weekdays and $35 on weekends, it's budget-friendly and perfect for working on your short game or squeezing in golf when time's tight. The course sits in a residential area, so it feels more intimate than sprawling championship layouts.
Key features for quick rounds:
- 100-yard practice area with target green
- Large putting green with three flags
- Pro shop with rental clubs available
- Food options including burgers and dogs
Private clubs that define luxury golf
Westhaven Golf Club sets the standard
If you're looking at Franklin's private club scene, Westhaven Golf Club consistently draws attention for good reason. This Arthur Hills design earned spots on both Golf Digest and GolfWeek's "2010 Best New Courses" lists, which doesn't happen by accident.
The course measures 6,976 yards from the tips with a course rating of 74.1 and slope of 137. Those numbers suggest a fair but challenging test that rewards good shots without punishing minor mistakes too severely.
What really sets Westhaven apart is the attention to detail. The fairways feature perfectly manicured Zoysia grass, while the greens use TifEagle Bermudagrass that provides consistent rolling surfaces. The course winds through scenic views of the Harpeth River and historic stone walls that give the property real character.
The Golf Performance Center adds serious credibility to the instruction program. They've got four training bays with two featuring TrackMan technology, plus the area's only PXG Fitting Studio for equipment nerds who want every possible advantage.
Vanderbilt Legends Club brings championship heritage
Since 1992, Vanderbilt Legends Club has built a reputation as Middle Tennessee's premier golf facility. The numbers back up that claim: they've hosted LPGA tournaments, U.S. Senior Open qualifying rounds, and serve as home base for Vanderbilt University's golf teams.
The facility features a 36-hole championship complex split between a 7,200-yard north course and 7,100-yard south course. Both tracks were co-designed by Hall of Fame golfer Tom Kite and architect Bob Cupp, so you know the strategic elements have been thoroughly thought through.
The practice facilities span 20 acres and include everything serious golfers need to work on their games. We're talking driving range, dedicated bunker practice, and separate chipping and putting greens that let you dial in those scoring shots.
Temple Hills Country Club offers full-service experience
Temple Hills Country Club has been a Franklin institution since the early 1980s, and membership comes with some serious perks. The club features 27 championship holes designed by Arthur Hills, known for undulating greens that demand precise approach shots.
But here's the kicker: Temple Hills is part of the Invited network (formerly ClubCorp), which means members get access to 300+ clubs nationwide. So that membership investment opens doors way beyond Franklin's borders.
The club goes beyond just golf, with tennis, swimming, and dining facilities that make it a true family destination. They're particularly known for Friday night family events where kids can eat together while parents enjoy adult conversation… often featuring entertainment like DJs to keep the younger crowd happy.
Modern innovations changing the game
Indoor golf reaches Franklin
Weather happens, and Back Nine Golf's indoor simulator facility acknowledges that reality. Their state-of-the-art simulators operate 24/7, meaning you can work on your swing at 2 AM if that's when inspiration strikes.
The technology lets you play famous courses from around the world, which beats staring at the same local tracks all the time. Members also get cross-play discounts at other Back Nine locations, so your membership travels with you.
Learning centers focus on development
Golf House Tennessee operates a Learning Center with a 9-hole course specifically designed for skill building and education rather than just playing. It's the kind of place where you can work on specific shots without feeling like you're holding up faster groups.
The Little Course at Conner Lane takes a similar approach, featuring designs by Bob Cupp and Tom Kite with flexible setups ranging from 65 yards to over 200 yards. This flexibility lets instructors create scenarios that match your current skill level while providing room to grow.
Practical planning information
Understanding pricing and booking
Franklin's golf pricing landscape has gotten more sophisticated in recent years. Many courses now use dynamic pricing that adjusts rates based on demand, weather, and availability… just like hotels and airlines have done forever.
Current public course pricing typically breaks down like this:
- Executive 9-hole courses: $30-35
- Championship 18-hole layouts: Around $88
- Premium facilities with extensive amenities: $90-120+
Most courses let you book two weeks in advance online, but groups of five or more usually need to call the pro shop directly. Fair warning: many places charge no-show fees if you don't give at least 24 hours notice for cancellations.
Seasonal considerations
Franklin courses typically operate year-round with closures limited to major holidays. The region's climate makes golf feasible most days, though summer heat and humidity can be intense during afternoon rounds.
Best times to play in Franklin:
- Spring: Perfect weather, higher demand
- Summer: Hot but better afternoon availability
- Fall: Ideal conditions with fall colors
- Winter: Lowest rates, weather dependent
Course conditions and maintenance
Franklin courses generally maintain high conditioning standards. You'll typically find Bermuda grass fairways and greens, with some premium facilities using specialized varieties like TifEagle Bermuda for putting surfaces.
Recent facility improvements show the area's commitment to quality. Towhee Club's 2020 renovations included completely new greens and bunker reconstruction, while other courses have invested in practice facilities and clubhouse upgrades.
Making your Franklin golf decision
Here's the bottom line: Franklin offers legitimate golf experiences for every budget and skill level. Franklin Bridge Golf Club provides championship-quality public golf with that iconic island green finish. Towhee Club brings Arnold Palmer design credentials with modern conditioning. Cheekwood Golf Club handles quick rounds and skill development. And the private clubs deliver luxury experiences with national recognition.
The combination of course variety, year-round playability, and proximity to Nashville makes Franklin worth serious consideration for your next golf trip. Just don't expect to keep it a secret much longer… word tends to get out about places this good.
Whether you're looking for a weekend golf getaway or considering Franklin as a golf-centric place to live, the area's 26 courses provide plenty of variety to keep things interesting. And with that Harpeth River winding through many of the layouts, you'll get scenery that beats the typical suburban course experience hands down.
