River Island isn't what you expect from a typical Tennessee golf course. Honestly, if you’re driving out toward Kodak, just past the Knoxville city limits, you might expect the standard rolling hills or maybe some dense woodland tracks that eat up golf balls. But River Island Golf TN is a different beast entirely. It’s sitting right there on the banks of the French Broad River, and the way Arthur Hills designed this place back in the late 90s is kind of genius, though it'll frustrate the living daylights out of you if you’re off your game.
It’s rugged.
The layout spreads across 175 acres of what was basically an old farm, but don't let the pastoral setting fool you. You’ve got water on half the holes. Not just "look at the pretty pond" water, but actual, "the river is right there and it wants your Titleist" water. It’s a links-style approach but with that distinct East Tennessee elevation that makes club selection a total nightmare for the uninitiated.
The French Broad Factor
Most people think "River Island" is just a catchy marketing name. It isn't. The course actually features holes that play along—and sometimes over—the French Broad River. This creates a specific micro-climate. Early morning tee times often deal with a thick, heavy fog that rolls off the water, making the first three holes feel like you're golfing in a dream or a horror movie, depending on how your slice is looking that day.
When the wind kicks up off the river, this par-72 layout plays much longer than the 7,000 yards listed on the back tees. You'll hear locals talk about "The Island" holes, particularly the stretch where you feel completely disconnected from the mainland. It’s quiet out there. You might see a bald eagle or a blue heron before you see another golfer on the parallel fairway.
Why the Layout Challenges Modern Golfers
Arthur Hills is known for being a bit of a trickster. He doesn't just give you a flat lie and say "hit it." At River Island Golf TN, he uses the natural mounds to create uneven stances even when you're right in the middle of the fairway. It’s annoying. But it’s also brilliant because it forces you to actually think about your approach shot instead of just checking your GPS and swinging away.
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The greens are typically bentgrass, which is standard for the region, but they are kept surprisingly fast. If you’re used to the slower, shaggier greens of some public muni courses in Knoxville, you’re going to three-putt the first four holes. Guaranteed. They have these subtle breaks that follow the drainage toward the river. Even if the putt looks flat, it's probably breaking toward the water.
- The Signature 15th: This is the one everyone posts on Instagram. It’s a par 3 that requires a carry over the water. It’s not exceptionally long, but when the wind is coming at you from the river, that 160-yard shot feels like 190.
- The Finishing Stretch: Holes 16 through 18 are designed to ruin your scorecard. If you’ve managed to keep a good round going, this is where the pressure hits.
Misconceptions About the Location
People often lump River Island in with the "tourist golf" of Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. That’s a mistake. While it’s close enough for a day trip if you’re staying in a cabin, it doesn't have that "mini-golf on steroids" vibe you find closer to the Parkway. It feels like a serious golfer's course. You won't find Go-Karts roaring in the background or neon signs.
It's actually located in Kodak, TN. Most folks know Kodak because of the Bass Pro Shops or the Smokies Stadium, but once you turn off toward the river, the atmosphere changes instantly. It becomes rural, quiet, and honestly, a bit intimidating. The drive in takes you through some winding backroads that make you wonder if you’re in the right place, but then the clubhouse appears on the ridge and you realize why they picked this spot.
The Maintenance Reality
Let’s be real for a second: keeping a river-side course in pristine condition in the Tennessee heat is a massive undertaking. In the peak of July and August, the humidity here is thick enough to chew. The grounds crew at River Island Golf TN generally does a solid job, but because it’s a links-style course, you have to expect some brown in the fescue during the dry months.
Some golfers complain about the "roughness" of the native areas. To those people, I say: stay in the fairway. The course is meant to be a bit wild. If you’re looking for a perfectly manicured, carpet-like experience where every blade of grass is pointing the same way, go play a private country club in West Knoxville. River Island is about the elements. It’s about the river, the wind, and the dirt.
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Real Talk on Pricing and Access
One of the best things about this spot is that it remains a public-access course. You don't need a golden key or a $10,000 initiation fee to play here. However, the "dynamic pricing" model that many courses have adopted means weekend mornings can get a bit pricey for the area.
If you want the best value, you look for those mid-week tee times or the "twilight" rates. Playing River Island at 4:00 PM in the summer is incredible. The sun starts to dip toward the river, the shadows across the mounds get long and dramatic, and the temperature finally drops below "sauna" levels.
What You Should Bring
Don't show up with just a half-dozen balls. Seriously. Even if you're a low handicapper, the river and the tall fescue grass are hungry. I’ve seen guys lose a sleeve of balls before they even hit the turn. Also, bring a camera. The view from the clubhouse deck overlooking the 18th and the river is one of the better vistas in East Tennessee golf.
The clubhouse itself is functional—it’s not a five-star resort, but they’ve got a solid grill. The burger is actually better than it has any right to be. It’s the kind of place where you grab a domestic beer and a sandwich after the round and talk about the birdie you almost had on 15.
Strategic Tips for the Round
- Respect the River: On the holes that run parallel to the French Broad, aim away from the water. Even if it leaves you a longer shot in, the "safe" side usually has more room than it looks like from the tee.
- Check the Grain: On the greens, look at where the river is. Everything wants to go that way.
- Club Up: The elevation changes are deceptive. If you think it’s a 7-iron, it’s probably a 6.
- Embrace the Bump and Run: Since it’s a links-style layout, you don't always have to fly the ball to the hole. Using the contours to roll the ball onto the green is often the smarter play, especially when the wind is up.
The Verdict on River Island Golf TN
It’s a polarizing course. Some people hate the blind shots and the quirky bounces. They think it's unfair. Others—the ones who like a bit of a gamble—absolutely love it. It’s a thinking man’s course. If you just want to grip it and rip it without any consequence, you’re going to have a long, expensive day.
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But if you appreciate a layout that respects the land it’s built on, you’ll find it’s one of the most memorable rounds in the state. It’s got personality. It’s got teeth. It’s exactly what Tennessee golf should feel like: a bit rugged, a bit beautiful, and totally unforgiving if you disrespect it.
Practical Next Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head out to River Island, don't just wing it. The course stays busy, especially during the spring "golf season" when everyone is itching to get out.
First, check the weather specifically for Kodak, TN, not just Knoxville. The river valley traps moisture and can be 5 degrees cooler or significantly foggier than the city. You don’t want to be surprised by a 2-hour fog delay when you’ve got a 7:30 AM tee time.
Second, book your tee time at least a week in advance if you're aiming for a weekend. You can usually find the best rates directly on their website rather than using third-party booking apps that tack on extra fees.
Third, prepare your bag for a variety of lies. Since this isn't a flat course, make sure you've practiced hitting off uphill and downhill slopes. You'll be doing a lot of that. Ensure your wedges are clean; the turf can be tight near the greens, and you’ll need all the spin you can get.
Finally, set your GPS for 915 River Island Blvd, Kodak, TN. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes for the drive once you get off the main highway—the roads are narrow and you'll likely get stuck behind a tractor or a slow-moving truck at least once. It's all part of the experience. Once you pull into the lot, head straight to the practice green to get a feel for the speed. You’re going to need it.