By Mike May
As summer approaches and temperatures near the boiling point in various parts of the country, the mountains of Northern Georgia stay cool all summer, with long lazy days to enjoy golf.
The best mountain golf along the Eastern Seaboard is not restricted to North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Georgia is often overlooked and golfers are pleasantly surprised to know that three courses, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, Valhalla Golf Club and Sky Valley Country Club are three of the best mountain courses to be found.
All three courses are also members of the Georgia Golf Trail.
“There isn’t a better golf getaway, especially in the late spring, summer, and early fall, than North Georgia,” said Doug Hollandsworth, Founder, Georgia Golf Trail. “Georgia’s mountain golf courses are terrific.”
Nestled in the mountains of North Georgia, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is the quintessential mountain golf getaway. Even though Brasstown Valley is located in a mountainous terrain, the golf course was built in a valley. Just a two-hour drive from both Atlanta and Chattanooga, it is easily accessible for golfers in the Southeast.
At Brasstown Valley, the mountain air is clearer, cleaner, and crisper, plus the atmosphere is refreshing and re-energizing. The golf course winds its way through wildlife preserves, ponds, and streams, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
FYI: Brasstown Bald, elevation: 4,784 feet is the highest peak in Georgia and a beautiful sight from the golf course.
The Valhalla Golf Club, nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, has been referred to by several golf pundits as “Alpine mountain golf at its finest.” It is truly “affordable golf in priceless surroundings.” The most memorable shot at Valhalla is the downhill tee shot on the par-three 15th with a significant 150-foot drop from tee to green.
The nearby town of Helen has a strong German theme to its architecture and atmosphere. You will feel an Octoberfest-like celebration every day.
FYI: An ideal place to spend the night in Helen is at the luxurious Valhalla Resort, which is adjacent to the Valhalla GC.
Sky Valley Country Club has an average elevation of 3,500 feet which makes it one of the highest elevation golf courses in Georgia. Sky Valley is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest. Several elevated tees add an element of excitement, intrigue, and strategy to the Sky Valley golf experience.
FYI: Sky Valley is always well maintained and the tee-to-green course conditions are exemplary.
While at Sky Valley don’t miss the opportunity to eat at The Dillard House. The food is homemade and is served “family-style.” It is Southern cooking at its finest, 365 days a year. Each menu item is a family recipe and from the dining room, you can see the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.
FYI: Famous patrons at The Dillard House include former President Jimmy Carter and the late, great country & western singer Waylon Jennings.
If your travels to Georgia begin or end in Atlanta, play golf at the Stone Mountain Golf Club, just east of Atlanta. Located within Stone Mountain State Park, the golf club features “One Lake, One Mountain, and two Incredible Courses,” Lakemont and Stonemont.
Water is present on eight of the first 13 holes on the Lakemont course. It is not heavily bunkered, but its biggest defense mechanisms are the pine tree-lined fairways and Stone Mountain Lake.
FYI: Wonderful views of Stone Mountain are present throughout the course.
‘Peaceful’ is the one word to describe the setting at Stonemont, a par-70 layout, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. It features gently rolling fairways flanked by Georgia pines with many dramatic views of Stone Mountain. Tip to the wise, putts at Stonemont tend to break away from Stone Mountain.
FYI: Comfortable accommodations with views of Stone Mountain Lake are available at the Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort.
After visiting the Georgia Golf Trail, it won’t be easy leaving Georgia, but it will be easy to plan a return visit.
