Our Founders
The origin of The Golf Club of Tennessee dates back to the 1980s when Nashville businessmen Toby Wilt and George Gillett first conceived of building a “fine golf club in or near the city.” After finding a piece of property in rural Cheatham County, the two men invited Bronson Ingram, chairman of Nashville-based Ingram Industries to join them as founders of a club that would provide dedicated golfers an excellent course in an exceptionally maintained environment of seclusion and exclusivity, an ideal that would become the Golf Club of Tennessee.
Though Gillett left the project after purchasing Vail, Inc. in Colorado, Wilt and Ingram forged ahead, selecting Tom Fazio, one of the top architects in the country, to bring their concept to life. With nearly one thousand acres at his disposal, and marching orders to “design the very best golf course” he was capable of, Fazio went to work “discovering” a masterpiece. Opening for member play in March 1991 the golf course gained instant national recognition, receiving runner-up honors in Golf Digest’s rankings of Best New Private Courses for 1991.
The Golf Club of Tennessee
The Golf Club of Tennessee was established in order to provide dedicated golfers with an excellent course and quality facilities. Staffed to provide superior service, The Golf Club of Tennessee enables its members to enjoy golf as it should be played; without tee times, delays, or distractions. With the availability of quality caddies, an exceptionally maintained environment of seclusion and exclusivity, members are able to appreciate and benefit from the traditions and heritage of the game of golf. As you descend the hill on Golf Club Drive, you step into tranquility, where spirits can be renewed and attitudes changed simply by taking time out for practice or play.
In its inaugural year (1991), Golf Digest recognized The Golf Club of Tennessee as runner-up for the Best New Private Course in America. It is consistently recognized as one of the top two courses in the state of Tennessee, and was recognized by Golf Week as one of America’s 100 Best Modern Courses. Also in 2006, Golf Digest Index ranked The Golf Club of Tennessee as one of America’s 50 Greatest Golf Retreats. The Golf Club of Tennessee has hosted numerous local, state, national amateur and pro-am events, while always providing enjoyable rounds of golf for members and their guests.
The Golf Club of Tennessee is home to many national tournaments such as The Vinny Pro-Celebrity-Am, and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Collegiate Challenge Cup, and the 2018 U.S. Women's Amateur Championship.
True to the founders’ vision, The Golf Club remains a quiet place to escape, unwind, be in good company, and play a little golf.