Sweetens Cove Golf Club announces expansion to add a short course, cabins, a distillery and fishing
photo by Matt Adamski
Reef Capital Partners, in collaboration with Sweetens Cove Golf Club, is expanding one of the most beloved 9-hole golf destinations in the country. The development will introduce a par-3 short course, stay and play cabins, a restaurant and distillery, a winding putting green, fishing dock and a skeet shooting range, all designed to elevate the Sweetens Cove experience while preserving its iconic charm.
Designed and built by Rob Collins and Tad King of King-Collins Golf Design, the project is set to enhance the overall experience for guests. "I’ve been with Sweetens Cove from the beginning, from designing and building the original course with Tad to being responsible for its operations and management for the last ten years,” said Collins. “It is thrilling to me and everyone involved with Sweetens Cove to see how the expansion builds on that foundation and brings to life every big dream we ever had for the place." Since its opening, Sweetens Cove has been named among the top 9-hole courses in America.
Located 30 miles west of Chattanooga in South Pittsburg, Sweetens Cove-dubbed the “Secret Home of Golf”- has earned a reputation for its distinctive design and no-tee-time policy, allowing players the freedom to enjoy as much golf as they desire. The course offers only 45-60 daily passes, which sell out within minutes upon release.
"Sweetens Cove is a golf anomaly," said Matt Adamski, general manager and PGA professional. "We’ve created a place where you can play all day, with no tee times, no dress codes and no pressure. It’s a giant adult playground, where everyone can find something to love."
The expansion comes as Sweetens Cove continues to experience high demand. “It will maintain our unique culture and enhance guest experience. The demand is incredible—we’re sold out through the end of the year. But even with this expansion, we’re maintaining our focus on a quality experience by keeping a limit on the number of daily passes to ensure that Sweetens Cove remains the special place people love," said Adamski.
"Sweetens Cove grabs you the moment you step onto the course—there’s an energy here that you won’t find anywhere else," said Jared Lucero, CEO of Reef Capital Partners. "It’s not just about golf; it’s about the experience, the people and the simplicity of spending a day out here. We aim to preserve that unique charm while adding a place to stay, a bit more to do, including Sweetens at Night, and some amazing food and drinks. Those things will only make every visit even more memorable, whether you’re playing the course for the first time or the hundredth."
Sweetens Cove Whiskey is also set to enhance its presence at the course, highlighted by the addition of an on-site small batch distillery and bottle shop. “Our award-winning whiskey was born from the tradition of taking a shot before your first round. With this new distillery, we're thrilled to expand our connection with golfers through exclusive tastings, unique blends and enriched storytelling,” said Chris Parsons, CEO of Sweetens Cove Spirits.
Players at Sweetens Cove often come in large groups, with the option to play, skip holes or repeat them as they choose. "It’s all about maximizing fun, enjoying the people you came with and playing the most golf you’ve ever played in one day," said Adamski. Adamski once famously played 254 holes at Sweetens Cove in a single day.
"Our design caters to everyone—novices love it because it’s welcoming and informal, while purists appreciate the brilliance of the course’s architecture," said Adamski.
Reef Capital Partners, an investment and development company known for its real estate, golf course and lifestyle projects, will announce groundbreaking plans within the coming months. Reef is also developing Black Desert Resort, bringing the PGA Tour back to Utah for the first time in six decades, and Marcella at Deer Valley, which includes Tiger Woods’ first mountainside golf course.
"Reef Capital Partners has an incredible vision for this expansion,” said Collins. “They came to Sweetens to play the course and by the 7th fairway they had drawn up a model, envisioning a par-3 short course that offers flexibility and creativity. It’s not just a regular short course—you can play each hole in multiple ways, adding a 'cross-country' style that you won’t find anywhere else."
Rob Collins, co-designer of Sweetens Cove, describes the new amenities coming to the golf course
photo by Contributed