Knoxville considers replacing its 18-hole municipal course with nine holes: public hearing set for October 27

A major question for public golf in Knoxville

The future of Knoxville Municipal Golf Course, at 3925 Schaad Road, Knoxville, Tennessee 37921, is under public review. The City of Knoxville, Knox County, the Knoxville–Knox County Sports Authority and Visit Knoxville are considering how to redevelop an approximately 156-acre property while retaining some form of public golf. One concept would replace the existing 18-hole arrangement with a nine-hole or par-3 course, supported by practice and learning facilities.

The distinction matters: this is a proposal, not an approved redesign. Officials have not authorized the closure of the current course or selected a final layout.

How the land might change

Under the concepts being explored, the site could combine a smaller public golf facility with a complex of rectangular playing fields suitable for soccer, lacrosse, flag football and similar sports. Organizers say the aim is to serve local youth and adult leagues while also attracting regional sports tournaments. Supporting parking, infrastructure and potentially hospitality, retail or other commercial amenities are also being discussed.

For golfers, the central question is what a shorter format would mean in practice. A nine-hole or par-3 course could expand access to lessons and quick rounds, but it would not provide the same 18-hole experience that the public facility currently represents. No final tee-time policies, pricing, detailed routing or construction closure dates have been announced.

The public consultation calendar

A draft request for proposals (RFP) was released for public review on October 15, 2026. A community listening session followed on October 22. The next public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 9:00–10:30 a.m. local time, at the Knoxville Municipal Golf Course clubhouse, 3925 Schaad Road. Written comments are accepted through November 2.

According to the organizers’ tentative timetable, the final RFP could be issued on November 16, 2026, with development submissions due January 22, 2027. Proposals would then be opened to public scrutiny, followed by a February public forum and an anticipated Sports Authority recommendation to city and county officials in late March 2027. These steps do not amount to final project approval.

What to watch next

This process raises a wider question about how cities balance access to affordable full-length golf with demand for other recreational facilities. A final plan would need to clarify public access, the number of holes, practice opportunities, operating costs and how facilities would be shared by residents and visiting tournament participants.

Confirmed: public consultation is underway and a redevelopment concept exists. Not confirmed: a decision to reduce the course to nine holes, a construction start, any closure date or an approved design. The official project hub, including participation information and supporting documents, is available at https://www.visitknoxville.com/knox-sports-authority/knoxville-municipal-golf-course-redevelopment/.

Image note: illustrative 2012 photograph of Pine Hill Municipal Golf Course in Memphis, Tennessee; it does not show Knoxville Municipal Golf Course or a proposed design.