The Dual Identity Of Champions Club Chattanooga TN: $8 Million Golf Course Renovation And Public Tennis Revolution
The name "Champions Club Chattanooga TN" today refers to two vastly different, yet equally essential, pillars of the area's sports and social scene. For anyone searching for this premier destination, it is critical to understand the dual nature of the name: one is a newly rebranded, luxury private golf club that has undergone a multi-million dollar transformation, and the other is the city's flagship public tennis complex that hosts major collegiate events. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, both facilities have experienced significant updates, making the name more relevant—and more confusing—than ever before. This article will break down the latest, most current information on both locations.
The most dramatic recent change is at the private facility, formerly known as The Champions Club at Hampton Creek, which has officially rebranded and re-emerged as The Ooltewah Club. This transformation is backed by a substantial capital investment, cementing its status as one of the premier private clubs in the greater Chattanooga area. Meanwhile, the public Champions Club Tennis Complex at Rivermont Park continues its legacy as a massive, accessible hub for racquet sports, implementing new operational systems for its public users in the current year.
The Ooltewah Club: A New Era for Private Golf (Formerly Champions Club at Hampton Creek)
The facility most commonly associated with the "Champions Club" name in recent years is the private, 18-hole golf course located in Ooltewah, a scenic suburb just a short drive from downtown Chattanooga. Following a change in ownership and management by Bobby Jones Links, the club has shed its former identity as the Champions Club at Hampton Creek to become The Ooltewah Club. This rebrand signals a new chapter, backed by a monumental commitment to quality.
The investment in the property has been transformative, with the new ownership group pouring an initial $1 million to $1.7 million into immediate improvements, and a total investment that some sources put at over $8 million for the entire property redesign and revitalization. This capital injection was not merely cosmetic; it focused on the core elements that define a championship-caliber course.
Multi-Million Dollar Course and Facility Renovations
The centerpiece of the renovation is the golf course itself. Originally designed by the renowned architect Jay Morrish, the 18-hole layout has been restored and modernized under the supervision of golf course architect Bobby Cupp Jr., the son of the legendary Robert E. Cupp. The goal was to elevate the playing experience to a new level of excellence.
- Greens Conversion: All 18 greens were converted to the high-performance TifEagle Bermuda Grass. This change provides a faster, truer, and more consistent putting surface year-round, a critical upgrade for Southern golf.
- Bunker Restoration: Extensive work was performed on all bunkers, focusing on drainage and sand quality to ensure playability even after heavy rain.
- Drainage Improvements: Specific trouble spots, such as the drainage on Hole #7, were addressed to improve course health and playability.
- New Facilities: Members now benefit from a new cart barn, a completely redesigned bar area in the clubhouse, and a new Fitness Center complete with updated locker room amenities.
These renovations have positioned The Ooltewah Club as a top-tier private golf destination in Tennessee, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience in a picturesque setting at the foot of White Oak Mountain.
Membership and Lifestyle at The Ooltewah Club
As a private country club, The Ooltewah Club offers a comprehensive lifestyle experience that extends far beyond the golf course. Membership privileges are designed to cater to the entire family, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
Core Amenities and Social Life:
- Dining: A full-service dining experience is available, serving as a central hub for members.
- Aquatics: Access to the club’s swim facilities, popular during the warm Tennessee summers.
- Racquet Sports: The club also offers access to both tennis courts and pickleball courts, reflecting the growing demand for these sports.
- Social Events: A diverse, year-round calendar of social events is a cornerstone of the membership, helping members forge lifelong friendships.
- Golf Simulator: For year-round practice or group events, the club features a state-of-the-art golf simulator room, available for booking by both golf and social members.
The club is a key part of the gated Hampton Creek residential community, offering an exclusive lifestyle just a 20-minute drive from the heart of Chattanooga.
Champions Club Tennis Complex: Chattanooga's Public Racquet Hub
The second, and equally important, facility carrying the name is the Champions Club Tennis Complex at Rivermont Park. This facility is a public, city-owned institution managed by the Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors Division, making it highly accessible to the local community and a key asset for public health and recreation.
Unlike the private golf club, the Champions Club Tennis Complex operates on a pay-to-play model for its public courts, though recent 2025 updates have introduced new operational changes designed to streamline access and participation.
Facility Size and New Operational Updates (2025)
The scale of the tennis complex is impressive, solidifying its reputation as the flagship racquet sports facility in the region. It is a major venue for local, regional, and collegiate competitions.
- Massive Court Capacity: The complex boasts 26 hard courts, making it one of the largest public facilities in the Southeast.
- Clubhouse Amenities: A 6,000 square foot clubhouse provides essential amenities, including locker rooms, showers, and dedicated viewing areas for spectators.
- Accessibility: The facility is fully ADA accessible, ensuring all members of the community can enjoy the courts and programs.
In a significant operational update for 2025, the facility has transitioned to using the Xplor online portal for managing leagues, clinics, and programs. This digital shift simplifies the sign-up process for the many leagues, including the popular 3.5 Women's Doubles Thursday Night League. Furthermore, new guidance suggests a move toward a "free-to-play format for walk-up" use, though fees remain for organized leagues and clinics.
Hosting Major Collegiate and Community Events
The Champions Club Tennis Complex is more than just a local court; it’s a regional sports destination. Its ability to host large-scale tournaments is a testament to the quality and capacity of the facility.
- Southern Conference (SoCon) Tennis Championship: The complex is a recurring host for the prestigious Southern Conference Tennis Championship, bringing collegiate athletes from across the region to Chattanooga.
- USTA and Campus Events: It also hosts the annual Steve Baras Invite and the Tennessee Tennis on Campus Tournament, showcasing its commitment to all levels of the sport, from community programs to high-level competition.
The professional staff at the complex runs numerous tennis and pickleball programs suitable for all ages and skill levels, partnering with organizations like the Tennessee Tennis Association to promote the sport locally.
Navigating the Champions Club Name in Chattanooga
For visitors and new residents, understanding the distinction between the two facilities is key to finding the right experience:
- For Golf and Private Country Club Amenities: Search for The Ooltewah Club (formerly Champions Club at Hampton Creek). Expect a premium, membership-based experience with a newly renovated, championship-level golf course and extensive social, swim, and dining options.
- For Public Tennis and Racquet Sports: Search for the Champions Club Tennis Complex at Rivermont Park. Expect a large, city-owned facility that is open to the public on a pay-to-play basis, offering leagues, clinics, and major event viewing opportunities.
The shared legacy of the "Champions Club" name underscores Chattanooga's commitment to high-quality sports and recreation. Whether you are a dedicated golfer looking for a luxurious private experience in Ooltewah or a tennis enthusiast seeking a world-class public court in Rivermont, the Chattanooga area has a "Champions Club" ready to exceed your expectations in 2025.
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