Where to Play in Georgia, the “Peach State”

The golf course in Georgia where they wear green jackets gets all the attention, but our sources close to the scene tell us it’s difficult to get a tee time. There are good golf courses all over Georgia and plenty of places that would be happy to have you.

Georgia is a relaxed way of life – sweet tea, pimento cheese sandwiches and fried chicken tastes a little bit better there. Cue the Ray Charles, channel your inner Bobby Jones, hit the road and add these stops to your golf agenda.

 

The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, St. Simons Island, GA
Rick Mattox, current general manager and head golf professional has been at The King and Prince for 26 years, he knows the place pretty well. There were only six homes there when he arrived, he’s since raised his two kids there and has pretty much seen it all. His favorite hole is the 391-yard par four over the marsh, “It’s a beautiful hole, it’s absolutely breathtaking – I’ve made several birdies there, never made a two though,” Mattox told us.
 
Everything changes in time, golf included and Mattox was happy to add GolfBoards to the Resort’s offerings. GolfBoards are battery powered surfboard-like vehicles that allow players to “surf the earth.” “The freedom of going straight down the fairways enables golfers of all ages to play faster yet still appreciate the joy of a game we all love,” said Mattox.

The Joe Lee design includes four salt marsh island holes connected by 800 feet of elevated cart bridges – Billy Fuller, former superintendent at Augusta National restored the golf course in 2009. Fuller added new bunkers, a fifth set of tees and utilized four new grasses on the tees, fairways, bunker collars and greens. “The golf course is in absolutely incredible shape right now, it’s a unique place and we hope people come and enjoy the island,” Mattox added.

kingandprince.com

Château Élan Winery & Resort, Braselton, GA
A lot of business is done in Atlanta; a lot of Atlanta business is done at Château Élan Winery & Resort. The Resort is a popular conference destination with its 63 holes of championship golf, winery, wine tours, spa and seven dining options. In fact, its winery has become the most awarded winery on the East Coast. Tucked in the foothills of the northeast Georgia mountains, the Resort has three 18-hole golf courses and a par three walking course ideal for settling the day’s final wagers or short game work.

“No. 14, our signature hole on the Château Course, may be the most difficult to play with its narrow driving area, triple-tiered green and waterfall feature,” said Elizabeth Clarkson, head golf professional.

chateauelan.com

Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, Young Harris, GA
In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa has 102 lodge guest rooms, 32 cottage guest rooms, a deluxe spa suite and a Denis Griffiths-designed golf course. Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers can also hike the Appalachian Trail, enjoy white water rafting, tubing, kayaking, guided lake tours, horseback trail riding and bird watching. The Resort is two hours from Atlanta, Chattanooga, Knoxville and Asheville.

brasstownvalley.com

Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club, Cordele, GA
South Georgia’s Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club is a lakeside retreat, equipped with 14 guest rooms in its main lodge, 64 villa guest rooms and 10 cabins. Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course was designed by Denis Griffiths, its tall swaying pines, rolling hills, wildlife and pristine condition defines the Georgia golf experience.

lakeblackshearresort.com