Mountain golf courses offer alternatives for big city golfers in need of a getaway

By Stan Awtrey, Contributor

Need to get away from the big city? The Georgia Mountains offer great views, climate and golf courses, such as Brasstown Valley Resort and Old Union at Owen Glen.

Bill Bergin typically finds ways to challenge good players but not overwhelm poor ones. He's done that at Sky Valley Resort's golf course.

«

»

Related Articles

• Georgia mountain golf on your mind? Try these elevated courses
• Fabulous foliage and weather make northern Georgia a fall paradise
• 10 North Georgia golf courses for the non-purists
• Ten North Georgia golf courses design traditionalists will love

If you go

Georgia's mountains are only a couple hours removed from the rat race of Atlanta. They serve as a safe harbor for city dwellers looking to exchange the fast pace of daily life for the chance to stop and slow down, at least for a weekend.

The Georgia Mountains offer plenty of outdoor activities, from fishing and hiking, and indoor activities, from the arts and crafts to local theater. There are also plenty of chances to enjoy golf while visiting the mountains.

The golf courses aren't usually as crowded, even on the weekend, and the quality is very high. They're cooler than Atlanta's golf courses during the summer and gorgeous in the spring and fall when the leaves are changing color.

Here are five must-play golf courses in the Georgia Mountains:

Sky Valley Resort in Sky Valley

Architect Bill Bergin gave Sky Valley Resort, a tired old golf course, a great facelift in 2007 by adding 500 yards and reducing it to a par 71.

Set in a valley with a 12-acre lake, Bergin toughened things up quite a bit, like at the 18th hole, where he brought the lake into play from the tee and on the approach into the green. Somehow he's managed to make Sky Valley Resort tougher for the good players and easier for the average players, quite an accomplishment for any designer.

Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris

The Denis Griffiths-designed Brasstown Valley Resort golf course opened in 1995 as part of the resort and retreat that was opened by the state of Georgia. Unlike most state-run operations, Brasstown Valley Resort offers top-of-the line accommodations, dining and golf.

The links-style golf course flows seamlessly through the terrain and around water and wetlands. Brasstown Valley Resort's 18th hole, a 438-yard par 4, plays up a steep hill and is both the No. 1 handicap hole and the official hole for the American Cardiologists Association.

Old Union at Owen Glen in Blairsville

Griffiths designed the Old Union golf course at Owen Glen, which opened in July 2009, and now owns it. The course plays mainly through a valley, which takes away some of the mountain effect, but still offers plenty of scenic views. At 7,500 yards Old Union is longer than many of its Appalachian colleagues. The semi-private golf course is part of the Owen Glen planned community.

Achasta Golf Course in Dahlonega

Achasta Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus design, was formerly known as Birch River. Golfers must deal with the Chestatee River on at least half of the holes.

The highlight may be a cluster of activity on an island in the middle of the river, where you'll find the fourth green (the conclusion of a 332-yard, par-4 hole), the fifth hole (a 147-yard par 3) and the sixth tee (the start of a 455-yard par 5).

Chestatee Golf Club in Dawsonville

Another outstanding design effort by Griffiths, who met the challenge of terrain changes at Chestatee Golf Club, which opened in 2002. The 16th hole is a fun risk-reward par 5, and there are many of Griffiths' standard features, including false fronts and optical illusion bunkers.

And, coming soon: Blue Ridge Golf and River Club

We can't wait to the see the new Blue Ridge Golf and River Club when it opens in spring of 2010. It's designed by Dave Axland and Dan Proctor, formerly with Coore and Crenshaw, and has a chance to be special.

September 9, 2009