The Bear Trace at Tims Ford

Course Overview

The Bear Trace at Tims Ford is the third course to open, and has been called, “a sight to behold, “as it sits on a peninsula formed by the man-made Tims Ford Lake. It is unlike any other course in the state in that it resembles a traditional links-style course, such as those found in the British Isles.

Like its sister courses, The Bear Trace at Tims Ford has received widespread acclaim almost from the day of its opening. Included among its accolades are “Top Ten Places You Can Play” and “Best New Destination” in Tennessee in 1999. The 6,764-yard, par-71 layout has several different looks. The opening holes gently roll across former pastureland, and then gradually transition to wooded sites dominated by giant oak trees. The back nine presents a stronger test of each golfer’s mettle and culminates with the 18th hole, a 453-yard, par four with bunkers and a deep-water shoreline of Tims Ford. In all, the Tims Ford reservoir is visible from every hole on the course and comes into play on 8 holes, giving the course an excellent balance of challenge and playability.