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Before Nashville Golf and Athletic Club’s 165-yard, par three, sixth hole was dubbed one of the “Most Beautiful, 18 Golf Holes in America” by Sports Illustrated, the club’s land was home to a relative of 19th century frontiersman Davy Crockett, according to the late Club Historian and former Tennessean Sports Editor John R. Bibb.
Bibb, who died in January, detailed the club’s grounds and its humble beginnings on the NAGC website.
A decade after the U.S. won independence from the Britain, Andrew Crocket — Davy's uncle — received a land-grant deed to 640 acres in 1786 to establish a homestead.
In modern times, Crockett’s saplings have grown to mature trees “across a putting green nestled in front of the centerpiece of Nashville Golf & Athletic Club,” Bibb wrote.
Bibb also recounted a local legend that the site of the club's library once served as a structure where Andrew Crockett defended his family during a Native American attack.
The 167‑acre course opened in 1972 under the name Crockett Springs National Golf and Country Club with 22 founding members, including Clarksville native Mason Rudolph, a member of the 1971 U.S. Ryder Cup team.
During his 13‑year PGA Tour career, Rudolph served as the club’s first golf professional, instructing members while balancing his tournament schedule.
“Right now, I would say I probably will try to play approximately 25 tournaments next year,” Rudolph said in a Nov. 16, 1971, article titled “Rudolph Pro At Crockett Springs.” “Naturally, I will have many new responsibilities in setting up and organizing our golf shop and its staff of personnel as well as attending to other matters pertaining to the club.”
In 1973, golf course architect Bob Von Hagge — known as the Marlboro Man — was tasked with expanding the course, adding nine holes and seven additional tees to the original layout. Hagge's nickname, the Marlboro Man, came from his brief appearance in Marlboro cigarette television commercials early in his career.
Membership swelled during the 1970s, surpassing 400 members before the club was sold in 1979. After the sale to Charles W. Whittemore Sr. and his son, the new owners renamed the property Nashville Golf & Athletic Club, a name it still carries in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: The hidden history behind Nashville Golf & Athletic Club
Continue reading...
Bibb, who died in January, detailed the club’s grounds and its humble beginnings on the NAGC website.
A decade after the U.S. won independence from the Britain, Andrew Crocket — Davy's uncle — received a land-grant deed to 640 acres in 1786 to establish a homestead.
In modern times, Crockett’s saplings have grown to mature trees “across a putting green nestled in front of the centerpiece of Nashville Golf & Athletic Club,” Bibb wrote.
Bibb also recounted a local legend that the site of the club's library once served as a structure where Andrew Crockett defended his family during a Native American attack.
The 167‑acre course opened in 1972 under the name Crockett Springs National Golf and Country Club with 22 founding members, including Clarksville native Mason Rudolph, a member of the 1971 U.S. Ryder Cup team.
During his 13‑year PGA Tour career, Rudolph served as the club’s first golf professional, instructing members while balancing his tournament schedule.
“Right now, I would say I probably will try to play approximately 25 tournaments next year,” Rudolph said in a Nov. 16, 1971, article titled “Rudolph Pro At Crockett Springs.” “Naturally, I will have many new responsibilities in setting up and organizing our golf shop and its staff of personnel as well as attending to other matters pertaining to the club.”
In 1973, golf course architect Bob Von Hagge — known as the Marlboro Man — was tasked with expanding the course, adding nine holes and seven additional tees to the original layout. Hagge's nickname, the Marlboro Man, came from his brief appearance in Marlboro cigarette television commercials early in his career.
Membership swelled during the 1970s, surpassing 400 members before the club was sold in 1979. After the sale to Charles W. Whittemore Sr. and his son, the new owners renamed the property Nashville Golf & Athletic Club, a name it still carries in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: The hidden history behind Nashville Golf & Athletic Club
Continue reading...
