Memphis, USA

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Your guide to exceptional golf in Memphis, USA

The Memphis Golfer's Guide: Your Definitive Resource for Tee Times & Tips

Introduction: Welcome to Memphis Golf

Memphis, Tennessee, offers a rich golfing experience, blending Southern charm with challenging layouts and a vibrant golf community. This guide is designed for both seasoned golfers and those new to the city, providing comprehensive information to plan your round, from course rankings and pricing to seasonal strategies and local insights. Consider this your go-to resource – bookmark it, share it, and enjoy the game!

Course Rankings & Reviews

This section breaks down the top courses in Memphis, categorized by price point and playing style. Ratings are based on a combination of USGA Course Rating, Slope Rating, and local golfer feedback gathered over the past six months.

Legend:
* Course Rating: Indicates the difficulty of the course for scratch golfers.
* Slope Rating: Indicates the difficulty of the course for bogey golfers.
* Price (approximate): Green fees range can vary depending on the time of year and day of the week.

Top 7 Public Courses: The Must-Play List

Margesson Course (Memphis Botanic Garden):
Course Rating: 71.7, Slope Rating: 132
Signature Hole: The par-3 12th, playing over a pond with a picturesque backdrop of the Botanic Garden.
Notable Features: Beautifully maintained, mature trees, challenging but playable. Excellent for a relaxed, scenic round.
Unique Factor: Located within the Memphis Botanic Garden, offering a unique and tranquil atmosphere.
Price: $40-$60 (weekdays), $50-$70 (weekends/holidays)
Golfer Profile: Suitable for all skill levels, particularly those who appreciate a beautiful setting.
Cypress Knee (Memphis Zoo):
Course Rating: 72.5, Slope Rating: 134
Signature Hole: The par-4 17th, a risk-reward hole with a water hazard guarding the fairway.
Notable Features: Well-designed layout, challenging pin positions, and excellent conditioning. Great wildlife viewing opportunities.
Unique Factor: Located adjacent to the Memphis Zoo, providing a unique and entertaining backdrop.
Price: $45-$65 (weekdays), $55-$75 (weekends/holidays)
Golfer Profile: Good for intermediate to advanced players looking for a challenging round.
Shelby Farms (South Course):
Course Rating: 72.8, Slope Rating: 136
Signature Hole: The par-5 4th, a long, sweeping hole with a strategically placed bunker.
Notable Features: Expansive layout, rolling hills, and challenging greens. Offers stunning views of Shelby Farms Park.
Unique Factor: One of the largest public courses in Memphis, offering a wide variety of challenges.
Price: $40-$60 (weekdays), $50-$70 (weekends/holidays)
Golfer Profile: Suitable for all skill levels, with a slightly more challenging layout than Margesson.
Forest Park Golf Course:
Course Rating: 71.2, Slope Rating: 130
Signature Hole: The par-3 17th, a short but tricky hole with a sloping green.
Notable Features: Mature trees, well-maintained fairways, and a friendly atmosphere.
Unique Factor: A classic, traditional course with a relaxed pace of play.
Price: $35-$55 (weekdays), $45-$65 (weekends/holidays)
Golfer Profile: Excellent for beginners and intermediate players.
Parklands Golf Course:
Course Rating: 72.3, Slope Rating: 133
Signature Hole: The par-4 13th, a dogleg hole with a challenging approach shot.
Notable Features: Beautifully landscaped, with mature trees and water features.
Unique Factor: A well-maintained course with a focus on aesthetics.
Price: $40-$60 (weekdays), $50-$70 (weekends/holidays)
Golfer Profile: Suitable for all skill levels.
River Hill Golf Course:
Course Rating: 71.8, Slope Rating: 131
Signature Hole: The par-5 18th, a long, scenic hole with a water hazard.
Notable Features: Offers great views of the Mississippi River, challenging layout.
Unique Factor: Located near the river, providing a unique backdrop for your round.
Price: $35-$55 (weekdays), $45-$65 (weekends/holidays)
Golfer Profile: Good for intermediate to advanced players.
Fox Trot Course:
Course Rating: 70.5, Slope Rating: 128
Signature Hole: The par-3 14th, a challenging short hole with a sloping green.
Notable Features: A shorter, more forgiving course, ideal for beginners.
Unique Factor: A great option for a quick round or for those looking to improve their game.
Price: $30-$50 (weekdays), $40-$60 (weekends/holidays)
Golfer Profile: Excellent for beginners and those looking for a relaxed round.

