Smyrna Golf Course - Regulation Course

I rated this course awhile ago, and gave it a three star. Today, after play, the manager "Hal" asked me to talk with him a bit about my evaluation. He made some really good points. Good enough in fact, that I decided to come and re-look at how I saw things. My major bone of contention is that Smyrna charges more for those outside of Smyrna for yearly membership. They recently changed so players outside of Smyrna can no longer get new memberships. They DID "Grandfather" in any existing players that wanted to stay on. After speaking to Hal, I honestly can see their perspective. I still don't agree with it, as I live in LaVergne, do business in Smyrna and figure we should be included. But is just that, my opinion. Really, that is not why I changed my rating. So, why did I? Well, how many place have you played golf that even seemed to READ your rating, or cared? Hall did read it. Hall does care. The staff is, and was never an issue. Nicer people can not be found to do business with. And when Hal spoke to me, it was with Genuine Concern for their product and service and to be sure I understood what had been done FOR the current members and to let me know that All are welcome and wanted at this course. Membership is just a tricky "business" subject and so I changed my rating to ONLY reflect the course, staff and whether or not I would recommend it. I would. Absolutely. If you go play there, you will find a good course, fair price and great staff. And, at the end of the day, isn't that why you go to play? Great job guys. Just sorry you decided to charge more for "Out of Towners" like me and my friends, and that business dictates you made the decision to exclude us from LaVergne, from future joining in membership.

Went out midday, was a SUPER windy day so I'll write off all the leaves and brush and whatnot on the course.

Practice area isn't too bad, though they probably need to update the yardages at the driving range. Range balls are atrocious, but that's pretty normal for a muni.

Pro Shop was well stocked, staff was friendly as always. A lot of leeway given to 'regulars,' usually over the loudspeaker right by the first tee which can get annoying ("HEY DAVE, WANNA GO WITH THE 12:15 GROUP?" etc.).

Course was very wet after 3 days of rain, but still very well maintained. Tee boxes were fine for the circumstance. They could and should have someone coming around to check on the garbage cans, ball washers, etc. I found a lot of that stuff lacking. No water stations to be found outside of the couple toilet houses along the course.

Pace of play was pretty slow, and with no ranger or anything to be able to keep players on track, it feels a little Wild West. Maybe with the Cart Path Only rule in place for the day? No drink/snack service on the course, so not seeing them isn't a surprise.

Fairways were in MOSTLY good shape, the odd dry patch here and there, a little bit of crabgrass creeping onto the course. Greens were in remarkably good shape, aside from a lot of mud around the hills and banks directly around the greens. Maybe a rain factor, but it still felt pretty lackluster in terms of maintenance.

All in all, a pretty dang good muni course as always!

Except for a few bald patches off the main fairway, course is in excellent shape for early spring. Greens are in great shape…rolling true with some subtle reads. Staff is friendly and helpful as usual. Pace of play was good even with a match in progress in front. Paired up with Brad on the back and had an enjoyable round and played better because of his company. Always enjoy playing here.

Good bunch of people working there. Good municipal course to have fun with your pals and to hone your skills. One of the staff “Randy” even came to the parking lot and changed a flat tire for me.

Greens were ok about a week or 2 after areation still bumpy

To be fair it’s mid March, the issue is Bermuda grass. It was last cut very short and now is presently completely dormant. This basically leaves you mud with straw fairways and tee boxes. I found it more pleasing to play from the rough at least their was some grass. For this time of year the greens were in good shape. Thumbs up there. Recommend recommend temporarily practice mats next to tee boxes in winter/ early spring til the grass starts growing again especially on the par 3’s.

While the greens were in exceptionally good condition and putted true and consistent all day long, the fairways had been / were cut down to the "nubs" which made them like hardpan. This made shots off the turf very difficult with little or no grass in a lot of spots, and on top of damp / wet conditions due to rain the previous evening. We were thankful on occasion to hit our ball into the rough where we had some semblance of grass to play on.
I told my playing buddy at one point that I could count the sparse number of bermuda grass runners on the turf. Recommendation: Keep bermuda at higher length for winter months. Again, to the credit of course caretakers, the greens were in outstanding condition and ran fast and true! PS - Smyrna Golf Course keeps their prices well below all the other golf courses in Rutherford County, and even on Fridays - the best bargain for a round of golf.

Staff is great here and course is alway in good shape.

Course seems to drain well after two days of rain. They let us drive on the course and no damage to the fairways were apparent. Good times but limited selection for players over lunch at snack bar.