Fairfield Glade Resort

Fairfield Glade in Crossville, Tennessee offers five (5) golf courses (90 holes) that rival some of the best in the Southeast and probably most of the country. The best part is this scenic 12,500-acre semi-private resort loaded with amenities is available for the public to enjoy. Fairfield Glade is less than a two-hour drive from Nashville, Chattanooga, or Knoxville. For those of you who thought this development was only for property and Wyndham timeshare owners, then we are going to tell you how you can enjoy this most beautiful all-around resort...that's right...five golf courses?

We began visiting Fairfield Glade in the mid-'70s when living in the Nashville area. An easy two-hour drive and ideal for long weekends with golfing friends allowed us to enjoy three or four rounds over a three-day, two-night stay. When the time came for deciding on a place to spend the summer in semi-retirement, Fairfield Glade was a perfect fit. The location places us two hours from both of our married children and grandchildren and offers plenty of entertainment for all of us.
St. George Marina (top) completed in 1971 offering more places for people to build homes and enjoy boating, fishing and gorgeous vistas on this 105-acre lake. The 500-acre Lake Dartmoor (center) offers a full-service marina and boat storage. Today, a total of 11 lakes offer fishing and boating to visitors and owners. (bottom) Stonehenge Grille.

Before giving a detailed description and how to make reservations, let us give a brief history and background of the Glade, as many locals call it.

In the early and mid-'60s, a developer built some small summer homes on very remote land and some 12 miles north of Crossville. The region is known as the Cumberland Plateau with elevations of some 2,000-plus feet, causing the summer temperatures to be some five to ten degrees cooler than Middle Tennessee and even Knoxville. Fairfield Properties based in Little Rock, Arkansas, also realized the potential for the area and purchased what had been built and amassed some 12,500 acres to create Fairfield Glade in 1970.

During the first five years, the Druid Hills golf course and clubhouse were built along with nearly 400 units of condominiums and housing. This was also a period of building infrastructure and creating room for expansion. The resort was taking shape and people were buying summer and permanent homes.

By the early '80s the 18-hole Dorchester golf course was built and so was the championship Stonehenge course, including their pro shops opening more land for development with beautiful views. St. George Marina was completed in 1971 offering more places for people to build homes and enjoy boating, fishing and gorgeous vistas on this 105-acre lake. By 1995, the 500-acre Lake Dartmoor opened with a full-service marina and boat storage and provided the additional lakefront property with fabulous views. Today, a total of 11 lakes offer fishing and boating to visitors and owners.

Over 13 years, the Heatherhurst golf courses were developed and are now named The Crag and The Brae. These 36-holes were completed in 2000 and we now enjoy our relaxing summers living on The Crag. The attractiveness of the five courses has brought not only day and overnight visitors to Fairfield Glade, but also long-term rentals, conference groups and Wyndham Timeshare owners. One and two-bedroom condos can be booked through Fairfield Glade reservations at 931-707-2052, e-mail: info@fairfieldglade.cc. or online at www.FairfieldGladeResort.com. Thus, bringing us to a brief description of all the courses, accommodations and amenities

There are 5350 single-family homes, condos and townhomes in Fairfield Glade. Rentals range from one to five bedrooms with full kitchens, baths and porches/decks.

There are several hotels located near Fairfield Glade. These larger units can only be booked through www.fairfieldgladeresort.com.

In 2000, the Tennessee Department of Tourism named Cumberland County the "Golf Capital of Tennessee." Including the five golf courses at Fairfield Glade, there are 10 courses in the county, and within a half-hour's drive, you'll find more than 25 golfing layouts you can play.

Druid Hills was the first course built (1971) at Fairfield Glade and offers spectacular views on both the front and back nine. It was designed by Leon Howard. You'll find the elevations set this course apart and the fairways are most forgiving. The first and tenth holes require a hook in your drives.

When playing one of the State's most scenic holes, #14, make sure you hit the back area of the green since the front is protected by a small lake. On #15, a par 3, keep your shot towards the back as the green is designed with a severe "tilt" to the front. The 18th, par 5 demands a long drive and second shot to an elevated green. Overall, this is a very scenic and challenging course.

In 2015, a new Dorchester clubhouse was built. A state-of-the-art facility and indication of Fairfield Glade constantly improving facilities.
Dorchester's #14, par 5, is a test for any golfer's skills.

Dorchester was the second course built (1980) and probably one of our two favorites. In 2015, a new clubhouse was built in the same location where the former stood. It is a state-of-the-art facility and a great indication of how Fairfield Glade is constantly improving the facilities. Favorite holes on this course have to be #13 and #14. Thirteen is a par 3 with a tee situated some 100 feet above the green with a stream behind it lined in mountain laurel and stretching some 127 yards from the middle tee. The #14, par 5, is a test for any golfer's skills. From the tips, the hole is some 525 yards (451 from the white tees), doglegging left about 240 from the middle tee, crossing a beautiful stream twice, once at about 245 and once approaching the green. This beautiful and delightful layout was designed by golf course architect Bobby Greenwood.

The championship Stonehenge course, opened in 1984, is the stage for the Tennessee PGA Senior Open in May and Tennessee Women's Open in July. Designed by golf course architect, Joe Lee, Stonehenge is consistently named by Golfweek one of the best public courses to play in the State of Tennessee. It has also been named one of Tennessee's best public courses by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine for many years. Stonehenge was named #3 in the State of Tennessee places you can play for 2016/2017 by Golf Magazine. This has to be one of Lee's best and most prestigious. He also designed Disney's three premier courses the Palm, Magnolia and Buena Vista layouts. This golf course creator who passed away in 2003 built friendly golf courses...but, challenging. Notable holes on Stonehenge include #'s 8, 14 and 15. Eight (500 yds.) and #15 (501 yds.) are extremely difficult par 5's with forced carries. Fourteen is a scenic par 3 with a 95 foot elevated tee and yardage of some 148 white/161 blue tees yards to a green situated with picturesque Lake Dartmoor as a stunning backdrop. This is probably the most photographed hole at Fairfield Glade.

