By David ‘The Golfinguy’ Theoret
Crossville sits on the eastern side of the state and is known as the “Golf Capital of Tennessee,” with no less than 10 championship golf courses in the Cumberland County area. Five of which are located in Fairfield Glade, a resort and retirement community located just north of I-40 between Nashville and Knoxville, an easy drive for Buckeye Golfaholics.
The original nine holes at Fairfield Glade opened for play in 1970 with the final nine completed in 1973. The Druid Hills Golf Club is located on the highest point in Fairfield Glade. The course provides several scenic views of the surrounding mountains and features rolling, tree-lined fairways, lots of water hazards, and well-undulated bent grass greens.
At only 6,270 yards from the back tees, Druid Hills is one of the shortest courses at Fairfield Glade. But don’t let the length fool you; it also plays one of the toughest. The course was designed by Leon Howard and the waterfall on Number 14 is probably the most photographed feature on the golf course. 
The Crag is as beautiful as it is challenging, especially when you get to the back nine. There are significant elevation changes. Many fairways are wide open off the tee and the par 5’s are reachable with a good drive.
One of the more memorable holes on the Crag layout is Number 17. This short par 4 is the course’s signature hole and is the most scenic hole on the course, if not the entire property.
In 2017, the Brae Course at Heatherhurst was named one of the Top 5 Courses in the State of Tennessee by Golf Week Magazine. Each side features a picturesque par 5. The 4th hole plays 495 yards from the White Tees and features a double dogleg that requires two forced carries over Otter Creek; it’s said to be one of the toughest par 5’s in Tennessee. The Par 5, 10th hole is stunning. It features a slight dogleg left and starts with a blind tee shot and it’s all downhill from there – literally – to a green that overlooks beautiful Lake Dartmoor.
The Stonehenge was ranked the #2 course in Tennessee by Golf Week. The course gets its name from the walls of native stone found throughout the course. At the 14th hole, a downhill, 148-yard par 3, rocks and water surround the green, which sits on the edge of Lake Dartmoor. It’s a beautiful and challenging hole.
Narrow tree-lined fairways, numerous water hazards, strategically placed bunkers, as well as undulating Bentgrass greens define the Dorchester Golf Club. At 6,400 yards from the longest tees, the course isn’t going to overwhelm most players, but a slope rating of 134 tells you that this course has some bite to it. With all of the hills, valleys, and creeks, the course requires accuracy off the tee and good shot selection, meaning driver may not be the best choice off the tee. Some players are put off by the fact that
Golf’s not the only thing Fairfield Glade has to offer its residents. There are two marinas and a racquet sports center complete with clay courts, indoor tennis, and pickleball courts. Fairfield Glade has also been blessed with mile after mile of hiking trails.
Fairfield Glade is a golfer’s paradise and with five spectacular golf courses, you can easily make a week of it. Depending on the time of year, many homes in the community can be rented by the month. If you prefer to stay off-property, there are several well-known hotel chains in the area. A third option is a Club Wyndham timeshare, available through Extraholidays.com. They are fully furnished and available with 1 – 4 bedrooms; perfect for a couples golf getaway or a foursome with the guys – or gals! Several golf packaging companies have put together some tremendous Fairfield Glade stay and play packages; you can book through Fairfield Glade or one of several area golf packagers.
Golfers in Ohio have several golf travel alternatives for their golf vacations. Fairfield Glade has a lot to offer when compared to alternatives, plus it’s an easier drive and friendlier on the wallet.
After 50 years, the community is thriving and continues to invest in all the golf courses. If you haven’t visited them in a while, it’s time to come back and experience everything they have to offer.
For more information on booking your next stay and play package to Fairfield Glade, visit www.fairflieldglade.cc.