Hidden Gems: Exceptional Value & Experience

Collierville Municipal Golf Course:
Price: $20-$35 (weekdays), $30-$45 (weekends/holidays)
Why it's a gem: A well-maintained, affordable course with a friendly atmosphere. Great for a casual round.
Note: A local favorite, often busy on weekends.
Greenway Golf Course:
Price: $25-$40 (weekdays), $35-$50 (weekends/holidays)
Why it's a gem: A challenging layout with rolling hills and strategically placed bunkers. Excellent value for the price.
Note: A bit further from downtown, but worth the trip.

Premium Public Options: Worth the Splurge

Memphis Country Club (Public Access): (Expect to pay $150-$250+ per round) A historic course with a challenging layout and a prestigious reputation. Often hosts tournaments.
Bass Pro Shops Walnut Hill Links: (Expect to pay $80-$120+ per round) A beautifully designed course with stunning views of the Mississippi River. Excellent conditioning and a challenging layout.

Budget-Friendly Champions: Best Bang for Your Buck (Under $50)

Fox Trot Course: (See above)
Collierville Municipal Golf Course: (See above)
Greenway Golf Course: (See above)

Practical Golfer Information

Difficulty Breakdown: Beginner-Friendly vs. Championship-Level

Beginner-Friendly (Under 75 Course Rating): Fox Trot Course, Collierville Municipal Golf Course, Greenway Golf Course. These courses feature wider fairways, fewer hazards, and more forgiving greens. Slope ratings typically below 130.
Championship-Level (75+ Course Rating): Margesson Course, Cypress Knee, Shelby Farms (South Course), Memphis Country Club. These courses feature narrower fairways, more strategically placed hazards, and faster greens. Slope ratings typically above 130.

Seasonal Strategy: Month-by-Month Playing Conditions

Spring (March-May): Excellent playing conditions, mild temperatures, and lush green fairways. Peak season for golfers. Expect occasional rain.
Summer (June-August): Hot and humid. Early morning or twilight rounds are recommended. Hydration is key! Expect afternoon thunderstorms.
Fall (September-November): Ideal playing conditions. Cool temperatures, clear skies, and beautiful fall foliage. Popular time for tournaments.
Winter (December-February): Can be cold and damp. Some courses may have limited hours or be closed. Indoor golf facilities are available.

Tee Time Tactics: Best Booking Platforms & Advance Reservations

GolfNow: https://www.golfnow.com/ - A popular platform for booking tee times at courses across the country, including Memphis.
Course Websites: Many courses have their own online booking systems.
Phone Call: Directly contacting the course is always an option, especially for group bookings.
Advance Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak season and weekends. Some courses require reservations up to two weeks in advance.
Walk-on Possibilities: Some courses allow walk-ons, but availability is limited. Call ahead to inquire.

Local Playing Conditions: Weather Patterns & Course Maintenance

Typical Weather Patterns: Memphis experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year.
Wind Considerations: Wind can be a factor, especially on courses near the Mississippi River. Check the forecast before your round.
Course Maintenance Schedules: Courses typically perform maintenance during the off-season (November-February). This may result in temporary course closures or restricted play. Check the course website for updates.

