Garland,
GSMNP is not located closest to the tourist traps, the tourist traps located themslves as close as possible to the Park. Its not the Park's fault
As much as I love it, GSMNP can't be the premier park, though that shouldn't in any way reflect negatively upon the park - it is tremendously important in many ways - culturally, geologically, and environmentally.
Yellowstone probably holds the greatest defense as the US's premier National Park - it was the first (though Yosemite predated it as state, not national, park) and for a long time the largest. It also happens to possess some environments that are unique to all of the world.
As for golf courses in National Parks, it isn't an impossible thought, and I don't believe that building one would be completely against the rules of the National Park System - the system exists "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations..." and history has reflected tremendous efforts make the parks accessible and useful to the country's citizens. National Wilderness Areas (often existing in National Parks) would be considered extremely off limits, though.
I think the biggest things going against the possibility of new golf courses in National Parks are precedent and politics. Tremendous amounts of construction, both for access and recreation, have ocurred in our National Parks, and I would imagine that if a golf course had been built adjacent to the Old Faithful Inn back at the turn of the century then you might find more existing today; but without that precedent coupled with the overriding public opinion on golf and the environment, the possibility is doubtful.
Keith.