GEORGIA’S STATE PARKS – AND THEIR GOLF COURSES -AWAIT YOUR ARRIVAL

By Mike May

As the calendar transitions into summer, Floridian families are making the trek north to Georgia where the state parks have diverse outdoor recreation opportunities, on-site restaurants, and modern housing options which often include cabins, a lodge, and camp sites.  It’s worth noting that a handful of the state parks have golf courses, all of which are part of the Georgia Golf Trail.

While some state parks may be off the beaten path, so to speak, they are worth making the effort to visit in order to play golf, unwind, and truly enjoy the Great Outdoors, especially with your friends and family.

“The golf courses within Georgia’s state parks are fairly priced first-class golf destinations in a relaxing family friendly environment,” said Doug Hollandsworth, Founder, Georgia Golf Trail.  “The vast majority of visitors to our state park courses make plans to return to play again.”

Let’s begin the journey.

HIGHLAND WALK GC

Rural Gem.  There are many uphill and downhill tee shots at the Highland Walk Golf Course (706-245-6770) at Victoria Bryant State Park in Royston.  The easiest downhill tee shot is at the par-four 1^st hole, but the most memorable tee shot is at the 7^th where a well-struck tee ball will soar forever in the Georgia sky.  The number-one photo opportunity is the tee shot at the 17^th, which is the signature hole at Highland Walk.

ARROWHEAD POINTE GC

Lakeside Layout.  In Elberton, there’s the Richard B. Russell State Park — home of the Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course (706-283-6000).  At this golf course, considered the ‘Crown Jewel’ of Georgia’s state park golf courses, the water views are simply stunning — with 10 of the 18 holes skirting Lake Richard B. Russell.  Arrowhead Pointe GC is consistent with the state park golf course theme of “no crowds, no houses, no noise.”

THE CREEK GC

Scenic & Serene.  In Social Circle, Georgia, the Creek Golf Course (706-557-3006) at Hard Labor Creek State Park provides great value, as Golf Digest Frugal Golfer has listed The Creek as the “4^th sweetest deal in the USA.”  One of the Creek’s memorable holes is its signature hole – the 5th.  Here, a water wheel and bridge are located behind the green, creating a peaceful and picturesque backdrop.  Here, the setting for golf can best be described as ‘tranquil.’  While on the golf course, the atmosphere is truly scenic and serene.

BRAZELL’S CREEK GC

Country Cool.  The Brazell’s Creek Golf Course (912-577-7745) at Jack Hill State Park in Reidsville is an exceptional par-71 layout.  Georgia’s own Denis Griffiths designed this golf course. At Brazell’s Creek, a 1,500-foot wooden bridge winds its way through a canopy of trees, connecting the front nine with the back nine. The back nine was built on a windswept open landscape which has a links-style look to it.  The front nine is tree-lined and the greens have creative contours.

THE LAKES GC

Southern Sensation.  The Lakes Golf Course (912-285-6154) at Laura S. Walker Park in Waycross is the southern-most golf course on the Georgia Golf Trail.  The fairways and landing areas are defined with gentle, links-style mounds that accent the course’s three large lakes while the greens are large and undulating.  Loblolly pines, just like the ones you see at the Augusta National GC, line the fairways at The Lakes.

WALLACE ADAMS GC

‘Little’ Augusta National.  While standing on the tees at the Wallace Adams Golf Course (229-868-7474) at the Little Ocmulgee State Park in McRae, the views remind you of the Augusta National GC.  The only things missing are the CBS cameras, the Masters’ patrons, and a large manual scoreboard.  The greens are perfect, pure, and true.  Even the pine straw appears to be maintained as it’s done at the Masters.  The Wallace Adams GC is nicknamed Little O and is often referred to Augusta National’s ‘cousin.’

BRASSTOWN VALLEY GC

Headin’ for the Hills.  Nestled among the mountains of North Georgia, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa (706-379-4613) is the quintessential mountain golf getaway – located in Young Harris.  Even though Brasstown Valley is located in the mountains, the golf course was built in a valley, which justifies its moniker – Brasstown Valley.  Here, the atmosphere is refreshing, relaxing, and re-energizing.  The golf course is very well maintained, cleverly designed, and entertaining to play.  It’s the real deal. 

GEORGIA VETERANS MEMORIAL GC

A Georgia ‘Peach.’  The Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course (800-459-1230), located on the premises of the Lake Blackshear Resort & State Park in Cordele, is a par-72 layout.  It has 130 sand traps, four sets of tees, and at least one grey fox!  The key to playing this course well is to focus your attention on these six holes: 1^st, 7^th, 11^th, 13^th, 15^th, and 18^th.

MEADOW LINKS GC

Links-Like Look.  The Meadow Links Golf Course (229-768-3714) is affiliated with the George T. Bagby State Park located near Fort Gaines.  When Meadow Links opened in 1998, Golf Digest ranked it as “the nation’s sixth best new affordable public course.”  It remains one of the nation’s top most affordable public golf courses.  It’s worth noting that the George T. Bagby State Park has been labeled as “The Best Kept Secret in Southwest Georgia.”

For more information about Georgia’s state park golf courses along Georgia Golf Trail, access www.GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com.