Sweetens Cove, Golfweek’s top-ranked public-access golf course in Tennessee, made headlines when it announced it will be closed for the entire summer season this year. The decision was made due to damage caused by harsh winter weather, including snow, ice, and freezing temperatures that harmed the turf on the course located in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Despite efforts to save the dormant Bermuda grass, the owners realized that the damage was too severe to maintain the course in excellent condition for the summer months.
The rural Sweetens Cove has gained popularity among golfers seeking a unique vibe and interesting architecture. The course has become a pilgrimage for many players, offering all-day passes that allow visitors to relax on the club’s deck before hitting the links for a round of golf. Ranked No. 1 in Tennessee on Golfweek’s Best list, the layout is also recognized as No. 32 among top public-access courses in the country and No. 84 among all modern courses built since 1960 in the U.S. The course was designed by Tad King and Rob Collins and opened in 2015. The ownership group of Sweetens Cove includes Collins, Tom Nolan, Andy Roddick, Peyton Manning, and Skip Bronson.
The closure of Sweetens Cove for the summer months was a difficult decision for the owners, but they felt it was necessary to focus on returning the nine-hole layout to excellent conditions. In a tweet announcing the course closure, the owners expressed their disappointment but assured visitors that they would be back better than ever in September after re-grassing the course. They also offered customers who had booked passes during the closure a discount and priority access to passes for the 2025 season.
While the closure of Sweetens Cove will disappoint many golf enthusiasts, the owners are committed to improving the course and providing an outstanding experience for players in the future. The announcement emphasized the importance of patience as the owners work to re-grass the course and ensure that it is in top condition for the next season. Despite the temporary closure, the owners are confident that the decision will ultimately lead to amazing conditions at Sweetens Cove moving forward.
As golfers and fans of Sweetens Cove toast to the future of the course, they can look forward to a revitalized and improved experience when the course reopens in September. The closure of the course for the summer months serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by golf courses due to weather-related issues and the importance of maintaining high-quality conditions for players. With the support of loyal customers and a dedicated ownership group, Sweetens Cove is poised to continue its legacy as a top-ranked public-access golf course in Tennessee.
