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Rating Index Rating
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4.5
1415 Reviews (1415)
5 Stars
722
4 Stars
496
3 Stars
129
2 Stars
33
1 Stars
35
Conditions
4.3
Value
4.3
Layout
4.7
Friendliness
4.7
Pace
4.1
Amenities
3.8
94.3%
Recommend this course
1298 out of 1415 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.2
19 Reviews (19)
5 Stars
10
4 Stars
7
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
2
Conditions
4.2
Value
3.8
Layout
4.7
Pace
3.8
Amenities
3.6
StaffFriendliness
4.4
89.5%
Recommend this course
17 out of 19 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
71 Reviews (71)
5 Stars
44
4 Stars
19
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
2
Conditions
4.3
Value
4.2
Layout
4.7
Pace
3.9
Amenities
3.7
StaffFriendliness
4.6
93.0%
Recommend this course
66 out of 71 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
Island Pointe's layout along the French Broad River delivers consistently fast, immaculate greens and fairways that keep golfers returning across the region. Exceptionally friendly staff and smooth pace of play round out an experience that offers outstanding value near Knoxville and Gatlinburg.

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Par 72
Length 7001 yards
Slope 133
Rating 75.4

Championship Layout by Arthur Hills. Links Style course over 175 acres traversing the French Broad River. Play along and over the river.

#10 Ranked Public / Private Golf Course (Golf Magazine)

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Island Pointe Golf Club (FKA River Islands)
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Course Details

Year Built 1991
Fairways Zoysia Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Arthur Hills (1991)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Bunker Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code Proper golf attire required. Shirts must have collars and shorts must be Bermuda length. Tank tops, t-shirts and denim are not permitted.

Food & Beverage

Beverage Carts

Available Facilities

Clubhouse

Accolades

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Reviews

4.5
1415 Reviews (1415)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 12
Course Challenges Include:
Water Hazards 74
Bunkers 54
Undulating Greens 51
This course/club is great for:
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 60
Advanced Golfers 40
Locals 35
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 64
Convenient to the City 28
Near Local Attractions 23

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Island Time

Really neat course! Holes 1-8 and 16-18 are absolutely amazing!! I wanted to play just those holes again after my round today. Greens were in the best shape I’ve ever played. Fairways were spongy and clean. There were several staff out and about clearing branches and trimming landscaping. Everyone was polite and friendly. If I’m ever back in town I’ll play here again for sure!

No water or additional beverage service past the clubhouse so bring plenty of water or stock up for your round before you begin.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Friday 26

Played Island Pointe and enjoyed it VERY much. There was a bee hive of activity as soon as we pulled it. Guys were landscaping, laying sod and watering. The food truck was open very conveniently near the first tee and it's what this course needed since the halfway shack is never open.

The greens have healed in from aerification and whatever that funk was on them is gone. Beautiful course

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

I have seen a miracle

I’ve seen a miracle. I play this course all the time so I know it very well. A week and a half ago they punched the greens and they starting to recover. I played Tuesday and I could not believe how fuzzy and bumpy the greens were ,they were not good. Some friends called and wanted to play I reluctantly said yes. Someone there must have a Magic wand lol. I could not believe my eyes the maintenance crew had mowed the greens and roll them holy cow what a difference a day makes. Great job guys keep it at the place is beautiful.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 82
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 500 Contributor
Previously Played

2 steps forward and one step back.

I love this course but on this accession the greens had not fully recovered from being punched. They were very slow and bumpy. They are making progress with the bunkers getting playable sand in more each month but still have a way to go. The scenery was wonderful as usual. Don’t give up on Island Point. It will continue to improve.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Nice course with beautiful scenery and layout

The course was in decent shape. Five sets of tees. Standard yardage markers in fairway and on Par 3 tees. Fairways were firm and cut tight. Greens had been aerated recently and not back to normal yet. Pro Shop was basically empty, but the gentleman working was very pleasant and helpful. I'd play there again, especially at the price I booked online.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
Previously Played

Terrible

Rude staff, poor course management, mower drove right by without stopping while on the tee, no snacks or drinks available (not even water); and no one in the clubhouse wearing a mask or practicing social distancing. If the poor course condition and the rude staff don’t make you ill; the COVID-19 you contact there probably will!

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Poor
Friendliness Poor
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
Previously Played

Unsafe and Unpleasant

My wife, who does not play golf, asked to ride along with me on Fathers Day. When I called the course to book a tee time, I explained that my wife would be riding with me but not playing golf. The person I spoke with at the course said that was fine; and explained to me that I would need to book my tee time through GolfNow and pay online, as it was the weekend and they were having trouble with no shows. I asked about a senior discount (I am 69), and this person said if there was not a senior discount selection on line (there was not) that I would be given a discount when I arrived at the clubhouse.

