You’ve probably seen the signs for Ted Rhodes Park while driving down Ed Temple Boulevard, just north of the TSU campus. Maybe you thought it was just another municipal golf course. Honestly, it is. But it’s also a lot more than that. It’s a massive 200-plus acre stretch of green right on the banks of the Cumberland River that most people—even locals—don’t actually take advantage of unless they’re carrying a bag of clubs.
If you’re looking for the tourist-heavy vibes of Centennial Park, you won’t find them here. This place is quiet. It’s rugged in spots. And it’s got a history that hits a lot harder than your average city park.
Who Was Ted Rhodes Anyway?
Before we talk about the walking trails or the back nine, we have to talk about the man. Theodore "Ted" Rhodes was a Nashville native. He grew up caddying at Belle Meade Country Club, a place where he wasn't even allowed to play because of the color of his skin.
He was nicknamed "Rags" because he dressed better than everyone else on the green.
Rhodes became a professional golfer in the 1940s and basically forced the PGA to acknowledge that Black golfers existed. When Tiger Woods won the Masters in 1997, he didn't just thank his dad. He specifically called out Ted Rhodes as one of the guys who paved the way. So, when you’re standing at the park entrance, you aren’t just at a sports complex. You’re standing on a monument to a guy who fought Jim Crow with a 5-iron.
The park itself was originally called Cumberland Golf Course when it opened in 1953. It was a 9-hole track back then. In 1969, Councilman Robert Lillard pushed to rename it after Rhodes. It eventually expanded to 18 holes in the early '90s, becoming the links-style course people recognize today.
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The Golf Experience: Links, Lakes, and Mud
Let’s be real for a second about the golf course. It’s a "Muny." If you’re expecting Pebble Beach, you’re in the wrong zip code.
Ted Rhodes Golf Course is a links-style layout. This means it’s relatively flat, open, and has a lot of those tall, wavy grasses you see in Scotland. Because it’s right on the river, the wind can get absolutely wild. One minute you’re hitting a smooth wedge, and the next, the wind is pushing your ball toward the Cumberland.
What to expect on the greens:
- The Front Nine: Generally stays in better shape. It’s wide open and great for high handicappers who tend to spray the ball.
- The Back Nine: This is where things get tricky. It’s built on a floodplain. If Nashville has seen rain in the last week, the back nine is going to be soft. Some golfers call it "The Swamp" when the drainage isn't keeping up.
- The Price: It’s one of the best deals in town. You can usually walk 18 holes for under $40 depending on the day.
There’s no driving range here. That’s a major gripe for a lot of folks. You’ve got a putting green to warm up on, but if you want to bash some drivers before your tee time, you’ll have to stop somewhere else first.
Beyond the Fairway: The "Hidden" Park Side
Most people think if they don't golf, they shouldn't go to Ted Rhodes Park Nashville. That’s a mistake. The park actually wraps around the course and offers some of the most peaceful river views in the city.
The Metro Parks system has integrated the Greenway into this area. If you start at the trailhead near the clubhouse, you can walk or bike along the river for miles. It’s part of the larger Cumberland River Greenway system. You’ll see turtles sunning themselves on logs, blue herons, and occasionally a family of beavers if you're there near dusk.
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It feels isolated. In a city that's growing as fast as Nashville, finding a spot where you can’t hear the hum of 1-40 is getting harder. This is one of those spots.
Picnic and Play
There are basic picnic shelters and a playground. It’s not the newest equipment in the Metro system, but it’s rarely crowded. If you have kids who need to run off some energy while you sit in the shade with a sandwich, it’s a solid choice. Just keep an eye on the weather; because of that river-level elevation, the ground can stay damp longer than other parks.
The Wildlife Situation
Seriously, the wildlife here is better than the Nashville Zoo sometimes. Because the park acts as a buffer between the river and the industrial/residential parts of North Nashville, it’s a corridor for animals.
I’ve seen deer crossing the fairways at 10:00 AM. The lakes on the course are full of fish, though you should check local regulations before tossing a line in. It’s an urban ecosystem that works surprisingly well despite being surrounded by the city.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning to head out there, keep a few things in mind so you don't end up disappointed.
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1. Check the Schedule.
The golf course is usually closed on Tuesdays for maintenance. If you’re planning to use the clubhouse facilities or want to play, don’t show up on a Tuesday. The park and Greenway trails usually remain open, but the main gate to the golf parking might be restricted.
2. Mind the Mud.
I can't stress this enough. If it rained yesterday, wear boots if you’re walking the trails and expect "cart path only" if you’re golfing. The Cumberland River doesn't play around when it comes to moisture.
3. Safety and Surroundings.
The park is in North Nashville. Like any urban park, don't leave valuables in your car. The area is generally quiet and filled with regulars, but it’s just good common sense.
4. Booking Tee Times.
If you want to golf, call ahead. While you can sometimes walk on as a single, the weekends get packed with local leagues and the "Duffers Golf Association," a legendary local group that’s been playing here for decades.
Is It Worth the Trip?
If you want a manicured, "Disney-fied" park experience, go to Percy Warner. But if you want to see a piece of Nashville history, walk a trail where you might actually see a beaver, or play a round of golf that won't break your bank account, Ted Rhodes Park is the spot.
It’s a place that honors a man who wasn't allowed to play, by making sure everyone else can. That's a pretty cool legacy for a patch of land by the river.
Actionable Next Steps
- For Walkers: Park near the clubhouse at 1901 Ed Temple Blvd and look for the Greenway signs to head toward the river. The loop around the wetlands is roughly 2 miles and offers the best bird-watching.
- For Golfers: Call the pro shop at (615) 862-8463 to check course conditions, especially if there has been recent rain. Ask specifically if the back nine is open.
- For History Buffs: Visit the small memorial markers near the clubhouse entrance to read more about Ted Rhodes' impact on the PGA and his friendship with Joe Louis.