2025 Visit Knoxville Open Preview
The 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season heats up in late May with a special two-week stretch for McConnell Golf: back-to-back events hosted at two of its premier properties. First up is the Visit Knoxville Open, held May 19-25 at Holston Hills Country Club in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Tournament History
The Visit Knoxville Open is one of the oldest tournaments on the Korn Ferry Tour calendar, with a history that dates back to 1990. The event moved to Holston Hills in 2020, and since then, the Donald Ross-designed layout has received praise from players for its classical routing, natural flow and challenging green complexes. A staple on the Tour’s spring schedule, the event has often served as a launching pad for future PGA TOUR stars.
Harry Higgs celebrates after sinking a dramatic eagle putt, securing his win in Knoxville.
2024 Tournament Recap
The 2024 Visit Knoxville Open delivered a thrilling finish that saw Harry Higgs secure his second consecutive Korn Ferry Tour victory.
Higgs clinched the title after a dramatic playoff against Frankie Capan III. Both players finished regulation play at 19-under-par 261. After matching birdies on the first playoff hole, Higgs sealed the win with an eagle on the second extra hole, replaying the par-5 18th. This victory marked Higgs’ third career win on the Korn Ferry Tour and his second in as many weeks, following his triumph at the AdventHealth Championship.
Four players—Quade Cummins, Cody Blick, Rhein Gibson, and Max McGreevy—tied for third place, finishing just one stroke behind the leaders at 18-under-par.
Beyond the competition, the Visit Knoxville Open continued its tradition of supporting local charities. In 2024, the tournament awarded $70,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, reinforcing its commitment to community engagement.
Local & McConnell Golf Ties
The 2025 Visit Knoxville Open once again shines a spotlight on standout talent from across the Southeast, including several players with deep local roots and strong McConnell Golf ties.
Among the headliners are former University of Tennessee standouts Tyler Johnson, Rick Lamb, and Bryce Lewis — all returning to familiar turf at Holston Hills. Johnson, a Knoxville native (Farragut High School), enters this year’s event on a sponsor exemption, and his combination of hometown pride and collegiate history makes him one to watch. Lewis, a last-minute addition to the field, adds even more local excitement to the tournament lineup.
Ryan Hall, another Knoxville native (Halls High School) and Holston Hills Country Club member, also received a sponsor exemption. Hall’s connection to both the club and the community adds an extra layer of intrigue as he tees it up in front of a home crowd.
The tournament also features a strong McConnell Golf presence. Carter Jenkins, a former McConnell Golf Junior Scholar, continues his journey on the Korn Ferry Tour and will look to build on recent momentum after a T-3 finish at last week’s AdventHealth Championship. William McGirt, a longtime PGA TOUR pro and member at Musgrove Mill Golf Club, brings a wealth of experience and a loyal following to Knoxville.
With familiar faces, hometown favorites and a freshly sharpened test, the 2025 Visit Knoxville Open promises compelling storylines from start to finish.
Storylines to Watch
New Challenges: This year marks a notable milestone for the event, the first Visit Knoxville Open played since Holston Hills completed its extensive bunker renovation. The project, which carefully modernized the course while honoring Donald Ross’s original architecture, has introduced new visual framing and strategic nuance. Expect the restored bunkers to play a key role in shaping both shot-making and scoring across all four rounds.
Course Familiarity: Holston Hills is one of the few Donald Ross designs on the Korn Ferry Tour, offering a unique test compared to the more modern layouts on the schedule. Established in 1927, the course is renowned for its classic layout and strategic design. Its rolling terrain and challenging greens will test the mettle of the Korn Ferry Tour’s rising stars. The course’s history, including hosting Byron Nelson’s victory in 1945, adds a layer of prestige to the tournament.
Momentum Builders: With PGA TOUR cards on the line later in the season, Knoxville offers a key mid-year chance for players to surge up the points list.
Local Talent Spotlight: The tournament often features players with ties to the University of Tennessee and the Knoxville area, providing local fans with familiar faces to support. These players bring added excitement and regional pride to the competition.
Pathway to the PGA TOUR: As the Korn Ferry Tour serves as a stepping stone to the PGA TOUR, the Visit Knoxville Open is a critical opportunity for players to earn points and move up the rankings. Strong performances here can significantly impact a player’s season trajectory.
