How Cumberland County earned ‘Golf Capital of Tennessee’ moniker

FAIRFIELD GLADE, Tenn. (WATE) — It’s one thing to talk the talk, but it’s another to back it up by actually walking the walk. When it comes to golf on the plateau, the people of Cumberland County are definitely showing why they are “The Golf Capital of Tennessee.”

“We play a lot of Golf in Crossville,” said Fairfield Glade Director of Golf Jeff Houston.

And he should know.

“Last year, we did 158,000 rounds here at our golf courses. Probably 55% of that is our local play and another 25% of that was our golf package play.”

Crossville/Cumberland County Sports & Events Council Chairman Chris Peterson agrees, golf is key to the areas bottom line.

“We’re bringing in $200 million of tourism dollars across the county in all different aspects, but golf is by far number one,” Peterson said. “You get people that come here from all different areas. They’ll come for a guys weekend trip and come here and play all these courses in one long weekend.”

So how exactly did the title “Golf Capital of Tennessee” come about? We asked a member of the team that came up with the distinction some 20+ years ago.

“We sold it to the mayor who liked golf,” said Pepe Perron. “The next thing we knew it was on the water towers, publicity and those kinds of things. So who would have thought!”

Those around the game knew, a title can’t stand alone. So, what then is the allure that draws golfers from across the state and country that makes the area Tennessee’s golf capital?

“Number one is the natural beauty,” Perron told 6 News. “Number two is that you can get on the courses and you don’t have to fight for a tee time.”

“A lot of it is mountain golf,” Houston added. “We have a lot of elevation changes. People enjoy that when they’re use to playing flat courses.”

Course layout is just part of the attraction. The elements also play a key role.

“Every day we will be 8 to 9 degrees cooler than what you’ll find in Knoxville, Nashville or Chattanooga,” said Houston.

“It’s a little bit cooler then what you would get in Knoxville and Nashville,” Peterson added. “It’s a little bit of a breather in the summer time in that aspect.”

Whether it is one of Fairfield Glade’s five courses, or Lake Tansi, Bear Trace or any of the areas ten locations, Cumberland County is truly a destination for those who love the grand old game.

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