When I arrived Sunday and checked in, I was told that no senior discount was available Because it was the weekend. Then when I checked in with the starter and let him know my wife would be riding with me, he rudely informed me that I was paired with another single who would be riding in the cart with me and we would be joined by a double. He further insisted that if my wife wanted to ride with me, I would have to pay an additional cart fee. So they were charging five cart fees for this foursome, pairing me up with strangers without distancing or masks on anyone! I refused to play under those conditions and Golfnow has not returned my phone calls so I doubt I will get reimbursed for my greens fees, taxes, and ‘convenience fee.’

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Fair
Friendliness Poor
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Give it a month before playing

Tee to green the conditions were fantastic after we got through the 45 minute wait for our tee time, 10:07 and we teed off at 10:55....and then we get to the greens which have been aerated and are like playing Plinko, some worse than others like No. 9 which I don’t think they’ll get back fully this year at all, it was that bad. Decent deal for the money but you may wanna work it out with your group to just count each hole as a two putt...haha

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once every three months
2.0
Previously Played

Slow

Tee off box was backed up. Finally tee’d off 20 minutes after our time. Pace of play was so slow we played 12 holes in four hours before we finally had to leave.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once every three months
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a year
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Beautiful course though the greens were rough

Loved the challenge of crossing the river multiple times along this course. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, they were late opening and therefore the green aeration was delayed. If the greens were in a little better shape, I would have easily given this course a 5 star rating.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
1.0
Previously Played

Nice course but.....

This course over books to the point where there are zero golf carts at your tee time. My party checked in at 10:25 for a 10:45 tee time. There was one golf cart available minus the one the starter was using. At 10:45 the 10:37 group had not came down to get a cart because they where at the range. Instead of letting us tee off on time, the starter goes to the range to find the 1037 party to tee off. Making us wait. 1 hr later and still no carts we went to ask for a refund with about 4 other party’s only to be told they couldn’t figure out how to refund us and offered a rain check. Yes.. I want to drive 45 mins to hope I get to tee off on time.

We where told by another party this isn’t the first time. For a great course, it’s poorly managed.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
Previously Played

Warning: Do not play. Cluster-F

Tee times backed up over 45 minutes. Greens absolute trash. It’s a shame - the layout and land here could be the best in the area.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Fair
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Fantastic Course / Solid Condition / Excellent Value

I want to give props to this course. It has been revered as one of the best since its inception. It is easy to criticize a course for not being perfect all of the time, but frankly for what we pay to play, perfection isn't realistic. This a great course at an exceptional value.

I am a low handicap golfer, and fickle at times. I play all around Knoxville & Severierville each week, then travel around EAST TN to play as well. This course ranks top 3 for condition, in my opinion. Now, some traps need to be cleaned up, and apparently the irrigation that waters holes #9, #11 and #12 was impacted by a lightning storm. So, those greens were a little thin and they used black sand to help the healing process. I happened to see the superintendent hand watering, he explained. He also told me they were aerifying on June 8th. I saw a couple of reviews that talked about the greens and I felt all but 3 greens were GREAT, the 3 others were good and they rolled fine, but were a little sandy (to help). Again, moot point since the greens are being aerified. They have a dwarf bermuda on the greens and it should be ready to go in 10 days, unlike bent grass greens.

If you have never played this course, you won't find a BETTER golf course. Arthur Hills has a great layout here, and the scenery is unlike any other course in EAST TN. It is well maintained, and you won't be disappointed. It gets busy, so play early if you can!

OH... and for those of you who think operating a golf course is easy and should be perfect all of the time - take a look at what this course had to address (plus I included a picture of one of the greens). Saw the golf cart in the lake on my way to #16 tee box.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 36
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Previously Played

Going down hill

Be aware they will be punching the Greens on the 8 of June This is a great course just not in great shape. Bunkers have been poor for a long time now Now the Greens have very little grass on them and it’s very hard to make any putt. They have sold the back nine and at some point will begin building on that part of the course. IHATE THIS AS THIS WAS A PREMO COURSE IN THIS AREA I WILL SURE MISS IT I will continue to play till then. Maybe the Greens will come back after they punch them

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Terrible green conditions

I don’t know what happened to this course, it used to be one of my favorite courses around knoxville. The back nine all the green got this nasty black disease it made really hard to putt.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Could be the best course in East TN

The layout and location of the this course could make it one of the best in East TN. However, the course was in terrible condition. Half of the bunkers had weeds growing them. Seems like every green needed to be resurfaced.

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
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