Designed by golf course architect, Joe Lee, Stonehenge has been named one of Tennessee's best public courses by Golf Digest, Golf Week and Golf Magazine for many years. Above: Stonehenge numbers 14, 15 and 18.

The Crag and Brae courses are two delightful 18-hole courses designed by Gary Roger Baird and play out of the Heatherhurst Golf Clubhouse. The first 9-holes of the courses began to play in 1987 with the second 9 opening in 1988, followed by the third 9 in 1990 and the final 9 to complete the 36 holes was in 2000. Again, indicating the continuous upgrading and expansion of this multi-faceted resort.

The Crag and The Brae play out of the Heatherhurst Clubhouse. Top two photos are The Brae #4 & #10. Bottom two photos are The Crag #17 & #12.

To describe the Crag as the least challenging course of the five would not be fair. Some holes will spoil a good round and some will bring you back to play it again. The back nine provides more elevations and memorable holes are #'s 10, 12 and 17. Number 10 is a long sweeping 485 blue/463 white tees and wide par 5. While #12 is a par 3, with elevated tee and stream protecting the front and right side of the green, requires an accurate tee shot to capture a birdie or par. Number 17 is certainly the signature and scenic hole on The Crag. This par-4, 368 blue/330 white yard golf hole place the tee box on an elevation of some 110 feet to a rather narrow landing area with a creek on the left. Your second shot should be reachable with a 6 to 9 iron, depending on your drive. Get your camera out for this one!

Probably the other course in our top two at Fairfield Glade would be The Brae. Recently, Golfweek Magazine named it to the top 5 best public courses in the State. A most forgiving course and yet a very challenging course. From your first drive to your last putt, this beautiful and well-designed golf course is just a delight to play. Be warned holes number 4, 9 and 17 will require your best swings. Number 4 could be the number one handicap golf hole in the State of Tennessee and certainly at Fairfield Glade. This par-5, 515 blue/495 white yard hole requires three forced carries including a minimum 175 to 200-yard drive over a ravine and twice over a natural stream. Walking away with a bogie on this one is almost like making a birdie.

Bring your "A" game for this hole. Holes 9 (a par 4) and 17 (a par 3) are long...reaching the green in regulation is commendable. The best photo op on this course will be the par-5, #10 with elevation sweeping down to a beautiful setting for the green, again, with Lake Dartmoor in the background.
Year-round indoor pool at the Center houses 5,000 sq. ft. convention hall, game room, arts & crafts room, basketball courts, pickle ball courts and banquet & meeting space.

Other resort amenities include tennis courts both inside and outside. During the summer, there are two outdoor swimming pools, plus two sandy beaches at Lake Dartmoor and Lake St. George. Year-round, there is an indoor pool at the Center. The Center also houses a 5,000 square foot convention hall for meetings and banquets, Trackman Golf Simulator room, classroom, basketball courts, pickleball courts and arcade games. Sip & Savor Café is also located in the Center, offering coffee, scones, cookies, snacks and cold drinks. Outside catering is available for banquets, weddings and other occasions. Eight pickleball courts were recently added outside adjacent to the Racquet Center. The Racquet Center is currently being renovated adding a beautiful new entrance, lobby and pro-shop

Speaking of food and beverage, the recently renovated Stonehenge Grille is open year-round for full menu service and provides a lovely view of the 18th hole. Both Dorchester and Heatherhurst Clubhouses provide limited food and beverage service. The Village Green Mall offers shopping, a small grocery store, spa, salon and restaurants. Over 130 events are planned throughout the year including holiday festivals, concerts, fireworks, craft shows and farmer's markets, just to name a few.

When grandchildren visit, we'll spend time in the Druid Hills family recreational area with a large swimming pool, children's playground, shuffleboard, miniature golf, horseshoes and picnic tables. This area also offers an enjoyable Plateau Creative Arts Center and Library. A short drive past Dorchester Golf Club are stables offering horseback trail rides and hayrides.

When it comes to scenic beauty and enjoyment of the great outdoors, Fairfield Glade has a very active group that maintains miles of nature and hiking trails. Viewing a variety of birds, small animals and deer are sometimes taken for granted by those of us living here. This place is awesome when it comes to getting close to nature and its wildlife. Sure beats the hustle and bustle of big city life!

Keeping fit and active is easy to enjoy with the state-of-the-art Wellness Center with an indoor track, pool and every imaginable exercise machine you could desire.

As one can see, Fairfield Glade is continually updating, improving and adding new facilities and products. The recent opening of a new five-lane Peavine Road from I-40 to the heart of The Glade is a welcomed addition along with The Grove, which includes an impressive outdoor stage and amphitheater, which was built near the Village Green Mall behind the Wyndham check-in building to host visiting bands who play weekly to guests at no cost. In five or more years, plans are to build a new Druid Hills Clubhouse.
The Druid Hills family recreational area with large swimming pool, children's playground, shuffle board, miniature golf, horseshoes and picnic tables.

A bright future is in store for Fairfield Glade Resort. Being residents, we feel the oversight of our board and through the management direction of Bob Weber as General Manager and Jeff Houston as Director of Golf, there are lots of grand times and great fun ahead in our semi-retirement.

For reservations and more information:
Phone: 931-707-2052