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Rating Index Rating
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3.6
415 Reviews (415)
5 Stars
70
4 Stars
158
3 Stars
101
2 Stars
47
1 Stars
39
Conditions
3.4
Value
3.6
Layout
3.9
Friendliness
4.2
Pace
3.9
Amenities
2.9
73.3%
Recommend this course
288 out of 415 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.6
7 Reviews (7)
5 Stars
1
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
Conditions
3.1
Value
3.7
Layout
3.7
Pace
4.0
Amenities
3.0
StaffFriendliness
4.4
85.7%
Recommend this course
6 out of 7 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.8
30 Reviews (30)
5 Stars
10
4 Stars
10
3 Stars
6
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
3
Conditions
3.5
Value
3.7
Layout
3.9
Pace
4.0
Amenities
3.0
StaffFriendliness
4.2
80.0%
Recommend this course
24 out of 30 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
Bent Creek's mountain terrain delivers memorable blind shots, forested cart paths, and stream-lined holes that create a uniquely challenging Smokies experience. Exceptionally warm staff and smooth pace of play make this a strong value for the area.

About

Holes 18
Type Resort
Par 72
Length 6182 yards
Slope 127
Rating 70.3
Book a Tee Time at
Bent Creek Golf Course - TN
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Course Details

Year Built 1972
Golf Season Year round
Architect Gary Player (1972)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range No
Teaching Pro No
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code Proper golf attire required.

Food & Beverage

Snacks

Available Facilities

Clubhouse
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Reviews

3.6
415 Reviews (415)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
19th Hole Scenic Views 6
Drinks 6
Course Challenges Include:
Water Hazards 42
Elevation Changes 33
Narrow Fairways 25
This course/club is great for:
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 34
Advanced Golfers 21
Locals 17
This Course's Location is:
At a Resort 26
Worth the Drive 21
Near Local Attractions 14

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Not mowed

Usually, I enjoy this course. This time around, my group was very disappointed. The greens hadn’t been mowed in days; thus, were slow and not rolling true. The fairways as well had been inconsistently groomed. On the second hole, we put three shots in the fairway but it was covered in clover! Looked more like rough! White weeds and white balls don’t mix. I am hoping this was a one-off situation for the course as I love golfing in the Smoky Mountains and traditionally make a point to play here.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Response from on 05/24/2018:
Thank you for your review! We apologize that our course conditions didn't meet your expectations. Our course is getting better every day, but improvements take time. We appreciate your feedback and we hope to have you back again soon!
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

This course has great character and is challenging to play

The course is set in in a beautiful location with a pristine mountain stream winding through most of the course. The holes are challenging especially on the back nine. Hole #14 is a par 3 which requires quite a cart ride in the Smokies to an elevated tee.

The course is undergoing renovations and all of the bridges across the streams on the course are brand new and wide. The new management is obviously putting forth lots of work in an effort to make Bent Creek a high quality golf venue in The Gatlinburg area. My wife and I totally enjoyed the course and I would definitely come back with my golf buddies to play several rounds.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Response from on 05/22/2018:
Awesome! We're pleased that you and your wife enjoyed our course and the challenge it presented. We're also glad that you've noticed the improvements we've been making. We appreciate your review and we look forward to having you, your wife, and your friends back soon!
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Not our first choice...

Had to golf here rather then Gatlinburg because of a tournament. The club house is very limited of drinks, no adult beverage at all.... while on vacation this was a huge let down. Course is rough to say the least, doubt I ever go there again.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Response from on 05/16/2018:
Thank you for your review! We apologize for the inconvenience of our limited drink options. With the change in management, our permitting had to be changed as well, but we will have alcoholic beverages after this month. We appreciate your feedback and we hope you will give us another try in the future!
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Being upgraded

Still recovering from winter Many repairs are in the process. Buildings being upgraded. The bridges that crossover the creek the meanders through the property have been replaced, I was told this cost 500,000 dollars alone. So I believe this course will receive better reviews in the future.

Conditions Fair
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Response from on 05/16/2018:
Thank you for your review! We're pleased that you've noticed the improvements we've made with the course and we appreciate your feedback. We look forward to having you back again in the future!
Played On
Reviews 20
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Greens were very good to excellent

Second time at Bent Creek.....What a scenic place.....Fairway and Tees are just OK , butt the Greens are in terrific condition....they hold nicely and putt well ....speed is a wee bit slow but they putt true. Your staff is very helpful and friendly. When we are in the Knoxville area again this will be the one we'll play.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Response from on 05/09/2018:
Wonderful! We're thrilled that you enjoyed our course and that our staff left a great impression on you. We hope to have you back again soon at Bent Creek!
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Response from on 05/09/2018:
Excellent! Come back soon!
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap Don't know
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

This course is laid out extremely well

My brother and I road our motorcycles thru the mountains to play this course and it was great.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Response from on 05/03/2018:
Great! We're glad that you and your brother enjoyed your round with us and we look forward to having you back again soon!
Played On
Reviews 20
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

very good layout

Wonderful;helpful staff.....the views alone are are worth the price. Bent Creek is beautiful..challenging...and greatly improved. The fairways are a work in progress,,,but the greens are very good. We enjoyed and will return

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Response from on 05/03/2018:
Awesome! We're pleased that you enjoyed our course and the challenge it presented. We're also glad that you've noticed the improvements we've made and that our staff left a great impression on you. We can't wait to have to have you back again soon at Bent Creek!
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

New Management is excellent.

