So, I found myself heading out to Gaylord Golf in Nashville, TN, not too long ago. It wasn’t some grand, meticulously planned expedition, you know? More like, I was chatting with a buddy, and we just kinda decided, “Hey, let’s go hit some balls there.” Sounded like a decent enough idea at the time, so I started looking into it.
Getting Things Sorted
First off, actually booking a tee time wasn’t too bad, did it online. Picked a slot that worked. Then, of course, you gotta figure out where you’re staying. Nashville’s got options, but if you’re playing at the Gaylord course, which is Gaylord Springs Golf Links, staying at the Opryland resort itself seems convenient, right? That place is massive, by the way. Like a whole world inside a building. I walked around in there for a bit before even thinking about golf. It’s got gardens, rivers, shops, restaurants – the works. Almost got lost a couple of times just trying to find my way around. It’s a real spectacle, I’ll give it that, a bit of a sensory overload, if I’m honest.
Hitting the Links at Gaylord Springs
Alright, so the day of golf arrived. I drove over to Gaylord Springs. The staff I interacted with at the pro shop were friendly enough, got me checked in. I rented clubs because dragging mine all the way there just wasn’t happening for this trip. They weren’t top-of-the-line, but they did the job. I headed out to the driving range to warm up a bit, hit a small bucket of balls. Felt okay.
Then it was time to actually play the course. It’s a pretty course, lots of water, which always makes me a little nervous. The Cumberland River runs right alongside it. I teed off, and my first drive was… acceptable. Didn’t lose it, which is always a good start for me.
- I remember one par 4, dogleg left, with water all down the left side. I aimed way right, played it safe.
- There was another hole where I completely mishit my approach shot. Thought it was heading for a watery grave, but it somehow stayed dry. Pure luck.
- My buddy, on the other hand, was feeding the fish pretty consistently. We had a good laugh about that.
The course conditions were decent. Greens rolled pretty true, maybe a little slower than I expected, but not bad. The fairways were in good shape. I walked most of it, pulling my cart, trying to take it all in. It’s definitely a resort-style course, so it’s challenging but not gonna beat you up too badly if you’re just out to have a good time. I managed to make a few pars, a bunch of bogeys, and a couple of those “let’s not talk about it” scores. You know how it is.
Post-Round Thoughts and Other Stuff
After the round, we grabbed a drink and some food at the clubhouse. Standard clubhouse fare, nothing to write home about, and yeah, it was resort prices, so be prepared for that if you go. We sat there for a bit, rehashed our best and worst shots, the usual post-golf ritual.
Overall, playing golf at Gaylord in Nashville was an experience. The course was enjoyable, and the whole Gaylord Opryland complex is something to see, almost like its own little bubble. It’s one of those places you go, you see it, you do the thing. I think I prefer courses that are a bit more out in the sticks, less… polished, maybe? But for what it is, a big resort golf experience, it delivered. I got what I expected, pretty much. I played some golf, saw some sights, and emptied my wallet a little bit. That’s the Nashville way, I guess, especially around those big attractions. Would I rush back? Maybe if a good deal came up. It was a day out, and I knocked a golf ball around, so can’t complain too much, right?
