KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – A long-standing Knoxville golf course could see major changes under a proposal being considered by both Knoxville City Council and the Knox County Commission.
The proposal would reduce the size of Knoxville Municipal Golf Course on Schaad Road, which has operated since 1984, and convert part of the property into rectangular sports fields designed for activities such as soccer, lacrosse and other field sports.
Under the plan, the golf course would either be reduced to a nine-hole course or reconfigured as a par-3 course, while the remaining acreage would be used to develop new athletic facilities.
Supporters of the proposal say the project would help meet a growing demand for sports fields in Knox County and create new opportunities to attract regional and national tournaments.
Visit Knoxville President Kim Bumpas said the community faces a significant shortage of rectangular athletic fields, limiting its ability to recruit and host large-scale sporting events.
“I think if we applied that to outdoor sports like soccer and lacrosse and any of the variety of sports that play on a rectangle field, I think that just opens up potential new business that we would recruit,” Bumpas said.
Bumpas said the addition of new fields would provide a central location for major tournaments and championship events, helping bring hundreds of teams and their families to Knoxville.
“We’re able to kind of create that environment for an AAU World championships where you’re bringing in hundreds of teams and they’re having this great experience,” she said.
Supporters believe the project could generate additional tourism spending by drawing athletes, coaches and spectators to the region while expanding Knoxville’s sports tourism portfolio beyond traditional convention center events.
Not everyone is focused on the economic impact. For local golfers, the future of one of Knoxville’s municipal courses is also at stake.
Jean Tenhulzen, a former professional golfer and coach who learned the game as a child, said Knoxville Municipal Golf Course remains one of her favorite places to play.
Tenhulzen said that if the course is reduced in size, she would likely continue golfing at nearby courses, including Three Ridges Golf Course.
“Golfers are going to go where golf is,” Tenhulzen said. “I’ll go to Three Ridges, which is the next closest. And it’s a little farther, but it’s worth it.”
Despite her appreciation for the course, Tenhulzen said she supports the proposal if it benefits young athletes and creates more recreational opportunities for children.
“I think it’s great for the kids. And I’m all for it,” she said.
The proposal now heads before local governing bodies for consideration.
Knoxville City Council is scheduled to discuss the proposal Tuesday, while the Knox County Commission is expected to consider the matter during its Aug. 31 meeting.
No final decision has been made, and the future configuration of the golf course remains under review.
