When you head to Callaway Resort & Gardens, bring your bathing suit, hiking shoes, golf clubs, binoculars, walking/running shoes, bike helmet, appetite, and a spirit of adventure. Here, there are several hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the area's natural beauty. Enjoy a cruise along the 10-mile-long Discovery Bike Trail that takes you around the perimeter of this resort, through the woods, alongside the azalea gardens, and near many lakes and ponds. You can bring your own bicycles or rent them on-site.

At Callaway Resort & Gardens, the gardens are stunning. The gardens feature a variety of plants and flowers, including azaleas, roses, and hydrangeas. There are also several themed gardens, such as the Vegetable Garden and the Butterfly Garden, which add to the viewing pleasure of this resort.

Two must-see exhibits at the Callaway Resort & Gardens are the Butterfly Center and the Birds of Prey.

The Butterfly Center has many butterflies flying around this indoor, vegetation-filled planetarium, where you can learn about the lifespan of butterflies and their role in Mother Nature's Circle of Life.

The Birds of Prey exhibit is a daily outdoor program which takes place at the Discovery Center Amphitheater. After witnessing this program, you'll have a greater understanding of the unique powers of sight, hearing, and flight by raptors such as great horned owls, hawks, and eagles.

The resort's centerpiece is Robin Lake where guests can enjoy time at the beach making sand castles, taking beach walks, swimming in Robin Lake, frolicking on Aqua Island, playing putt-putt golf, enjoying a pedal boat, fishing, boating, and making 'camp' in one of the many cabanas along the beach.

You can also tour the resort on a golf cart, aka a Callaway Cruiser. You can rent either a four-seater or six-seater.

Callaway Resort & Gardens also has a zip line course that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. There is also a treetop adventure course, which is perfect for those who enjoy an 'aerial' challenge.

If you want total rest and relaxation, visit the spa inside the Pine Mountain Hotel where you can enjoy a variety of treatments and massages.

For avid golfers, there are two 18-hole championship golf courses on-site, Lake View and Mountain View, both of which are part of The Georgia Golf Trail. Mountain View is the former site of the PGA Tour's Buick Challenge.

There are many accommodation options at Callaway. They include the Pine Mountain Hotel, the Cottages, and the Villas. Spacious and first-class are the best ways to describe the Pine Mountain Hotel, which has 150 guest rooms with convenient access to the outdoor heated pool, hot tub, and Robin Lake Beach. The Cottages have two-bedrooms, are family friendly, and have fully equipped kitchens. And, the Villas are upscale, spacious, and well-appointed.

When it comes to dining, Callaway Resort & Gardens has several restaurants to choose from such as The Piedmont Dining Room, Country Kitchen, Cason's Tap Room, Discovery Café, and the Champions Grille, which is located at the golf course. You must make it a priority to enjoy breakfast at the Country Kitchen, where everything is delicious, especially the ham and eggs. And, the coffee is good till the last drop. The quality of the breakfast is matched by the beauty of the views from the dining room. Room service is also available if you stay at the Pine Mountain Hotel. At The Piedmont Dining Room, order the grilled pimento cheese sandwich for lunch.

So, when you're ready to relax, see the azaleas, and watch a great horned owl take flight, visit Callaway Resort & Gardens. To book your stay-and-play getaway at Callaway, call 1-800-852-3810 or access www.callawaygardens.com. For specifics on golf at Callaway, access www.georgiagolfandtravel.com.

North Georgia has been the quiet section of the Georgia Golf Trail for years, and the locals have not exactly minded. Drive 90 minutes north of Atlanta. Pick a resort. Settle in. The roster runs the gamut from a state park hidden gem at Arrowhead Pointe to the resort-with-spa polish of Brasstown Valley to a club called Currahee that the Trail has now packaged for traveling golfers. This is the region you book when the buddies group wants something different from the Florida-or-Hilton-Head default.

Where to Play

Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa in Young Harris is the headliner. The course is named for the valley it sits in - Brasstown Valley - even though everything around it is mountain country, and from the right tee you can see Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia at 4,784 feet. The course winds through wildlife preserves, ponds, and streams, and the conditioning is consistently the best in the region. Two hours from Atlanta, two hours from Chattanooga, which means it is also an easy long-weekend pickup if you are coming from anywhere in the southeast.

