Designing with Soul

In the rolling hills of Tennessee, just where the countryside begins to whisper stories of time and terrain, lies a golf experience unlike any other: Firefly. The man behind this remarkable vision is Andrew Green, one of today’s most sought-after golf course architects. With decades of experience and a passion rooted in the golden age of course design, Green has sculpted a layout that honors the land it rests on while challenging and inspiring every golfer who walks its fairways.

Between sprigging and contouring greens, we spoke with Green about his design philosophy, the magic of the Firefly landscape, and what makes this course destined to become a modern classic.

Rooted in Place, Inspired by History

When asked about his inspiration for the Firefly course, Green’s response was immediate and heartfelt. “Our big message and goal were to give Firefly a really strong sense of place,” Green explained. “To let it speak to the Tennessee countryside, its graceful topography and the moments where the land gets bold. We’ve used those moments to create drama and intrigue in the routing of each hole.”

His guiding light throughout the process? The timeless principles of the game’s golden age, an era when design was as much about strategy and soul as it was about aesthetics.

The Marriage of Beauty and Playability

The land and topography are undeniably beautiful. But Green is quick to warn against mistaking beauty for substance. “I talk often about the difference between sizzle and steak,” he said with a smile. “Sizzle’s great, but without the steak, it’s pointless.”

For Green, playability is the foundation. The course was intentionally designed to accommodate players of all skill levels, with wide corridors in key landing zones, options to run the ball onto greens, and varied tee boxes to tailor the experience. But make no mistake, Firefly is as thoughtful in its design as it is enjoyable to play. “We want you to see the shot in your mind, then try to execute it,” said Green. “That mental engagement is a key part of the design.”

What Makes a Course Great? Firefly Checks Every Box

When asked what every great golf course must have, Green listed four elements, and believes Firefly embodies them all:

• Interesting Greens – “Each green at Firefly is its own puzzle,” said Green. “You’ll face different challenges from every angle and pin location.”
• Strategic Routing Across Natural Land – Firefly’s terrain is both graceful and bold, and Green has carefully routed the course to bring out the best in it.
• Shot Variety – “You’ll use every club in the bag,” Green noted. With varied distances and changing angles, Firefly demands a full spectrum of golf shots.
• Strategy at the Core – Hazards, angles of attack, and risk-reward choices ensure that every round played at Firefly is a mental challenge, each decision should make you think.

“Strategy is the soul of the game,” Green emphasized. “Firefly will reward precision and planning with better lines of play and better access to hole locations.”

Surprises in the Soil

Even for seasoned golfers, Firefly holds a few surprises. “I think the way the ball will come to rest will be unexpected,” Green shared. With slopes and contours both subtle and dramatic, players will encounter sidehill, uphill, downhill, and uneven lies throughout their round. “That adds immense value to the playing experience. The course will keep you on your toes.”

The closing stretch, Green promises, will leave players both fulfilled and hungry for more. “You’re going to want to turn right around and play again.”

More Than Golf

Ultimately, Firefly is more than a fantastic golf course. Firefly is an experience, a lifestyle, a destination infused with authenticity and rooted in its surroundings. “There’s a real connection between the Tennessee countryside, the community that’s being built here, and the golf course itself,” said Green. “They’re not separate ideas, they’re all purposefully designed to work together.”

As the course nears completion, Green is filled with pride in what has emerged from the soil. “There’s a level of soul born from the ground underneath,” he said. “It’s a magical spot. You’ll walk away feeling like you’ve been part of something special, and you’ll want to come back again and again.”

Final Thoughts

At Firefly, Andrew Green is sculpting a journey. A journey that embraces history, honors the land, and dares golfers to be their best selves. Whether you’re walking it for the first time or the fiftieth, Firefly promises an experience rich in challenge, beauty, and heart.

Firefly is set to welcome members and guests Summer 2026.

About Andrew Green: Andrew has restored several legacy golf courses, earning him a reputation as one of the world’s most acclaimed golf course architects. His restoration work includes such venerable courses as Inverness in Ohio, Oak Hill East in New York, Congressional Blue in Maryland, East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Interlachen in Minneapolis, and Vaquero in Texas.