From the beginning, the guiding philosophy was simple yet demanding: “It’s never the way we want it—it has to improve.” Designed by golf course architect Stuart Moore, whose routing laid a strong foundation for strategy and playability, Champions Run has continually evolved to meet this standard.

Ron Graham has been a central force behind Champions Run's vision and standards of excellence. Born and raised in Middle Tennessee, Ron enjoyed an accomplished competitive golf career, playing collegiate golf at both Vanderbilt University and Middle Tennessee State University. A lifelong elite player, Ron earned multiple collegiate victories and local amateur wins, establishing himself as one of the region's most respected golfers. His deep understanding of championship-level golf—combined with more than 36 years of service in player support and tournament operations on the PGA TOUR—has heavily influenced the strategic design, conditioning expectations, and overall championship mindset of Champions Run. Ron's leadership set a clear benchmark: the course should challenge skilled players while remaining fair, engaging, and enjoyable for all levels.

Steve Graham, Ron's younger brother, is equally steeped in competitive golf tradition. A standout player at Middle Tennessee State University, Steve captured the 1990 Tennessee State Amateur Championship and went on to shape Champions Run through daily operations, detailed course design input, and a strong instructional foundation. Together, the Graham brothers continue a family legacy deeply rooted in the game as sons of Marty Graham Jr., an Ohio Valley Conference Hall of Fame golfer, and nephews of 1975 U.S. Open Champion Lou Graham.

Craig Sewell, a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University's Agricultural Department, holds a degree in Plant and Soil Science and is a Certified Golf Course Superintendent. Craig led all course construction, grassing, and agronomic planning, bringing both scientific expertise and hands-on construction knowledge shaped by his upbringing alongside his father, Bob Sewell, an engineer responsible for major infrastructure projects at Tullahoma Air Force Base.

In 2022, Champions Run underwent a significant renovation that included grassing the greens, the removal of more than 1,000 trees, cart path repaving, irrigation upgrades, tee renovations, and improved drainage. In 2025, a new par-3 eighth hole and an extended first hole debuted – featuring a new acre and a half pond. The final phase—a redesigned par-5 ninth hole—is scheduled to open in July 2026.

As Champions Run transitions to a private club on January 1, 2026, the vision remains forward-looking: to offer Middle Tennessee a golf-centric, community-driven membership experience defined by shared values, exceptional conditions, and a passion for continual improvement. With 25 years of dedication behind it, Champions Run proudly looks toward the next 25 years.