The Georgia Club

[Ben Kodadek]

I'm playing in a multi-day event at The Georgia Club (Statham, GA) in a couple of weeks.   Nothing shows up using the search function. 


To my knowledge, I've never seen or played a Denis Griffiths golf course.   Any insights?

[A.G._Crockett]

Denis Griffiths has designed a lot of golf courses in Georgia and elsewhere, and I think you'll find all of them to be enjoyable golf.  I'd put his courses in a category with George Cobb and Joe Lee; I've never played one I didn't like, and I've never gotten tired of the ones I've played a lot.

At the risk of over-generalizing, Griffiths' courses have been primarily either public courses, semi-privates, or "economy" private clubs.  He designed several of the courses in the Georgia state park system, for instance.  I belonged to a private Griffiths design, Crystal Falls, for a number of years before I moved back to NC, and I just loved the golf course.

He is currently the owner and operator of one of his more recent designs, Old Union in Blairsville, GA; he purchased it after the housing crash.  I absolutely love Old Union; it's just a wonderful layout that very few people know of.  But well worth the trip if you're in the area.

I've played the Georgia Club only once, but I liked it.  If it's in good condition, and it should be this time of year given a cool, wet spring, I think you'll have an enjoyable day.

[Jeff Shelman]

I played there once about 15 years ago or so. I thought it was decent.

Sadly I don't remember much more beyond that.

[BCrosby]

I agree with AG about the GA Club. Enjoyable golf in an attractive setting.


But what is this Old Union Club? I had not heard of it before. Is it worth a day trip from Atlanta?


Bob

[A.G._Crockett]

I agree with AG about the GA Club. Enjoyable golf in an attractive setting.


But what is this Old Union Club? I had not heard of it before. Is it worth a day trip from Atlanta?


Bob

Bob,
Whether or not to make a day trip to Blairsville is a coin flip, right?  I lived in Alpharetta and had the summers off, so it was no big deal.  But it is a long drive, and no great way to get there.

As to the course, it might be my favorite of the 15 or so Griffiths courses I've played.  You would think it would be mountainous, but it is actually shockingly flat considering that you're outside of Blairsville, GA.  Really nice variety to the holes, an easy walk, and a lot of fun.

I haven't been there in approx 3 years now, after going once a summer from the time it opened.  You might ask around as to conditions; at one point, I heard that the fairways were in bad shape simply from lack of money and maintenance.  But a good layout for sure.

[Paul Jones]

When I lived in Alpharetta, I joined (semi-private) Chestatee Golf Club and really enjoyed that golf course.

[Mac Plumart]

Ben,


I've only play The Georgia Club once, but really enjoyed it.  I can't say there is anything quirky or extra-ordinary about it, which you'd need to be aware of to play well in the tournament.  Rather, to my recollection, it is a pretty straight-forward golf course that will require you to make tactical decision on how to attack the holes.  Which, in my book, is a really good thing.


On Old Union...I was so excited when I saw the property the day I pulled into the parking lot.  Great setting, wonderful place to play golf.  I didn't love how many times you are asked to hit over the creek that runs through it.  One some holes you are required to hit over it on more than one occasion.  However, despite that bit of repetitiveness, it makes for a good days golf. 


Bob Crosby, make the trip.  I'd recommend fall for the beauty of it.  Its a good course, but just misses a bit on a few aspects of the design.

[Rees Milikin]

Not sure I would ever make a trip to Blairsville just to play Old Union, but I would definitely spend a weekend up there to enjoy the outdoors and throw a decent golf course into the mix.  Also, what Mac says about the creek is true, it just comes into play a few too many times.


I grew up near Denis Griffiths Hard Labor Creek course and have a soft spot for that place.  Some of his bunkering has been altered, but it is still a very enjoyable round of golf with a few really good holes.


Look forward to hearing what you thoughts are on the Georgia Club.