Sky Valley Country Club is the elevation play and frankly the nerd play, in the best way. Average elevation 3,500 feet, the highest of any course in Georgia, with the entire layout surrounded by Nantahala National Forest. Tee shots from raised tees on a high percentage of holes. The conditioning is exemplary tee to green. If your group has a guy who tracks his shot data and gets excited about altitude effects on carry, this is his round. He will earn it. The rest of the foursome will spend the day staring at views.

Valhalla Golf Club in Helen is the affordability play with the alpine wrapper. Some pundits have called it Alpine mountain golf at its finest. Others have called it affordable golf in priceless surroundings. Both are right. The big shot here is the par-3 15th, where the descent from tee to green runs at least 150 feet, the kind of hole you put down a marker on, hit your iron, and watch the ball hang in the mountain air for what feels like an extra second. Helen itself is a Bavarian-themed town that has gone full Octoberfest year-round. Lederhosen, German bakeries, an actual Haus or two. It looks ridiculous on paper. You will love it after the round.

For the off-the-radar play that earns its tee time, point the car toward Arrowhead Pointe at Richard B. Russell State Park. Bob Walker designed it in 2001 and the property sits on a state park peninsula on Lake Russell with no houses, no cars, no power lines, no flight paths, no nothing. Just course and lake. We will say more about Arrowhead in the state-parks deep dive, but here it stays as the value play that quietly belongs on every North Georgia itinerary.

Highland Walk at Victoria Bryant State Park near Athens is the southern bookend of the mountain region: 18 holes built on steep rolling hills, broad crowned Bermuda fairways, and an elevation profile that golfers have compared to a rangefinder stress test. Named one of Georgia's top-25 courses by Golf Now, with more than 21,000 rounds played in its strongest year, run by a state park system that frankly takes its golf seriously. Cart-only is the polite suggestion. Walking is the honest one if your knees are up to it.

Where to Stay

Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa runs the most complete on-property setup in the region. Lodge rooms with mountain views, the spa, two restaurants on site (Brassie's Bar and Grill where the Big Brassie half-pound burger is the buddies-trip move, plus The Dining Room where the bison meatloaf earns its menu real estate), and direct access to the course. Buddies trip or couples trip, the place handles both.

Helen has the Valhalla Resort right next to the course, which puts you in the Bavarian theme park 24-7 if that's your thing. It usually is by the second night.

For Sky Valley, the country club itself accommodates non-members and group functions, and the surrounding area has cabin rentals if you want a more rustic base for a 3-4 day trip. The Dillard House in Dillard is the dining stop you build into the schedule whether you sleep there or not - three meals a day served family style, every recipe from the Dillard family, and a guest book that has included Jimmy Carter and Waylon Jennings.

For Currahee and Old Toccoa Farm, on-property lodging is the move. Currahee for the higher-end couples or anniversary-trip play. Old Toccoa Farm for the cabin-rental, river-view, slower-pace trip.

What to Do Along the Way

Fly fishing on the Toccoa River and the Chattooga is real. Old Toccoa Farm sits right on the river. Local guides handle the trip, the trout are stocked and wild depending on the section, and a half day on the water before an afternoon round is a real itinerary. The Chattahoochee headwaters near Helen have some of the best trout water in the southeast.

Helen is its own off-course experience. Tubing the Chattahoochee is a thing here - Helen Tubing and Water Park is the operator and a half day in an inner tube with a cooler tied to it is one of the cheapest and best afternoons your group will have. Add a few stops on the Habersham Winery trail and you have built a Saturday.

Dahlonega is 45 minutes south of Helen and it is the wine country of North Georgia. Eight or nine working wineries within a 20-mile drive, with Wolf Mountain, Three Sisters, Frogtown, and Montaluce running the most established tasting rooms. Dahlonega itself is a cute downtown square with restaurants and the Gold Museum, since the first major American gold rush happened here in 1828, three decades before California's. There is a reason the dome of the Georgia State Capitol is plated in Dahlonega gold.

