Atlanta GCAers

« **Reply #25 on:** January 14, 2003, 10:13:28 AM »

Quote

How about an Atlantan now living abroad?

Next time I'm in Atlanta - which might be a while, as I was just home for Christmas - do you mind if I look you up? I'm dying to see what the place looks like these days...

Cheers,
Darren

Darren:

Look me up when you're in town. My wife and I live in Sandy Springs when I'm not in school in Athens.

Mike Riley redesigned all the green complexes recently. It reopened in December 2001 after 6 months of construction. Some (poor quality) pictures appear here:

http://www.arches.uga.edu/~crood/gallery/index.shtml

Nos. 5 and 10 are the most significant changes. We moved the green over on 5 to accommodate an underground gas line. The lake on the left actually is in play now. The green is about where the old restroom was.

The tenth now has 4 bunkers surrounding it. Ironically, I find the new bunkers comforting. I feel like I'm pitching into a catcher's mitt each time I play it.

We're building a new clubhouse currently. I'm sure you recall the other. I always thought of it as an enormous Taco Bell. The new clubhouse will have a traditional Southern architecture.

I remember you vaguely. When we were kids, I was the real skinny kid with blonde hair. Later, I was tall and skinny. Now I'm just tall. Michael Cress and I were buddies. I had a younger brother, Jack, that you may remember too.

Carlyle

« **Reply #26 on:** January 14, 2003, 11:26:33 AM »

UGA is one of my favorites. Pretty good value and the will let you walk.

« **Reply #27 on:** January 14, 2003, 12:39:03 PM »

Darren, Carlyle:

Just in case you didn't see this one of Scott's Aerial's of the Day, you will both find this interesting vewing:

http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forums2/YaBB.cgi?board=GD1&action=display&num=1039530138

« **Reply #28 on:** January 14, 2003, 06:37:26 PM »

Rob - Furman is a true classic. The renovations have put the course in great shape. The biggest single change, however, is the removal of the fairway bunker on the left side of the #13 fairway! That hole was difficult enough without having to deal with that bunker. As you will remember, anything hit to the left would get caught by that bunker (if you could hit it long enough to get there) - now, you only have to worry about the tree line that extends into the edge of the fairway if you go left.

The Cliffs Properties now have several courses in the area: The Cliffs at Glassy (Tom Jackson course on top of Glassy Mountain), Cliffs Valley (Ben Wright design), The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards (Tom Fazio on Lake Hartwell), and the Cliffs at Walnut Cove near Asheville (Jack Nicklaus course under construction). There is a fifth course in the planning stages to be located in Greenville. It's my understanding it will be a Tom Fazio design.

I'll tell you Rob, one of the best courses anywhere in the area is Cateechee Golf Club in Hartwell, Georgia. We should get a group from Atlanta and a group from Greenville and meet at Cateechee! Here is a link to their website: http://www.cateechee.com

« **Reply #29 on:** January 14, 2003, 08:45:18 PM »

Cateechee sounds good to me. I think it is one of the more unwalkable courses I have played but has some great holes. How are the conditions lately I have not played it in a couple years and I know it was tough shape early on sometimes.

Also is it the 10th that has the crazy tiered elevation changes in the fairway because of the buried underground gas lines or something? I remember the rest of the course being pretty good though.

Let me know when and I will be there.

I am surprised also that no one has mentioned one of my favorite "hidden gems" since we are discussing the Atlanta/Greenville corridor. That is Scales Creek GC in Homer. We are talking small town, small greensfees, but great golf. It is about 2-3 years old I think Mark McCumber design, and it is only about 7 miles off I85 at the Commerce exit (same as the outlets). Thats right guys take the ladies to the outlets and you can slide away to Scales Creek for some way above average golf.

We are not talking absolutely top shelf ammenities or anything like that but based on the greens fee I would drive out of the way to play it again. There are a couple different holes, but some really good ones as well.

Anyone else play it?

« **Reply #30 on:** January 14, 2003, 09:26:14 PM »

Mike Riley, who designed Crooked Creek, has designed a course under construction in Acworth called Governor's Towne Club. I think it may open next Fall? He "co-designed" it with Curtis Strange.

Riley recently just redesigned all the green complexes at Atlanta Country Club to the delight of its members.

« **Reply #31 on:** January 14, 2003, 09:31:37 PM »

Only rating the courses I've played in Atlanta:

1. Peachtree G.C. (Robert Trent Jones)
2. Atlanta C.C. (Willard Byrd 1965, "Nicklaus" 1983, Mike Riley 2001)
3. East Lake G.C. (Ross?, Rees Jones)
4. Atlanta A.C. (?, Rees Jones)

Golf Club of Georgia (36 holes) and Atlanta National (Pete Dye) seem to be well acclaimed; but, I didn't think they were that super.

« **Reply #32 on:** January 14, 2003, 09:52:15 PM »

Turboe - Scales Creek is an outstanding course and truly a "hidden" gem.

You are correct about #10 at Cateechee. It feels a bit unorthodox the first time you play it, but I've grown to like the hole. And, wait until you see the clubhouse they have built. It is one of the best looking golf clubhouses I have ever seen. It looks like it belongs at Shinnecock... you will not believe it.

Cateechee is always running "internet specials" on their website. Usually, a foursome can play for $30-40 per man on the weekend, including cart. It has to be one of the best golf bargains in the country.