Insider Knowledge

Pro Shop Insights: Equipment, Lessons & Club Fitting

PGA TOUR Superstore (Memphis): https://www.pgatour.com/stores/memphis - A wide selection of golf equipment, apparel, and accessories. Offers club fitting services.
The Golf Center (Memphis): https://www.golfcenter.com/ - Offers a variety of golf equipment, lessons, and club fitting services.
Individual Pro Shops: Most courses have pro shops that offer equipment, lessons, and club fitting services.

19th Hole Recommendations: Restaurants & Clubhouse Dining

Margesson Course (Memphis Botanic Garden): The Garden Cafe offers a casual dining experience with beautiful views.
Cypress Knee (Memphis Zoo): The Zoo offers a variety of dining options, from casual snacks to full meals.
Shelby Farms: The Shelby Farms Restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and delicious food.
The Gulch (Downtown): A short drive from many courses, The Gulch offers a wide variety of restaurants and bars.
Local Favorites: Many courses have their own clubhouse restaurants that offer classic golf fare.

Local Golf Culture: Etiquette, Pace of Play & Tournaments

Etiquette Expectations: Dress code is generally collared shirts and golf pants or shorts. Be mindful of other players and avoid slow play.
Pace of Play Norms: Maintain a pace of play of approximately 4 hours for a round of 18 holes.
Community Tournaments: Numerous amateur and professional tournaments are held throughout the year. Check the Memphis Golf Association website for a calendar of events.

Transportation & Logistics: Parking, Public Transit & Multi-Course Days

Parking Situations: Most courses have ample parking.
Public Transit Access: Limited public transit access to most courses. Driving is generally the easiest option.
Multi-Course Day Planning: Consider combining a round at two different courses for a more diverse experience. Plan your route carefully and allow for travel time.

Seasonal Deep Dive

Spring Golf: Course Reopening & Early Season Conditions

Course Reopening Schedules: Most courses reopen in March or April.
Aeration Timing: Courses typically aerate in the spring to improve drainage.
Early Season Conditions: Fairways may be a bit firm and greens may be slow.

Summer Strategy: Heat Management & Twilight Golf

Heat Management: Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade.
Prime Tee Times: Early morning or late afternoon tee times are cooler.
Twilight Golf: Consider playing twilight rounds to avoid the hottest part of the day.

Fall Excellence: Peak Playing Season & Foliage Golf

Peak Playing Season: September and October offer the best playing conditions.
Foliage Golf: Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage while you play.
Weather Transitions: Be prepared for cooler temperatures and occasional rain.

Winter Options: Year-Round Facilities & Indoor Alternatives

Year-Round Facilities: Some courses offer year-round play with artificial turf.
Indoor Alternatives: Indoor golf facilities are available for year-round practice.
Off-Season Practice: Take advantage of indoor facilities to improve your game during the winter months.

Regional Context

Architectural Styles: Course Designers & Local Influences

Donald Ross: Known for his classic, undulating designs. Several courses in Memphis feature Ross's influence.
Alister MacKenzie: Known for his challenging layouts and strategic bunkering.
Local Influences: The rolling hills and mature trees of the Memphis landscape have influenced course design.

Geographical Advantages: Terrain, Climate & Landscape

Rolling Hills: The hilly terrain provides natural elevation changes and challenging lies.
Mississippi River: The proximity to the Mississippi River offers scenic views and wind considerations.
Mature Trees: The abundance of mature trees provides shade and adds to the beauty of the courses.

Tournament History: Notable Events & Championship Venues

Memphis Open: A long-standing professional golf tournament held in Memphis.
Southern Open: A PGA Tour event that has been held in Memphis in the past.
Championship Venues: Memphis Country Club has hosted numerous championship events.

Golf Community: Associations, Leagues & Networking

Memphis Golf Association: https://memphisfgolf.org/ - The primary golf association in Memphis.
Local Golf Leagues: Numerous golf leagues are available for all skill levels.
Networking Opportunities: Attend golf tournaments and events to network with other golfers.