For the buddies side, the bourbon-and-craft-beer crowd has options. Currahee Brewing Company in Clarkesville is a quick stop. Helen's Beer Garden does its German imports right. And down toward Dahlonega, several distilleries have opened up in the last few years that handle the brown-water side of a trip.

For the Brasstown Valley stay, the Appalachian Trail crosses nearby, and a half-day section hike from Neel Gap or Woody Gap lets the non-golfer in the group earn their dinner. Brasstown Bald has a hard-surface trail to the summit observation deck, and on a clear day you can see four states. Worth the drive.

If your trip lines up with fall foliage season, the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway is the drive you build into the schedule. Mid-October through early November is the window. The leaves are the show. Plan a round in the morning and the byway in the afternoon.

The Pitch

For the full Georgia Golf Trail booking and packages, Doug Hollandsworth and the Georgia Golf and Travel team handle the trip. 770-266-0331.

Book it. Bring rain gear in the spring, layers in the fall, and a wedge you can spin. Mountain greens in Georgia are firmer than they look, and the slopes do not forgive a 7-iron that runs out.

If you have not figured out Georgia as a golf destination, this is your starting point.

The Three Regions

Atlanta and Central Georgia: The big-name resort lineup. Stone Mountain Golf Club sits inside Stone Mountain Park east of Atlanta with two 18s, including a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design where putts famously break away from the mountain itself. Chateau Elan in Braselton is the wine country resort with three on-property courses, an actual chateau, and the kind of spa setup that rescues a buddies trip from itself. The Frog in Villa Rica is the locals' favorite, complete with metal frog statue at the first tee. The Creek at Hard Labor sits inside Hard Labor Creek State Park. And Reynolds Lake Oconee, the headliner of the bunch, runs six championship courses on a 19,000-acre community along the second-largest lake in Georgia. If you have only ever heard of one Georgia golf resort outside the Augusta National conversation, it is probably Reynolds. Worth the hype. Callaway Resort and Gardens, an hour south of Atlanta in Pine Mountain, rounds out the central region with one of the original 18 founding members of the Trail and a 2,500-acre property where golf is the headline but hardly the only attraction.

Coastal Georgia: Sea Island, Jekyll, and the marsh. This is the trip everybody dreams about. Sea Island is the marquee: three courses, a Forbes five-star resort, host of the RSM Classic on the PGA Tour every November, and the kind of place where a senior caddie has been on staff longer than your kids have been alive. Jekyll Island runs three public courses and a fourth nine on a barrier island the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers built as their winter retreat in the 1880s. The Club at Savannah Harbor sits on Hutchinson Island in the Savannah River, designed by Robert Cupp with consultation from Sam Snead. Sapelo Hammock down in McIntosh County serves up Spanish moss, live oaks, and tidal marsh views on every other hole. The King and Prince on St. Simons gives you a beach resort with a championship course attached, and Lake Blackshear over in Cordele runs the Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course, a four-star Golf Digest pick on a 8,500-acre lake. South Georgia state park courses round out the roster: Little Ocmulgee with its Wallace Adams course winding through loblolly pines, Meadow Links at George T. Bagby on Lake Walter F. George, and Brazell's Creek up in Reidsville.

The Off-Course Game

Add the Masters factor. Augusta is in eastern Georgia, and while you are not getting onto Augusta National, the surrounding area has plenty of public access and the energy of a city that hosts the world's best golf tournament every April is real. Building a Trail trip around Masters week, either the week before or the week after, is a thing. Practice round tickets, a few rounds at Trail courses on either end, and you have built the kind of pilgrimage every serious golfer should take at least once.

Why It Works as a Trail

The state runs from a 4,784-foot peak in the north to barrier islands and tidal marsh on the south. Average winter temperature in coastal Georgia stays mild enough to play year-round. Spring is all dogwoods and azaleas, summer is mountain country season, fall is when everything from Lake Oconee to the Savannah marshes shows off. There is no bad time to go and there is no shortage of variety once you do.

