The Best Courses in North Georgia and Western Carolina
An escape from reality means different things to different people. Some might be looking to get away from big city life and enjoy a slower pace of life while others might be looking to breathe in the freshness of the great outdoors after a long day at the office. Set against the Blue Ridge Mountains, and woven around the sparkling waters of Lake Chatuge and Lake Nottely, the rolling hills of North Georgia and Western Carolina offer a golfing experience like no other. Situated just a couple hours outside of Atlanta, Chattanooga and Knoxville, Appalachian golf courses epitomize peacefulness on the golf course with their unique combination of scenic views, cooler temperatures and fresh mountain air. Visiting one of the area’s local golf courses will be just what you need for a truly memorable North Georgia/Western Carolina golfing experience.
Located a mere two hours from the Atlanta metropolis, the award-winning Brasstown Valley Golf Course is one of the area’s most breathtaking and popular courses. It has been ranked by both Golf Digest and Leading Golf Courses of America as one of Georgia’s top golf courses. These accolades come as no surprise to anyone who has ever visited the course. Unlike other courses you may have played, your day at Brasstown Valley’s golf course will take you through picturesque streams, ponds, mountain views and even wildlife preserves, all expertly incorporated into the layout by Denis Griffiths, who worked to make an unforgettable course set in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Young Harris, GA.
Perfect for all occasions – a weekend getaway, a couple’s outing or a corporate event – the Brasstown Valley Golf Club provides 18 holes of championship golfing and five tee sets, perfect for all skill levels to enjoy. The Brasstown Valley course is a Scottish links-style course, meaning that it is equal parts fun and challenging. For those unfamiliar with the Scottish links-style of golfing, some of the popular features of a links-style course include steep-walled bunkers, treeless fairways, and often a few bump-and-run shots.
Brasstown Valley’s golf course is excellently maintained by the resort staff, under the guidance of the Director of Golf, Steve Phelps. Phelps is a PGA Professional who is available to assist you on a daily basis, whether you are looking for golf lessons, clinics, tournament set-ups, or some other golf-related activity.
While you're at Brasstown, you may also want to try out some of the other activities the resort has on site. Their stables, for example, offer guided horseback riding tours through the wooded trails surrounding the resort. Excellent dining facilities and indoor/outdoor pool areas complement time spent in the resort’s exercise room stocked with cardio and weight equipment. Full locker rooms are available as well, and come equipped with both a sauna and steam room for guests of the resort to enjoy at their leisure.
In addition to those onsite amenities, Brasstown Valley Resort also has its own spa across the street from the main resort area. The Equani Spa is a luxury spa that draws upon the local Cherokee heritage in their décor, spa rituals and practices. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources developed Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa to honor the heritage for which the area is known, and this cultural sensitivity is seen in the way the spa incorporates Cherokee cultural beliefs and customs into their services. A visit to the spa would be the perfect way to end your visit to the golf course.
Golf Shores Golf Course
As you might have guessed from the name, the Chatuge Shores Golf Course is located just off the shores of Lake Chatuge. Only a few minutes away from the popular recreation areas of Chatuge Dam and the charming town of Hayesville, NC, Chatuge Shores golf course provides one of the most likeable golfing experiences the area has to offer.
Chatuge Shores has been rated a 4-star course by Golf Advisor and Golf Link publications, and as a 3-star course by Golf Digest. The course itself boasts gently rolling hills lined by large shade trees, and is kept in beautiful condition by local staff members.
The Head Golf Professional and General Manager of Chatuge Shores Golf Club is Bill Rinaldo, a PGA Life Member with over 25 years of golfing experience. He is available to provide information regarding golf instruction, golf outings, and membership options available through Chatuge Shores.
As a public facility, Chatuge Shores offers multiple amenities for locals and visitors to enjoy. They have a well-stocked pro shop onsite, as well as a driving range, putting green, and tennis courts. Although the Chatuge Shores pool is currently closed for renovations, it is expected to reopen and provide another gathering place to beat the heat by the time the 2020 season comes around.
During the summer months, Chatuge Shores offers dining options 7 days a week at the Greenside Grill. The grill is a casual dining experience; however, they are also available to host, and even cater, private functions and events. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a leisurely morning on the course, followed by a filling lunch at the club, Chatuge Shores may be just the place for you.
Formally known as The Ridges, Mountain Harbour Golf Club blends beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain Scenery with an excellent golfing environment to give you the perfect blend of challenge and relaxation. Mountain Harbour Golf Club, located just off Highway 64 East in Hayesville, NC, gives you a luxury golfing experience in a hometown environment, making it one of the area’s most charming courses.
Because Mountain Harbour Golf Club resides in the heart of the country club, it offers a myriad of activities for you to enjoy. Options range from card games, to the pool, to lunch at the grill.
The Sequoyah Bar & Grill at the Ridges Country Club in Hayesville is a great option for lunch after a morning of golfing, while the upstairs lounge is a great choice for those who prefer afternoon golfing. The grill is open daily at 11am, but keep in mind that the lounge only opens Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 5pm.
Members can find a perfect opportunity for relaxing after time spent on the golf course by visiting the club pool. It is suitable for all ages and stays open from Memorial Day until Labor Day.
You may also be interested in the Fitness Facility which is fully stocked with cardio equipment, machines and free weights. The facility also has shower rooms that come equipped with access to a steam room. This area is accessible on a 24-hour basis to members of the Mountain Harbour Community.
Heralded as an “unequaled” course in the North Georgia Mountains, Old Union Golf Course makes an excellent choice for those in the Blue Ridge, Murphy and Blairsville areas. Old Union is enjoyable for all skill levels, thanks to its valley layout, and is full of opportunities for golfers to enjoy – from regular tee times to immaculate practice facilities.
Old Union's practice facilities come equipped with a practice bunker and short game area as well as practice putting and chipping greens. The practice facilities also offer all weather tees large turf tees and sculptured target greens, making them ideal for both the beginner and the advanced golfer.
Whether you are looking to simply use the practice facility, take a golf lesson or enjoy 9 or 18 holes of golf, Old Union proudly provides something for every golfer. They also offer refreshments on the porch as a way to truly seal in the relaxation benefits of the game of golf.