Bear Trace Tims Ford By Brian Weis

Bear Trace Tims Ford

An Insightful Interview With Jared Melson, General Manager / Head Golf Professional

By Brian Weis

Whether you have played a course 20+ times a year or looking to play the course for the first time, insights from an insider can help enhance your golf experience. Below is an interview with Jared Melson who shares some valuable tidbits about the course, memorable holes and must eats and treats at the 19th.

Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property
Bear Trace Tims Ford is a beautiful Par 71, 18 hole golf course surrounded by a 10,500 acre man-made lake. We say we are on a "virtual island" as the only connection to land is the entranceway to the course which is only about 40 yards wide. The course opened in 1999 as part of Jack Nicklaus' Bear Trace golf courses.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course?
Very player friendly golf course combined with natural beauty and quiet serenity. Super friendly staff to welcome you and help you enjoy your day.

What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course?
"All putts break towards the water!" Seriously, every putt breaks towards the water because we're on a "virtual island" completely surrounded by water. All joking aside, Bear Trace Tims Ford plays slightly easier off the tee compared to typical Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses. The approach shot into the greens are more challenging, but not so difficult you can't score well.

Any recent changes to the golf course? Or any upcoming changes?
New greens were sprigged in 2024 with TifEagle Bermuda grass. Greenside bunkers were renovated using the Better Billy Bunker method to ensure drainage and washout problems were eliminated. We are in Phase 1 of 2 of fairway bunker renovations and hope to have those completed by this fall/winter.

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
Hole #6 includes a Half Biarritz green design with the front third approximately 8 feet above the bottom two-thirds. Being on the correct tier is of utmost importance. Hole #9 (formerly #18) is very challenging with a two-tiered green protected by bunkers on either side. A view of Tims Ford Lake is to the golfer's right as they finish the hole. Hole #18 is a Par 3 slightly over water protected by bunkers both short left and long right. A great opportunity to end your day with a Hole-In-One!!

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It?
I love them all!

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole?
Burgers are cooked fresh as you order! A great mixture of beer, soft drinks, and sports drinks can satisfy your thirst after your round.

For the traveling golfer, do you have lodging onsite or partner with any area hotels?
Tims Ford State Park has 20 cabins and multiple campgrounds within the Park.

Who Holds Course Record and What Was Their Score?
Tournament record of 63 shot by two different players on back to back days in August 1999, just after grand opening, in a TearDrop Mini-Tour event.

Back Tee Stats
Par: 71
Yardage: 6,763
Slope: 128
Rating: 72.7

More Information
Bear Trace Tims Ford

891 Wiseman Bend Road Winchester, TN, 37398

(931) 968-0995

https://tnstateparks.com/golf/course/bear-trace-at-tims-ford

Revised: 03/18/2025 - Article Viewed 1,286 Times - View Course Profile

About: Brian Weis

While Brian Weis has made a name for himself in the golf world, he also appreciates the finer things in life—like a world-class spa treatment after a grueling 18 holes (or even after a casual round where the only thing working hard was his golf cart). A self-proclaimed "golfer who enjoys relaxation more than practice," Brian has developed a deep appreciation for massages that unknot his questionable swing mechanics, saunas that sweat out a few too many post-round drinks, and infinity pools with views as stunning as a well-manicured par 3.

Brian’s spa journey began as a reluctant tag-along to couples' massages and resort spa packages but quickly evolved into a full-fledged appreciation for hot stone therapy, deep-tissue recovery, and the occasional seaweed wrap (don’t knock it till you try it). Now, he seeks out the best spa retreats, thermal baths, and relaxation havens wherever his travels take him—whether it's a luxury golf resort with a five-star spa or a hidden wellness gem perfect for unwinding in style.

On SpaTrips.com, Brian shares his experiences, reviews, and insider tips on the best places to soothe sore muscles, indulge in rejuvenating treatments, and find true relaxation—whether you're a hardcore golfer in need of recovery or just someone looking for the ultimate escape. After all, what’s the point of a bucket list golf trip if you can’t top it off with an expert massage, a hot soak, and maybe even a ridiculously plush robe"