| Related Sections: | Kodak | Sevier County |
River Islands Golf Club
9610 Kodak RdKodak, TN 37764
Phone: (423)933-0100Fax: (423)932-3114
This course is unusual and exquisite because there are three islands and a river coming into play on ten holes. Holes #3, 4, 5, 6, 15, and 16 are all played on the islands. The fairways are open and rolling, and the greens are somewhat sloped and elevated. The signature hole is #3, a 195-yard, par 3, requiring a 150-yard carry over water from an elevated tee to an island green. This was voted the most scenic hole in East Tennessee by the "Knoxville News New-Sentinel." In addition, "Golf Digest" rated this course as the 2nd "Best Public Course" in the state for 1999, and they also rated it as the 8th "Best Overall in State" 1999. For tee times or other information call (800) 34-RIVER.
| Holes: 18 | Greens: Bent Grass | Fairways: Zoysia Grass |
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| Greens Fees: | $20-$49 |
| Course Type: | public |
| Dress Code: | Collared shirt, no cutoffs, denim OK |
| Season: | Open all year |
| Guest Policy: |
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Course reviews for River Islands Golf Club
Average Golfer Review (3.8 Stars):
Number of Reviews: 5
Review this course and share your experience with other golfers.
| 0 of 2 people found the following review helpful: |
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Living 8 min away, Aug 18, 2010 |
| reviewer: Local resident
from Kodak,Tn |
| This is a nice course with beautiful views. I used to play here in the early years averaging 3-4 times a week when the fees to play were reasonable. Seemingly when they got involved with what was the Nike tour at that time they for some reason went sky high on their fees. What gets me is the course is no different from then to now. It's sad when you have family and friends from out of town come in here to visit they can't and I can't afford to pay these prices for ourselves and our kids that want to play along with us. All I can figure is that they want to keep us local rednecks off the course and cater to the yanks that are just visiting. Maybe the day will come when they will need the local money again in order to survive and get reasonable on their rates. |
| 2 of 9 people found the following review helpful: |
 Poor, Poor management, Jul 07, 2007 |
| reviewer: Disappointed
from Tennessee |
| My father and I went to River Islands expecting a relaxing but challenging day of golf. What we experienced was aweful. The recommended pace of play was 4.5 hours. We finished nine holes in 2.5 hours, AS A TWO-SOME. We waited on every single hole and every single shot. No one would let us play through. On top of that, employees were driving everywhere, but none reported slow play. After nine holes, we decided to call it a day. I wanted a raincheck so I went in the clubhouse. The man looked at me funny when I asked for one. I then explained to him the situation and he looked at me in all seriousness and said, I know you have played more than nine holes since you have been gone, the ranger went out around 2:30 and said everything was great. Well we didn't tee off until 3:18 so he wouldn't know what it was like. When we drove through the back nine to get to the clubhouse, there were three groups ahead of us and then nobody for the rest of the course. It was just an infuriating day. And as a side note, I see no reason for this course to be on golf digest's 4 star list. It was just a golf course, I would rather play Eagles Landing near there in Winter than this course. |
| 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful: |
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One of the Best, Dec 01, 2004 |
| reviewer: Glenn Greene
from Tennessee |
| The only complaint I have ever had with River Islands (and I have played it numerous times) is that they have problems with their greens at times being spotty. Other than that this course is one great venue. It can play as tough as any from the tips and is not THAT easy from the forward tees. Rough can be very penal and water holes, well they speak for themselves (2 par 3's cross a portion of the French Broad River and a third runs parallel on both sides). Sometimes pricey but if the greens are in good shape worth it. Fairways second to none and views better than that. |
| 5 of 5 people found the following review helpful: |
 A Gem in the Smokies, Jul 28, 2004 |
| reviewer: Rob McCormack
from Sevierville, TN |
| I have played at River Island many times. It is my favorite course in the Sevier/Knox County area. The views are incredible. The fairways roll and sway in all directions. There are three shots to be made over the French Broad River. One of which ( a par 3) is very challenging. This course is best suited for the golfer in the mid to low handicap range however, anyone can play it and have fun. It is not too long from the whites, but back up to the blue tees and you are in for hard day. There is a great pro shop with food available at the club house and at the turn, another remote snack bar ready to serve you. The prices can be high at times, but this course is worth it. The greens are bent grass, while the fairways are zoysia. I recommend this course to everyone visiting the area. |
| 4 of 4 people found the following review helpful: |
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Don't miss this course, Apr 25, 2004 |
| reviewer: Local Guy
from Jefferson City, TN |
| River Islands is one of those special golf courses which features several unforgettable holes. A 12 handicapper, I've never played this course from the tips where it is notably longer, but even from the mid tees it is all the challenge I would ever want. Fairways are the best I've ever played anywhere, without exaggeration. This area features several fine courses, but if you can only play one in the Knoxville / Pigeon Forge area, this is the one. When I got married, I booked tee times for me and all my out of town groomsmen at River Islands. The course puts white 150 stakes in the center of the fairways. Aim for those and keep it in play, as the rough penalizes you here. Again, this is a fantastic course! |