The Pitch

"Clearly, as you travel along The Georgia Golf Trail to play golf, you'll see that there's as much to do for non-golfers as there is to do on the golf course for golfers," said Doug Hollandsworth, Founder of The Georgia Golf Trail.

No historical trip to Georgia is complete unless you visit the City of Savannah, which is the oldest city in Georgia and was the state's first capital. Savannah was founded in 1733.

After playing golf at The Landings, which is one of the Savannah-area golf courses along The Georgia Golf Trail, you should walk the city streets of Savannah where you can check out the city's many attractions - Southern cuisine restaurants, riverboat cruises along the Savannah River, architectural tours, spectacular art galleries, Civil War reenactments, and the city's number-one attraction - the Savannah Historic Theatre, which was established in 1818.

After playing golf at the Highland Walk Golf Course located at Victoria Bryant State Park in Royston, Georgia, visit the Traveler's Rest State Historic Site, which is located near the intersection of Old King's Highway and Unicoi Turnpike.

Traveler's Rest is Georgia's last stagecoach inn and the long-time residence of the Jarrett family. The inn provides visitors a glimpse into early American travel and will give you a look at life in 19th Century Georgia. This stagecoach inn, and later a plantation home, was first built around 1815 by James Wyly.

Because of its architectural significance and its role in the early history of the area, Traveler's Rest was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964. Today, visitors can tour the house and see many original artifacts and furnishings.

When you visit Callaway Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, you get access to the Mountain View and Lake View golf courses. Mountain View is the former home of the PGA Tour's Buick Challenge. Lake View is the original golf course at Callaway Resort & Gardens.

After golfing at Callaway, visit nearby Warm Springs, Georgia, specifically the Little White House that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had built in 1932 when he was the governor of New York, just before he was inaugurated as U.S. President in 1933.

Roosevelt visited nearby Warm Springs as he hoped that swimming in the nearly 90-degree spring water might help him cure his infantile paralysis (polio) that struck him in 1921. The therapeutic water did help improve his physical mobility, but it did not cure him of polio. Visitors who tour FDR's home get to see it as he left it when he died on April 12, 1945.

If you visit Cordele, Georgia to play golf at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course at the Lake Blackshear State Park & Lodge, there's a military museum on the premises of the park which is guided by the theme: "Serve the Living, Honor Our Heroic Dead."

The museum blends indoor and outdoor exhibits to honor U.S. veterans from the Revolutionary War through to the present day. The indoor exhibits and outdoor installations include a B-29A Superfortress, jets, tanks and a helicopter. This is a must-see exhibit for families, school-age children, and U.S. military veterans.

United as part of the global Valor Hospitality Partners family, the three properties form an international relationship that connects through the universal language of golf, travel, and dining. As part of this collective, the culinary experiences at these properties are curated by SAVOR, the award-winning food and beverage division of Valor Hospitality, which allows for cross-continental collaboration and sharing of ideas, cultures and unique customer experiences.

Through one-of-a-kind packages and tailored joint itineraries, McLemore, Seaton House and Dunluce Lodge invite guests to join them for a global travel experience bound together under the shared identity of world-class golf, five-star dining, spa & wellness, and elegant accommodations.

Dating back to 1864, Seaton House property overlooks the first tee of the Old Course at St. Andrews and the magnificent West Sands beach, has borne witness to over 160 years of golf history taking place just outside its door. Previously known as the Scores Hotel, the historic landmark was restored by Links Collection & Valor Hospitality Partners, returning the building to its prominent standing in the "Home of Golf". The hotel features 42 luxury bedrooms, including six suites and three junior suites, offering five-star luxury hospitality in the heart of St. Andrews, just a five-minute walk from the town's many historic attractions, artisan shops, cafes and fine dining experiences. Additionally, Seaton House features three distinct dining and bar options, spearheaded by Ondine Oyster & Grill, one of Scotland's most famous seafood restaurants.