We have played this course for 20 years. Two years ago there was grass in all the bunkers and the greens & tee boxes were in bad shape. Course closed for 10 months and the new management has put some $$ into it, and it shows. Back nine greens were awesome, front nine will be the same in another week or two after spring aeration. All bridges have been replaced. Colin and Sierra in the pro shop were a pleasure to deal with. Our group is looking forward to playing there again in July.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Response from on 05/03/2018:
Outstanding! We're thrilled that you've noticed the improvements that we've made and that Colin and Sierra left a great impression on you. We can't wait to have you and your group back again in July!
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Courde Looking Good

I have a vacation home close by. The course has been closed all summer, but it looks really good. Yesterday I saw some workers by the 12th green so I stopped the car and asked them what was going on. They said that a new management company will be opening the course soon, but they are not sure when. In the meantime they have 3 full time workers taking care of the course - mowing, weed killing, fertilizing, and watering. They showed me a couple of dead spots on the green where they had killed some bad grass. other than that the green looked really good. The fairways and tee boxes also looked really good. They said they are just about to aerate and seed.

Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Course Only Half Open

The course was in ragged shape having suffered wind damage. The back nine was not open but because we booked through GolfNow they could not provide a refund. GolfNow did not inform us of the convdition of the course in advance. People were friendly and accommodating. We therefore only played nine holes.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart

Could use some work

I liked this course with its creek running through & the variety of holes. My husband does not like "target golf" & that's what it is on several holes, especially on the back, with not very good landing areas. Some of the greens were bumpy also. It was May 2, (in-season?) but the snack shop was closed & all they had to offer to eat in the pro shop were hot dogs & a very small selection of candy/crackers.

I would go back, but don't know if I could convince the others in the group to do so. We got a great price on a GolfNow Hot Deal, which is why I gave it an excellent value for the money.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Golf Course with Character

The back nine of Bent Creek is a must for the avid golfer if you like courses with character. Winding through mountainous terrain and little adventure hikes to the tee box. The staff were extremely cordial and friendly. A Gatlinburg must.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
3.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Ok

Very challenging course, especially on the back nine. The greens need a lot of work. I really don't think Mr. Player would be happy with them at all. Worth playing but I would not pick it again if I were in the area.

Conditions Fair
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Fun course

Shot makers course. streams in play throughout, nice challenge, straight hitters will like this course

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

This course has mountainess views!

Very nice layout hope you have a good short game fairways were kind of dry greens were not very smooth but the overall layout and spectacular views and price great value will recommend

Thanks,

Greg

Baltimore,Md.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap Don't know
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart

swampy course

The greens and fairways were in poor. It had rained the day before, but despite sunshine and wind, there was standing water everywhere. Muddy spots and mushy rough.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap Don't know
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once every three months
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Bring the ball retriever

Course in great shape. Is challenging with mountain streams and forests along many fairways. Beautiful scenery.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Mountain Time Fun

I will visit Bent Creek every time i'm in the Gatlinburg area.It was a very fun course to play. Staff was very nice. So glad they started us off on the back nine for it was very challenging , couldn't find but one par back there but when we made the turn and played the front nine I found three birdies and four pars and not ta mention someone driving right through the golf course lost in a big truck asking could they play on through, I thought that was pretty cool. There is a road that does run through the course splitting a few holes. If ya anywhere close ya need to play this course!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/29/2016

Thank you for your review. We look forward to seeing you next time you visit!

Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
1.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

the customer is wrong?

This course is a microcosm for all that is wrong in golf. I have been playing golf since I was a child and I have never walked off a golf course shaking my head more than today. Not because of my play, which was neither good nor bad...score aside...which didn't even matter out there because the conditions and fairness of the course was so absurdly poor...no...I shook my head because of a beautiful golf course ruined, a once beautiful layout turned to absolute garbage. Etiquette. Lacking. I will list A FEW major complaints:

- spotty greens

- fairway then immediately jungle rough

- a huge divot a foot from the cup on 1

-over hanging wire on 4 from tips clearly obstructing shot

-traps were not sand traps on a golf course but actual death traps with quick sand SOMEBODY PLEASE USE A RAKE

- HUGE SINKHOLES IN LANDING AREAS IN THE FAIRWAYS

-Oh...and you finally get to the signature hole, little par 3 out there on the back and you walk all the way up those steps, chugging along, thinking how Gary Player would love the exercise, but you don;t really care for it at the time?...and say wow this better be good up here and you get there and wow what a nice little h... ASTROTURF tee box...

Last but not least, I was on the 15th tee. It was around 6 30pm. playing by myself. plenty of light. still have another 30 mins or more to play 4 short holes...no one out there. worker guy and his gal roll up in their cart...and not exactly politely or apologetically tell me to pack it in. they need the cart back. granted the lady at the beginning said something about it, but at 6 50 she had said...at sunset...about 20 more minutes away...I couldn't believe it. never it my life has anyone told me to pack it in, sorry, you can't finish your day, especially when there is abundant light. he left on his cart. and i played it in anyway...in about 15 minutes. when i finished, he FOLLOWED ME TO MY CAR IN HIS CART. And I could only tell him in a not so golfing voice...I will never be coming back here sir. You will be home from work in 10 mins, I told him... don;t worry, your precious golf cart has returned unscathed...and look still plenty of light in which to lock it up in?!

Never again.

-

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Fair
Friendliness Poor
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate
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