Tee Off on the Nine State Park Courses on the Georgia Golf Trail

Of the 20+ golf courses on the Georgia Golf Trail, nine of them are tucked away in nine of Georgia’s state parks.  While some of these golf courses may be off the beaten path, so to speak, they are worth making the effort to go play.

“Our state park golf courses in Georgia are terrific golf destinations.  They are incredible designs which are very well maintained and fairly priced,” said Doug Hollandsworth, Founder, Georgia Golf Trail.  “The affiliation of these golf courses with amenity filled state parks makes them a perfect place to visit, especially with your families.”

In addition to fabulous golf experiences, each of the nine state park destinations has modern housing options which makes stay-and-play opportunities possible, enjoyable, relaxing and affordable.  Outside of golf, fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking opportunities are in abundant supply in these state parks.

HIGHLAND WALK

There are many scenic selfie ‘hot spots’ at Highland Walk Golf Course (706-245-6770) at Victoria Bryant State Park in Royston.  At Highland Walk, there are many uphill and downhill tee shots.  The best photo ‘opp’ locale is the tee box of the signature hole — the 17^th.  On a dry day with the wind at your back, pull out your driver and try to drive the first green.

ARROWHEAD POINTE

At the Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course (706-283-6000) in Elberton, visiting golfers will discover a 6,800-yard course situated on a peninsula within the Richard B. Russell State Park.  Arrowhead Pointe deserves to be called the ‘Crown Jewel’ of the nine state park golf courses along the Georgia Golf Trail.  Here, 10 of the 18 holes border Lake Richard B. Russell.  Here, the cabins border Lake Richard B. Russell.

THE CREEK

The Creek Golf Course (706-557-3006) at Hard Labor Creek State Park in Social Circle is a joy to play.  Here, the sternest test is the tee shot on the par-four 10^th hole, formerly the opening hole, which used to be considered “the hardest first starting hole in Georgia.”  The loblolly pines that dominate the terrain give the course an Augusta National appeal.  Here, the cabins are a hop, skip, and a jump away from the first tee.

BRAZELL’S CREEK

The Brazell’s Creek Golf Course (912-577-7745) at Jack Hill State Park in Reidsville is a cleverly designed par-71 layout.  At Brazell’s Creek, a 1,500-yard winding bridge through a canopy of trees connects the front nine with the back nine. The front nine is tree-lined and the greens have some creative contours.  The back nine was built on a windswept, open landscape which has a links-style look to it.

THE LAKES

The Lakes Golf Course (912-285-6154) at Laura S. Walker Park in Waycross is the southernmost golf course on the Georgia Golf Trail.  It features large, undulating greens. The fairways and landing areas are defined with gentle, links-style mounds that accent the course’s three large lakes.  Loblolly pines are a common sight at the Lakes GC, which is an easy course to walk.

MEADOW LINKS

The Meadow Links Golf Course (229-768-3714), located in the George T. Bagby State Park in Fort Gaines, opened in 1998.  At one point in time, Meadow Links was ranked by Golf Digest as “the nation’s sixth best new affordable public course.”  Each day, when the sun sets in the west, the view resembles a picture postcard.

BRASSTOWN VALLEY RESORT & SPA

Golf at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa (706-379-9900) is refreshing, delightful, and scenic.  The views of the surrounding mountains from the golf course are stunning.  This golf course is in terrific shape.  Afterwards, schedule a massage at the Equani Spa, swim in the indoor pool, go horseback riding, eat at Brassie’s Grill, spend the night at the resort and wake up the next day and do it all again.  It’s a total escape!  Here, the overnight accommodation options at the resort are first-class.

WALLACE ADAMS

Once you arrive at the Wallace Adams Golf Course (229-868-7474), located in the Little Ocmulgee State Park outside McRae, you’ll quickly see that you’ll want to play this course more than you had originally intended.  This golf course has an Augusta National Golf Club look and feel to it.  And, it’s true.  The only things missing are patrons, leaderboards, and cameras from CBS.  This golf course is nicknamed ‘Little O.’  You will enjoy the chance of going low at Little O!  Here, the lodge has gone through a renovation which adds to the appeal of the ‘Little O’ experience.

GEORGIA VETERANS

The Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course (800-459-1230), located at the Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Course near Cordele, has been labeled the “best value in the South.”  Once you walk off the 18^th green, head to the Cypress Grill.  There, you can relive your experiences on the “best value in the South.”

For more information about these golf courses in many of Georgia’s state parks, access www.gastateparks.org or www.GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com.