Golfing in the North Georgia Mountains
There are four great golfing facilities in the area and they have a lot in common—spectacular views, lush greens, and challenging courses. Just breathing in the clean mountain air on a beautiful day makes you glad to be alive. Being able to golf here makes it perfect.
Butternut Creek is in Blairsville, GA. This mountainside course features 6,536 yards of dramatic fairways. It is 18 holes and par 73. The views are amazing with rippling creeks, ponds and artistic landscaping. There are Men’s and Ladies’ Leagues. Butternut Creek is open year-round, 7 days a week. Senior rates and student rates are available. There are daily fees or you can become a member. Greens fees and cart fees are $35.00 anytime before noon. After noon it’s only $25.00. What a bargain! You can call (706) 439-6076 or toll free (877) 745-5153 for tee times. To learn more, visit www.butternutcreekgolf.com.
The Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris, GA, is an 18 hole public course. It’s a comprehensive golf club located in a valley, right in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just two hours north of Atlanta, Brasstown Valley Resort has received top honors by Golf Digest. It was designed by the world-renowned architect, Denis Griffeths. The course winds through wildlife preserves, ponds and streams. With 4 sets of tees, all golfers can feel challenged. There are full practice facilities and a Pro Shop. Clinics and lessons are available. Rates vary seasonally, but start at $39.00. Rates include a cart, balls and taxes. Call (706) 379-4613 for tee times and current rates. Golf packages are available if you’re interested in staying at the Resort. It is also known for its beautiful riding stables and state of the art spa. For a virtual look at the course, you can visit www.brasstownvalley.com.
Whitepath Golf Course in Ellijay is semi-private. Completed in 1987, this is a beautiful course with elevated tees overlooking lush fairways and medium-sized greens. As you’re playing, you’ll encounter a trout stream and 4 lakes along with an abundance of wildlife including deer, quail and wild turkeys. That should keep it interesting. Whitepath is open all year round except on Christmas. The greens fees are $42.00. Call (706) 276-3080 for tee times and more information.
Last, but certainly not least, is the Old Union Golf Club at Owen Glen Community. It’s located between Blairsville and Murphy, NC. It opened recently to rave reviews and because it is new, it’s never crowded. It won’t stay a secret for long. Old Union is another course designed by Denis Griffeths. It offers 7,667 yards of spectacular fairways that meander through meadows, woods and along gurgling creeks with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop. Old Union has a Scottish feel to it. There are 5 sets of tees to provide an outstanding golf experience for shot makers of all abilities. There’s an excellent practice facility, 2 separate short game target greens and a full putting green. The Pro Shop offers lessons and clinics. This public course provides affordable golf. In fact, you can get a $60.00 gift certificate for golfing at Old Union (good thru 12/31/10) by calling (706) 835-9420 or toll free (866) 559-5844. Discover this new gem at www.owenglen.com/golf.htm. To get to Old Union at Owen Glen: from Atlanta travel north on I-575 to Rt 515 north to Blairsville. From Blairsville, take US 129 toward Murphy, NC. Turn right at the first traffic light, which is Ivy Log Road. Owen Glen is 2 miles ahead.