This year, Old Hickory, Tennessee’s Hermitage Golf Course will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of its first-ever championship layout: the General’s Retreat.
A Gary Roger Baird design, the course has become one of The Volunteer State’s most popular courses, primarily due to its natural views and wide array of challenges for golfers of all skill levels.
“Its debut elevated Hermitage into one of the region’s premier public golf destinations, attracting avid players,” says Courtney Eller, director of marketing. “With its tree-lined fairways and strategic water features, the General’s Retreat established the foundation for Hermitage’s enduring reputation.”
To further enhance Hermitage Golf Course’s reputation, a second championship layout was created in 2000: the President’s Reserve. Designed by Denis Griffiths, the course is completely different than the General’s Retreat. Rather than testing golfers with its tight, tree-lined fairways, the President’s Reserve challenges them in other ways — particularly through its expansive wetlands, as the 300-acre course is nestled along the Cumberland River.
“With its abundant wildlife and dramatic vistas, the President’s Reserve quickly earned national acclaim,” Eller explains. “Its opening marked a defining moment in Hermitage’s story, elevating the property as one of Tennessee’s premier golf destinations and expanding Hermitage Golf Course’s legacy, which began with the General’s Retreat.”
A UNIQUE ADDITION
The bottom line? Hermitage Golf Course has become one of Tennessee’s most popular public golf attractions for two key reasons: its 18-hole championship caliber courses. Each course is highly conditioned, well designed and affordable, too.
Aside from these attributes, golfers have discovered yet another reason to visit, especially during the past 13 years: a flock of 45 Scottish Blackface sheep. Yes, you read that correctly. Forty-five sheep.
“Grazing freely across the property, the sheep became caretakers of the land and beloved mascots for golfers,” Eller emphasizes. “Their presence also brought a touch of Scottish tradition, linking Tennessee golf to the game’s original roots.”
Originating from all over the United States, the sheep are personally cared for by various Hermitage staff members, including General Manager David Cottrell. As a result of this personal care, the sheep have provided consistent entertainment to guests, leading many golfers to return multiple times to see them again.
“No other course around us has anything like this,” Eller says. “People have come from all over the country just to play on the course with the sheep.”
The sheep have become so popular that they’re instantly recognized by thousands of guests annually. Truly, they’ve become a symbol of Hermitage’s charm and character, along with its dedication to offering golf experiences unlike any other.
“Sheep selfies have taken over social media, as many golfers are proclaiming that their rounds aren’t over until they’ve taken photos with the sheep!” Eller adds.
A BRIGHT FUTURE
As Hermitage prepares for the next 40 years, various renovations have recently occurred. For instance, the President’s Reserve’s bunkers were refurbished, while new drainage was also added, thereby increasing the course’s overall softness.
At the same time, two new lodges were just opened. On Labor Day 2025, each lodge welcomed its first guests. Created to accommodate Hermitage’s golf travel groups, every lodge is two stories high, as it has eight large bedrooms and eight private bathrooms. Each lodge was designed to offer guests ample comfort and luxury, following suit with Hermitage’s highly popular cottages.
“On each floor, guests can gather in the great room after their round of golf to share stories, celebrate and relax before retreating to their private accommodations,” Eller says.
Without question, Hermitage is committed to constant enhancements, all with one overarching goal in mind: providing top-notch customer service, time after time.
“All of our future plans will continue to center around providing the very best customer service to every person who walks through our doors,” Eller states.
In doing so, Hermitage will be able to celebrate further milestones — beyond next year’s 40th anniversary, a momentous occasion that Eller advises golfers to witness firsthand.
“We recommend guests to make special plans to visit us next year as we celebrate our 40th anniversary in May,” she adds. “We look forward to sharing special history moments, while commemorating four decades of excellence!”