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16 GEORGIA GOLF RESORTS EVEN NON-GOLFERS WILL LOVE

365 Atlanta Traveler logo: MainLogo 365 Atlanta Traveler 04.09.2022 00:36:07 365 Atlanta Traveler
Courtesy of McLemore Golf Resort

There is no shortage of great Georgia golf resorts. From stunning mountain links, to scenic coastal greens, to stellar Atlanta-area golf resorts - there are a lot of holes to play in the Peach State.

If you're a golfer, you're going to love our list of golf resorts. And if you're not a golfer? Well, you're going to love our list too! Golf resorts these days are more than just beautiful 18-hole courses. You'll find amazing dining, amenities, lodging, activities, and so much more.

Here's a list of 16 Georgia golf resorts that are perfect for both golfers and non-golfers. We promise, there's something for everyone on this list!

Nestled amid state and national parks, historic land districts, and private land trusts, you'll find McLemore Golf Resort in Rising Fawn, GA. This championship highlands course was created by Rees Jones and Bill Bergin.

Golfers may remember this as Canyon Ridge Golf Course, but in 2019 it went through such an extensive renovation, that it is considered new. The redesigned McLemore course is already garnering accolades, including the "Best Finishing Hole in America Since 2000" and "Top 100 Greatest Public Access Courses" by Golf Digest.   

For non-golfers, the 18th hole and views are visible from the patio at The Creag, McLemore's chef-driven restaurant and bar. For those playing the course, you'll need a great tee shot to set up the 18th hole. Tip: stay right.

There are six different tees, so no matter your golf acumen, you can enjoy this course. Overall, you want to be able to drive well, so practice a bit before heading out. Tee shots are dramatic, and offer a bit of elevation pop. You will need to add distance to clear a few ravines, which is shorthand for "expect to lose a few balls." No worries though, McLemore provides ball drop areas, so take your best shot, and drop on the other side if needed.

The greens are in fantastic shape and exceptionally receptive. They are also large, very fast, and have some slope, making reading breaks a challenge.

McLemore is a destination resort in the making, and the journey begins well before the guard gate as you wind your way up Lookout Mountain, past gorgeous hardwood forests and into the clouds.

McLemore may be best known as a golf destination, but their hiking trails are amazing. Along the miles of paths, you'll find a scenic overlook complete with Adirondack chairs and fire pit, at least four waterfalls, a pine forest, mammoth rock outcroppings, and 'Inspiration Point' - a peaceful overlook that is sure to take your breath away.

Looking for more natural adventure? Try hiking at nearby Cloudland Canyon State Park, or hang gliding - so fun!

Read More: DISCOVER FUN AND ADVENTURE AT CLOUDLAND CANYON STATE PARK

If you want to stay on the property, you can book one of their Stay and Play packages, which will allow you and your group to stay in one of the amazing houses within the McLemore community.

You can also stay in nearby Chattanooga, TN, which is less than 30 minutes away. The Gatsby-inspired historic Read House Hotel is a great option. The Read House is convenient to the Tennessee Aquarium, and other popular downtown attractions.

Read More: 22 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE

The Innsbruck Golf Club is actually part of the relatively new Valhalla Resort Hotel. This course has beautiful mountain views at reasonable prices.

Beyond golf, there are loads of things to do in nearby Alpine Helen, like shopping and hiking. If you want thrills, try the alpine coaster, tubing, or the zip line at nearby Unicoi State Park.

Read More: THE 39+ BEST THINGS TO DO IN HELEN GA FOR ALPINE FUN

Kingwood Resort & Winery golf course in Clayton is a par 71 mountain course with four different tee locations to accommodate all skill levels.

Off the course, there is a spa and - hello - a winery! You'll also find plenty of outdoor adventures nearby, like whitewater rafting, horseback riding, hiking, and more.

Read More: CLAYTON GA: YOUR DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO FAMILY MOUNTAIN FUN

Barnsley Resort features a Jim Fazio-designed course that is described as a "beautiful challenge" and is ranked as #1 in Power Rankings by GolfAdvisor.com. You'll find some of the fastest greens in the Southeast here.

For non-golfers, ride through 3,000 acres on horseback, soothe tired muscles at the spa, or couple your golf outing with a wingshooting adventure or sporting clays at the onsite Beretta Shooting Grounds. You'll also find hiking and biking, UTV trail rides, archery, axe throwing, disc golf, and more.

Read More: 25 DREAMY RESORTS IN GEORGIA PERFECT FOR PAMPERING THE FAMILY

The memorable golf course at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is a Scottish links-style course located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are several tee boxes to choose from, so it accommodates any level of golfer.

Off the greens, enjoy horseback riding, swimming, spa treatments, or family friendly excursions in nearby Hiawassee, GA.

Read More: 52+ THINGS TO DO IN HIAWASSEE, GA ON BEAUTIFUL LAKE CHATUGE

Couple five signature courses designed by some of the game's best-known architects, including Rees Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and Bob Cupp, with the luxurious elegance of a waterfront Ritz Carlton property, and you have a winner in my book. At the Ritz Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, each course uses nature to challenge and inspire you.

