Sweetens Cove, a renowned golf destination in Tennessee, has announced its exciting expansion plans, which include the introduction of a 13-hole illuminated short course designed by King Collins Dormer Design. This eagerly awaited addition is set to debut next summer.
The innovative new course layout will intertwine with Sweetens Cove’s existing 9-hole setup, allowing for dynamic and creative cross-country play. This public facility operates on a unique model where guests can purchase all-day passes instead of booking specific tee times, similar to the system used at many ski resorts.
“We aim to seamlessly integrate the two courses to enhance Sweetens Cove’s already vibrant and explorative atmosphere,” explained architect Rob Collins. Collins, alongside Tad King, initially transformed the current nine holes of the course, which opened its doors in 2014.
The new golf course marks a pivotal phase in Sweetens Cove’s long-term development strategy, which will also introduce stay-and-play options with the construction of one-bedroom cabins, expected to open by 2028. Additional enhancements, made possible through a partnership with Reef Capital—the developers behind Utah’s Black Desert Resort—include a restaurant and bar exclusive to on-site guests, a vast putting green, a micro-distillery for Sweetens Cove Spirits, a fishing dock by the sixth hole, and a skeet shooting range.
“Sweetens is set to become the ultimate 24/7 golf paradise,” Collins enthused. He is also celebrated nationally for his co-designs at Landmand in Nebraska, Crossroads at Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina, The Bounty Club in Tennessee, and Red Feather in Texas.
These new amenities and experiences aim to provide relaxed social settings for visitors who journey to South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Nestled in the scenic Sequatchie Valley, Sweetens Cove offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and is conveniently located less than 30 minutes from Chattanooga. It is also within a three-hour drive from major cities such as Atlanta, Birmingham, Knoxville, and Nashville.
“Sweetens will be the ultimate 24-hour golf playground,” says Collins, who has also gained national acclaim for co-designs such as Landmand (Nebraska), Crossroads at Palmetto Bluff (South Carolina), The Bounty Club (Tennessee), and Red Feather (Texas).
Aerial view of the work being done on the new course at Sweetens Cove.
Sweetens Cove
All the added amenities and planned offerings are intended to create more casual gathering spaces for guests who make the journey to South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Boasting views of the Appalachian Mountains, Sweetens Cove is a links-style course located in the Sequatchie Valley, less than 30 minutes from Chattanooga and within a three-hour drive of cities such as Atlanta, Birmingham, Knoxville, and Nashville.
“We have always prided ourselves on offering a golf experience unlike any other, one where every golfer has access to incredible architecture at an affordable price,” said General Manager Matthew Adamski, who is part of a diverse ownership group that includes Collins as well as a pair of professional athletes with Tennessee ties in Peyton Manning and Andy Roddick. But it’s the alignment with (and capital from) Reef, which became a full partner at Sweetens Cove in 2024, that’s pushing the expansion forward at what the company views as a legacy project.
Sweetens Cove is a mountain course with a links-like feel and aesthetic.
Sweetens Cove
“These new additions will only enhance what our guests experience on property and further cement Sweetens as the ultimate golf destination,” said Adamski. “Our new model allows guests to take full advantage of everything this place has to offer, and that is what makes time stand still and friendships grow stronger. At the end of the day, everyone needs a little more Sweetens in their life.”
The investment being made at Sweetens Cove, a destination property in Tennessee, comes amid record levels for golf travel.
Sweetens Cove
From a golf standpoint, Sweetens Cove is revered for its Scottish spirit, with classical architectural features, dramatic contours, tightly mown turf, and wildly creative bunkering. But it might be best known for its unique model of all-day passes rather than tee times, with guests gathering each morning to get detailed information about course conditions and how the day will operate. Daily rates range from $140 (walking) to $190 (with cart) for all-day play during peak season.
The property’s operating structure will remain the same with the forthcoming changes, only with additional guest passes added to accommodate the new short course.
Sweetens Cove has an operating model that involves all-day golf passes rather than standard tee times.
Sweetens Cove
The private 5,100-square-foot restaurant and bar will be reserved for players with golf packages and open in Fall of 2027. There will also be a micro-distillery and a bottle shop, with the distillery open to the public as a tasting room with bottles available for purchase.
In addition to the 13 new holes and the massive putting green, which is set to debut in spring 2027, plans call for three simulator bays, club fitting and retail, and more. The expansion effort at Sweetens Cove comes as golf travel in the U.S. has hit record levels in recent years, with the National Golf Foundation reporting more than 12 million golfers traveling annually to play the game.
