Chateau Elan
Phone: 678-425-0900
Website: www.chateauelan.com
Cherokee Run
Phone: 770-785-7904
Website: www.cherokeerungolfclub.com
Cobblestone
Phone: 770-917-5152
Website: www.cobblestonegolf.com
Heritage Golf Links
Phone: 770-493-4653
Website: www.heritagegolflinks.com
Lake Spivey
Phone: 770-477-9836
Website: www.lakespivey.net
Mystery Valley
Phone: 770-469-6913
Website: www.mysteryvalley.com
North Fulton
Phone: 404-255-0723
Website: www.americangolf.com/north-fulton-golf-course
Steel Canyon
Phone: 770-390-0424
Website: www.steelcanyongolf.com
Stone Mountain
Phone: 770-465-3278
Website: www.stonemountaingolf.com
West Pines
Phone: 678-391-1600
Website: www.westpinesgc.com
Metro Atlanta golfers begin annual migrations to the greens as the weather warms and it’s always nice when they find courses to play that will leave a little green left in their wallets.
“We are very fortunate to have so many outstanding golf facilities throughout metro Atlanta and North Georgia,” said Mike Paull, executive director for the Georgia PGA. “There are some top facilities in the area that are a great value.”
For $60 or less, you won’t get a caddie and you may be changing your shoes from the back of your car. But you can find a challenging layout and good conditions on fairways and greens. Some of the bargain courses or particular holes rank among the best in the region.
Here are 10 places you can enjoy without wondering whether you’re going to be able to afford to eat after the round:
Chateau Elan, Hoschton: The resort has two outstanding Denis Griffiths designs — the original Chateau Course that features rolling hills and elevation changes, and Woodlands, a parkland-style layout. There's also a fun nine-hole executive course that's ideal for newbies and juniors.
Cherokee Run, Conyers: Arnold Palmer designs are always fun and challenging. Cherokee Run, which opened amid great fanfare in 1995, is no exception. The ninth and 18th holes are two of the best finishing holes around, but the par 3s are some of the best. No. 3 plays 196 yards to a green that's cut out of the hill, with a bunker below and a bunker above the narrow putting area.
Cobblestone Golf Course, Acworth: This is one public course that has the chops to hang with almost any private course. The Ken Dye layout opened in 1993 to great acclaim. The course plays along the shores of Lake Acworth and water comes into play on eight holes. The 18 holes feature a great assortment — some reachable par 5s, some doglegs left and some doglegs right, as well as a fun assortment of par 3s.
Heritage Golf Links, Tucker: New management has revitalized this terrific 27-hole layout with new bunkers and fresh grass on the tees. The bentgrass greens are always speedy and challenging with their heavy undulation. Heritage also features one of the best practice areas in the city and recently brought in a load of fresh range balls.
Lake Spivey Golf Club, Jonesboro: The back nine is particularly challenging, with a stretch with four holes that involve water and a couple of par 4s that can play about 460 yards. The club also has a fun 19th hole that can be used to settle bets — or create a few new ones.
Mystery Valley Golf Course, Lithonia: This has been a staple for Atlanta public golfers since it was built in 1966. The 18-hole layout was designed by architect Dick Wilson and has remained consistently good. Mystery Valley isn't particularly long, but its tree-lined fairways require accuracy off the tee. No. 3, a 330-yard dogleg left, is a fun risk-reward shot that allows big hitters the opportunity drive the green. But there's not much fun about No. 15, a narrow, water-lined 408-yard beast that remains one of the toughest holes in the city.
North Fulton Golf Club, Atlanta: To a native Atlantan, the term "playing Chastain" has nothing to do with music. It means golf at the North Fulton course, which is next to Chastain Park. The course was designed in 1937 by Chandler Egan, supposedly with consultation from Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen. The 18th hole requires two strong shots to each an uphill undulating green. The only drawback: this course receives heavy play, which can result in rounds lasting five hours.
Steel Canyon Golf Course, Sandy Springs: Built on the site of a landfill, this is a par-61 executive course with beautiful greens. It's a fun course, with plenty of variety. There's also a nice putting area and professional instruction is available. And if you want to learn how to blast it, long-drive champion John Marshall gives lessons there.
Stone Mountain Golf Club: There are two 18-hole layouts at the Big Rock — the intimidating Stonemont, designed by Robert Trent Jones, and the challenging Lakemont, designed by John LaFoy. Stonemont is a long course with plenty of sand traps and will test the best players. It may have the toughest opening hole in the state. Lakemont is more forgiving, but makes up for it with the presence of water and offers some cool views of the mountain and the carving.
West Pines Golf Course, Douglasville: The city of Douglasville rescued this course from the scrap heap and rehabilitated it with new bentgrass greens in 2005. You can see it from I-20 (but not even John Daly can reach the westbound lane) and the rolling fairways have plenty of room.
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