GATLINBURG, Tenn.—The City of Gatlinburg is mourning the passing of longtime Gatlinburg Golf Course pro Harry ‘Cotton’ Berrier.
Berrier, who was the pro at the course for 44 years, passed after a brief illness on Tuesday morning at the age of 94. 
A pioneer of golf in Sevier County, he was the first golf professional in the history of the Gatlinburg Golf Course, Berrier was selected as the professional in early 1955, just a short time before the course opened on July 30 of that year. Berrier, who was working as the assistant professional at the Oak Ridge Country Club heard about the development of Gatlinburg’s new course and inquired about the opportunity.
"Cotton was a remarkable individual who meant a great deal to many, myself included," stated Greg Patterson, Gatlinburg City Manager. "The City is thankful for Cotton's unwavering commitment to the golf course over 44 years and his endeavors to expand the game of golf in Sevier County, which impacted lives far beyond the sport.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to Cotton's family and countless friends during this time, which we will spend remembering his impact on all of us," added Patterson.
For Berrier, heading up the operations of the new course was more than just coming to work each day. Having started his career in the golf industry in Knoxville, the Gatlinburg Golf Course became his lasting legacy and where he made his greatest contributions to the sport.
Golf was a way of life for Berrier, having grown up as a caddy at Whittle Springs Golf Course. During his time in the Air Force stationed in Japan, golf remained influential in his life, and after his tour of duty he jumped back into the game at the Oak Ridge Course, shortly after enrolling at the University of Tennessee.
Berrier spent most of his life investing in Sevier County and in the game of golf, as he was the professional at the Gatlinburg Golf Course for 44 years. During his time overseeing the Golf Course he became one of the most influential golf professionals in the state. He helped establish the Tennessee Section of the PGA in 1968 and was the Professional of the Year for the Tennessee section in 1971 and 1985. In addition to this role, Berrier served as Vice-President and Board Member of the national PGA from 1974-75, 1983-85 and 1991-94, as well as serving as a member of the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship Committee on several occasions.
Berrier was inducted into Tennessee PGA Hall of Fame in 2004, inducted into the Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 and inducted into the national PGA Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2022, Berrier was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Sevier County Links and Legends award, which annually honors those who had a major influence on the game of golf in Sevier County.
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