« **Reply #33 on:** January 15, 2003, 05:47:52 AM »

I also played Scales Creek, and really enjoyed it. It's a bit farther from home than I would travel for a casual round, but for the price, it is certainly worth playing.

No one has mentioned Woodmont yet. I think it is one of the better daily fee layouts on the north end of Atlanta. They do allow walking, though the fees are the same as if you ride, and it is a very walkable course.

« **Reply #34 on:** January 15, 2003, 06:35:00 AM »

Let me second the motion for a get together at Cateechee or Scales Creek.

BTW, there is going to be a meeting of the Audobon Society at Cateechee on February 12. The course is receiving some big enviro award. They are also holding a seminar there that day to talk about environmental issues and golf courses. Something I would like to know more about and something that has become critical to golf course design.

I believe that our very own Mike Young (designer of Cateechee) will be on the panel along with other dignitaries. The meeting is tied-in with the GCSA annual meeting being held that weekend in ATL.

Given ifffy weather conditions that time of year, I'm not sure we ought to build a "Gathering" around that date. Just thought people might want to know about the seminar. I plan to attend.

Bob

Bob

« **Reply #35 on:** January 15, 2003, 06:40:30 AM »

Cateechee will open its new clubhouse on 2/1/03. It will include dorm rooms on the second floor as well as a great restaurant designed and staffed by same people as Nava, Chops, etc. in Atlanta. There is also a 300 seat conference room.

If anyone is interested in a gathering, contact me (mydgolf@mindspring.com) and I will procure the "right rates". Maybe a little Atlanta vs. Greenville action.

Also if anyone is interested we will be hosting the Audubon conference during the GCSAA show in Atlanta. That will be 2/12 and should be very informative. Also contact me if intrested or view http://www.gcsaa.org/gcm/2003/jan03/01Sublime.asp The new Golf Course Management Magazine has an article .

As for the 10th hole; stipulations surrounding the gas pipeline would not allow more earth to be moved and also hindered the routing as for walking.
Mike

« **Reply #36 on:** January 15, 2003, 07:00:25 AM »

Mike - Thanks for the offer to help us put together a gathering at Cateechee. I love the Greenville vs Atlanta idea! We have formed a new group in Greenville called the Greenville Golfing Society that would be more than happy to bring a team to Cateechee for a match. Let's make this happen!!

« **Reply #37 on:** January 15, 2003, 07:26:16 AM »

Michael,
We have been hosting a "War by the Shore" tournament for a couple of years that is Ga. vs. SC. You let me know the ideas and I will set it up. I just do not want to be the "go to " person.
Mike

« **Reply #38 on:** January 15, 2003, 07:44:08 AM »

I would love to participate from the Atlanta side.

« **Reply #39 on:** January 15, 2003, 11:21:57 AM »

If this happens, I would also like to play from the Atlanta side.

« **Reply #40 on:** January 15, 2003, 12:11:32 PM »

I would also like to play for GA. What is the fee for the seminar in Feb? Times?

« **Reply #41 on:** January 15, 2003, 12:40:42 PM »

RCS -

For contact info on the seminar, see Mike Young's last post above.

Put me down for the ATL team.

Not hearing much from the Carolina contingent. Do I smell intimidation?

Bob

« **Reply #42 on:** January 15, 2003, 01:21:29 PM »

No fee for seminar...think it starts around 9 am about 4 hours

« **Reply #43 on:** January 15, 2003, 02:39:17 PM »

I would like to play for ATL.

Woodmont is good, one of the best run courses in Atlanta.

Has anyone play Hawks Ridge? I have a friend who is putting together a tournament and is trying to get that or Piedmont Driving Club. I hear that it is great.

« **Reply #44 on:** January 15, 2003, 02:42:10 PM »

RCS:

I hope you paid attention to the UGA comments, although I'm not sure they would let you play there.(War Eagle? or is it tigers, whatever the hell y'all are)

Cateechee would be a good course for you to see and is worth the drive, especially at the rates Mike Young is quoting. Just don't bet against him- I believe he plays pretty good for a lefty.

Mike:

Happy New Year! Hope things are going well.

John

« **Reply #45 on:** January 15, 2003, 02:56:57 PM »

Even though I live here now, I was born and raised in Spartanburg, and would love to play for the Palmetto State!!

« **Reply #46 on:** January 15, 2003, 03:06:56 PM »

John,
Happy New Year to you. Hope all is well. I played in Ocean Forest member guest this year but did not see you guys. Did get to play you buddy Taylor Adams.
Mike

« **Reply #47 on:** January 15, 2003, 03:08:31 PM »

I am volunteering Bob Crosby to keep up with list of players. My ADD will not allow. Give me some dates and I will set up tournament/food/meeting etc.
Mike

« **Reply #48 on:** January 15, 2003, 03:37:29 PM »

Rob - Glad to have you on the SC team!

Bob - I don't know what you're smelling but it is NOT intimidation!!!

Bringing an SC group to Cateechee will not be a problem. I can fill out the team from my club if we come up short on GCA signups.

As for dates, I'm open to almost anything. However, we should probably play on a Saturday to accomodate as many as possible.

Mike - If you're the ATL's Lefty then I'm the GSP's Southpaw.

« **Reply #49 on:** January 15, 2003, 03:49:02 PM »

Count me in for the GA team(Athens).- Will

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