A Course with Character
Arnold AFB plays as a tight, tree-lined nine that'll test your course management skills. I had the chance to chat with Steve, the general manager who's been transforming this place. Grab a sweet tea and let me tell you about it. 

Steve's advice for high handicappers like me? "Don't use your driver. It's a pretty tight course." Accuracy with your irons is a must here. 

The Trees
You can’t talk about the Arnold Golf Course without mentioning the trees. Big, tall, beautiful, ball-hungry trees are all around. Those trees will make a golfer say golf words. On the bright side, when you do find the trees (and you will), there's plenty of room to punch back out. No need to take an unplayable like at some courses where the pines are packed tighter than sardines. Just be kind to the local deer, they won’t openly give you grief when looking for your ball.

The course personality changes with the seasons too. Summer means target golf where you can fire at pins, but come fall and winter, Steve warns to "take about 10 yards off because they're a little hard during that time." Think of it as getting two different courses for the price of one!

Challenges and Rewards
My most challenging hole here was number 5, a beast of a par 3 stretching 229 yards. Between this hole and the signature par 5 ninth with its 90-degree dogleg, you'll want to pack at least two sleeves of balls.

But my most enjoyable hole? That'd be number 3, a gentle dogleg left that slides downhill toward a reachable green. It’s a rewarding hole for weekend warriors, the kind of hole where dreams of birdie actually feel possible.

More Than Just Nine Holes

Take a look around at all this place has to offer. The clubhouse is super nice with a great view of the course. There’s a fully stocked pro shop, separate putting and chipping greens, and a beautiful driving range. On the chipping green, you can practice out to nearly 130 yards.

Fuel Up at Albatross Cafe

After your round, head to the Albatross Cafe for some quality food. I’m told that the calzones and paninis are crowd favorites. A local recommended the po'boy with homemade remoulade sauce, and that was a great choice. I’m not a foodie and don’t know all the foodie words, but this was tasty and delicious, a great combination of taste and texture.

The People Make the Difference
I found the customer service here to be exceptional. If you are close enough to talk to somebody, they’re going to greet you like a friend. It’s a very welcoming environment.

One thing about Arnold AFB is the unique mix of people. With only about 50 enlisted personnel, the base is primarily DOD civilians working at the test facility, picture engineers, technicians, and professionals from all walks of life. It’s definitely got a different feel than other installations.

Continuous Improvement
Steve, the manager, is working his plan. The pro shop has been revitalized. They just revamped the cart paths. Now they're renovating tee boxes two per year over the next four years, fixing irrigation, fertilizing fairways, and improving drainage.

Future dreams include redoing bunkers, expanding the putting green, and maybe even adding TopTracer technology to the driving range.

Final Thoughts: You'll Want to Come Back
You’re going to like it here at Arnold Air Force Base Golf Course, where quality golf meets Tennessee charm in America's greenest state. Life is short, make the drive to Middle Tennessee!

Around the Area
You're in prime Tennessee territory here! Jack Daniel's Distillery is just 30 minutes away in Lynchburg. Nashville's an hour and a half north with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Broadway honky-tonks. Gatlinburg and Dollywood are about two hours southeast. Plus there are several state parks within 45 minutes if you're looking to extend your Tennessee adventure.