A Blount County family is putting the finishing touches on a revamped miniature golf course in Townsend, with plans to open Cades Cove Golf in time for the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games May 16-17.
Tina and Jerry Simmerly, along with their sons Casey, 20, and Ryne, 24, have spent months renovating a course that sat largely dormant for decades on the town’s main road, tucked between the Railroad Museum and what used to be Jim Bob’s barbecue restaurant near the Abbey.
The project was Casey’s idea — a civil engineering sophomore at the University of Tennessee who also designed the course and submitted drawings to the city of Townsend.
The original course dates back 40 to 50 years but had fallen into disrepair, obscured by nearly 28 trees and a high fence that made it nearly invisible from the road. The Simmerlys cleared all but six trees, removed a failing water feature, upgraded to solar exterior lighting and replaced fencing to open the property to passersby.
The 18-hole course features a mountain and nature theme, with six original holes preserved and 12 newly designed by Casey using his engineering training and a sketchbook.
Holes range from straightforward putts to contoured layouts with hills, valleys and runoffs designed to challenge players of all skill levels. A walk-up window will offer novelty ice cream, prepackaged snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, and the course will be available for private events.
Consistent operating hours are a priority, Tina Simmerly said, noting that unpredictable business hours have long frustrated Townsend visitors.
The name honors her family’s deep local roots — her father was born in Cades Cove, and the Myers family name is well established throughout the area.
Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for children ages 4-12. Children under 4 play free.
For more information > cadescovegolf.com.
