: ## Farragut Golf & Games: A Course in Disappointment? (Reviews & Opinions)
Farragut Golf & Games (164 West End Ave, Knoxville, TN 37934 – (865) 675-5558) has long been a Knoxville staple for family fun, but recent reviews paint a concerning picture. While the course boasts convenient hours (Monday-Thursday & Saturday-Sunday 10 AM - 11 PM, Friday 10AM-9PM) and accessibility features like wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms, many customers are finding that’s where the positives end. Currently holding a 3.9 rating, let's break down what people are saying.
The Overgrowing Consensus: Neglect is the Biggest Complaint
The overwhelming theme across numerous reviews is a stark decline in maintenance. Customers repeatedly describe the course as overgrown and dilapidated. Common complaints include:
- Untamed Landscape: "Everything is overgrown to the point we were dodging trees and bushes just to play," reports one reviewer. Several mention weeds, leaves, sticks and rocks littering the holes.
- Stagnant Water & Mosquitoes: The water features, once a charming aspect of the course, are now described as "disgusting" and "stagnant," breeding grounds for mosquitoes. "We were covered in bites by the time we left," one visitor stated. Another noted "standing water...filled with trash, gnats and mosquitoes."
- Missing or Broken Features: Many holes suffer from missing obstacles, further detracting from the playing experience.
Arcade Woes: A Coin-Op Catastrophe
Beyond the course itself, the arcade is receiving harsh criticism.
- Broken Machines: "Most of the games aren't working and will eat your coins and not give any tokens," claims a frequent visitor. Others corroborate this, noting that many machines are simply "out of order" or non-functional.
- Sticky & Unkempt: The arcade’s cleanliness is also heavily criticized. Reviewers describe it as "dirty and unkempt" and "sticky".
- Ticket Troubles: Even when games do work, getting tickets is reportedly an issue. "None of the machines work…they do not shoot out tickets".
Customer Service Concerns
While some reviewers acknowledge the staff have been "helpful", many more have had negative interactions. A recurring theme is a perceived lack of customer service:
- Indifference & Rudeness: Several comments describe employees as exhibiting a "rude" or "indifferent" attitude.
- Lack of Communication: Customers were surprised to find out the full course wasn't included in the standard price, with an additional $45 required for the back nine – information not provided upfront.
A Shadow of its Former Self
Many reviewers express sadness about the decline of Farragut Golf & Games, recalling fond memories of past visits. “We came here…it was rundown, but running. This is the worst shape I’ve ever seen it,” one customer laments. The consistent sentiment is that with some dedicated upkeep, particularly addressing landscaping and the water features, the course could be redeemed.
Amenities Offered:
- Onsite Services
- Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, Parking, & Restroom
- Restaurant
- Restroom
- Free Parking (lot & street)
- Family Friendly
The Bottom Line:
Currently, Farragut Golf & Games appears to be struggling with maintenance and arcade functionality. While the amenities and accessibility options are a plus, the numerous complaints regarding cleanliness, broken equipment, and customer service suggest a need for significant improvements. If you're looking for a pristine putt-putt experience, you may want to explore other options in the Knoxville area.