Off the links, enjoy the lake life and water sports on Lake Oconee. Take a dip in the infinity pool, or bring the kids along to the family pool. The beach at Lake Oconee is the perfect place to be in the summer months. You'll also find s'mores by the lake, hiking trails, bike rentals, tennis, and the Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds here.

Read More: A LAKE OCONEE LUXURY VACATION WITH REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE

Callaway Gardens is just an hour drive from Atlanta. Golfers choose between playing on the same course as PGA pros, or enjoying the views, and a few water features on the scenic Lake View Course (or just play both)!

Outside of golf, you'll find the gardens at Callaway to be amazing. Rent a bike and explore the miles of trails, enjoy Robin Lake Beach in the summer months, tap into your adventurous side at the TreeTop Experience and Ziplines, or go fishing or boating on one of their 13 lakes.

There are special events held at Callaway throughout the year (like Fantasy In Lights during the holiday season), and the nearby FDR State Park is worth a visit too.

Read More: CALLAWAY GARDENS LIGHTS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FANTASY IN LIGHTS

At Chateau Elan in Braselton, you can choose between two 18-hole championship courses - the Chateau or Woodlands. You'll love the beauty and variety of the holes found here. For something a little different, try night golf.

Off the green, stay at the resort, take a tour of their winery, visit the spa, or take a painting or cooking class.

A stay at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa is a must. Designed by renowned architect Robert Cupp, in conjunction with legendary pro Sam Snead, the 18-hole championship course at The Club at Savannah Harbor sits right along the Savannah River.

After your round, take a water taxi to the bars, restaurants, and shops that sit on River Street. If you're not a golfer, there is plenty to explore in Savannah!

Read More: 20+ THINGS TO DO IN SAVANNAH GA WITH KIDS: YOUR BRILLIANT GUIDE TO A STRESS-FREE VACATION

The course at Sea Island is one of Georgia's most expensive golf courses, but if you are looking for a Forbes Five-Star experience, this is it. Choose between Seaside, Plantation or Retreat. You can't go wrong.

Whether golfer or not, I highly suggest the Spa at Sea Island. Plan for a few hours, in addition to your treatment - you'll want to hang out and enjoy all the spa extras. You'll also find horseback riding, dolphin tours, cocktail cruises, beginning archery courses, and more. This place is fun for the whole family.

Read More: THE INN AT SEA ISLAND: INSPIRED LUXURY FOR LESS [VIDEO]

The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort is located right on the beach on St. Simon's Island, Georgia. The par 72 golf course is off site, about 12 miles from the hotel on the northern end of the island. You'll be rewarded for your drive with spectacular salt marsh views and holes that wind around towering live oaks and across lakes and lagoons.

After 18 holes, enjoy happy hour at the hotel bar ECHO, or a quiet walk on the beach. Go swimming, rent a bike, play tennis, and explore St. Simons. You're going to love it.

Read More: THINGS TO DO IN ST SIMONS ISLAND: AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO STAY, EAT & PLAY

Sea Palms is a marsh-side golf course that was renovated in 2019.  The resort itself went through an extensive remodel in 2020, so if you haven't been here in a while, it might be time to visit.

For those who stay at Sea Palms you have a choice between a marsh-front hotel or a beachside retreat. Their restaurant, Sago, has a full bar and patio and indoor seating.

There are eight Georgia State Parks golf courses, perfect for affordable Georgia golf getaways. For those looking for a budget-friendly golf vacation, this is it! These golf courses located at Georgia State Parks are our favorites.

It's a well-known fact that the course at Hard Labor Creek State Park has the hardest starting hole in the state of Georgia. In addition, Golf Digest's Frugal Golfer rates The Creek Golf Course as the fourth sweetest deal in the United States.

A unique post-game activity at Hard Labor Creek is the trip to the observatory. You'll also find plenty of hiking and equestrian trails, mini golf, renovated cabins, and fishing and paddling.

Read More: HARD LABOR CREEK STATE PARK: AN AFFORDABLE FAMILY RESORT

Meadow Links Golf Course is a links-style course, with large greens, subtle breaks, lush green fairways and traps that provide additional definition.

Off the green, book a duck boat at George T. Bagby State Park and rent some duck decoys for an unforgettable South Georgia duck hunt. Fishing, swimming, hiking, and biking are also popular here.

Read More: FORT GAINES GA: HIDDEN GEMS LIKE GEORGE T. BAGBY STATE PARK

Located about 30 minutes from Athens off I-85, enjoy steep rolling hills with broad, crowned Bermuda fairways and sloping greens at the Highland Walk Golf Course at Victoria Bryant State Park.

After a day on the links, try your hand at the archery range. There's also fishing, hiking, biking and lots of water fun on the rocks here.

Ten of the 18 holes at Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course skirt the shoreline of Lake Richard B. Russell. You'll love the amazing views. You'll also find a renovated cafe and golf shop here.

While you're at Richard B. Russell State Park, try another form of golf - disc golf. The disc golf course here is pretty popular, and it's well-kept and fun for the whole family. You'll also find hiking, boating, picnicking, and a great swim beach here.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO GEORGIA

dimanche 4 septembre 2022 03:36:07 Categories: 365 Atlanta Traveler: MainLogo

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