Ross Creek Landing Golf Course — Local services in Clifton

Unbeatable value for the money. Beautiful design. Can’t believe it’s possible to play a Jack Nicklaus designed course for under $40.

But therein lies a problem. With rates this low and light play (nearly had the course to myself today), the once “best public course in TN” is showing some age. The Nicklaus design is still evident in his signature bunkering, but they are not well-kept. One of the greens was in bad shape with a fungus that made it nearly unplayable. Were it not for a recent hay harvest, any ball off the fairway would have been hopelessly lost.

This is in no way an indictment of the course ownership or management. Quite the contrary, they appear to be squeezing every penny out of their revenue stream and putting it all back into the course. Here’s hoping they can put it back on an upward trajectory and return it to its former glory. Regardless,...

I wish I had a larger voice. The type of voice and reach that radio stations and television commercials have. The ability to reach a lot of people. The people I'd want to reach? Golfers. The ones that, probably even as I'm posting this, are playing some mediocre course. Why the heck are you wasting your time and money when an awesome course like Ross Creek Landing is waiting for you, just a short drive away. Look up "hidden gem" in the dictionary and you'll see a picture of Ross Creek. This Jack Nicklaus Signature course is an awesome layout. And supported by an awesome staff (thanks, Jan and Sarah, for your hospitality yesterday!) And the price? Only $35-40 to play a world-class layout. Are you kidding me? Uh, tell me why you haven't already booked a tee time? And, no, I don't work there. I just recognize good golf and...

This course truly is a hidden gem. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Prices are very reasonable, the greens fees are an excellent value.

The Jack Nicklaus course design is challenging, but also getable in places. Each hole plays differently. You won't get bored thinking your way around this course. Lots of elevation change, uneven lies, and shots to elevated greens. I hit some long bombs on the fairways that featured a downhill slope.

Some other Tennessee golf courses get a lot of fanfare and hoopla, but this could be the best in the state.

It's definitely worth a weekend road trip from the Nashville or Memphis area. They have rental cabins on site, and there are also plenty of Airbnb options in the area. Pickwick Lake State Park is about a 35...