Overlooking the fourth fairway of the renowned Royal Portrush Golf Club, host of two previous Open Championships and the site of the 153rd edition of the hallowed championship, Dunluce Lodge is a new property with roots in the storied history of Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast. Dunluce Lodge boasts 35 luxury suites, including eight in The Stookan, its private home for larger groups, together with an intimate world-class restaurant offering à la carte dining and tasting menus, also served in its wine vault with expert wine pairings and exquisite whiskey tastings. Guests can also avail of an intimate spa and private dining spaces throughout the Lodge.

With an onsite putting green and complimentary private transfers to the nearby helipad and to the clubhouses at Royal Portrush and Portstewart Golf Club, Dunluce Lodge is also a golfer's paradise, and open in time to welcome guests attending the 153rd Open Championship in July.

"McLemore was founded with an identity deeply intertwined with Scottish heritage," says Euan McGlashan, Global Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Valor Hospitality Partners. "So, we are thrilled to join three like-minded and quintessential 'Celtic' destinations in a partnership grounded in reverence for our shared history and an appreciation for the game of golf as it was meant to be played."

One of the top golf destinations in the South, McLemore boasts a pair of 18-hole championship courses as well as a six-hole short course called The Cairn. The resort first established itself with the Highlands Course. Famous for jaw-dropping elevation changes, the Highlands Course boasts one of the most spectacular finishing holes in the game, as the 18th runs along the cliff edge from tee to green. Ranked the 22nd best hole in America by Golf Digest and a top-10 finishing hole in the world according to LINKS Magazine, the final hole on the Highlands Course is truly one of a kind.

In late 2024, McLemore unveiled The Keep as the centerpiece around which the resort's future as a must-visit golf destination is built. Sculpted by Bill Bergin and Rees Jones on a rare piece of land atop Lookout Mountain, the 'mountaintop headlands course' features five cliffside holes overlooking McLemore Cove that present golfers with breathtaking vantage points at every turn.

In February 2024, McLemore introduced Cloudland - a marquee Curio Collection by Hilton hotel perched atop Lookout Mountain with stellar views of the surrounding North Georgia mountains. Considered the Southeast's most anticipated hotel opening, the luxury resort property offers 245 guest rooms, including 21 suites and 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art indoor meeting and event space.

At Cloudland, guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including four superb restaurants and bars. One in particular - Auld Alliance - named after the oldest alliance in the world between Scotland and France which dates back to 1295, is the only restaurant in the United States combining the rich flavors of Scotch and French cuisine. Cloudland also features a cliff-edge infinity pool and bar as well as a full-service spa. Guests of Cloudland also have access to the pair of world-class golf courses at McLemore, along with endless opportunities to explore Lookout Mountain and the surrounding area.

For more information: www.mclemoreresort.com

For many, the main attraction is golf, and CCR was voted Best Course in North Atlanta in 2018! The course was designed by D.J. DeVictor and is set among rolling hills, lakes, and streams. You'll encounter significant elevation changes, mature hardwoods, pine trees, streams, ponds, and lakes as you make your way along impeccably manicured Bermuda fairways that lead to Champion Dwarf greens. It's a golf course that will challenge golfers regardless of skill level.

The elevation changes at the Country Club of Roswell are highly evident on the first two holes. Number 1 is a fairly short par 4 with a light dogleg to the right and plays 331 yards from the White Tees. You'll tee off from a very elevated tee box downhill to a fairway protected by bunkers on either side. Your approach shot plays uphill onto an odd-shaped green that slopes back to front and can be tricky to putt if you're below the hole.

The 2nd hole is a par three that plays downhill and is considerably shorter than the 165 yards stated on the scorecard. A tee shot that comes up short can easily find the creek that crosses in front of the green or the front left bunker. Take too much club and you may find yourself in the pot bunker behind the green.

The 10th hole is a tricky little par 4. From the White Tees, it plays a mere 306 yards, but with significant water. If you can hit your tee shot over the first fairway bunker on the right, you'll have a short pitch shot into a peninsula green surrounded by water and a third bunker short of the green. Tee shots right of the green may find the watery grave. Trees - and homes - prevent you from driving the green off the tee.

If I were naming holes, Number 17 would be "Give It Some Thought." It requires accuracy more than length off the tee, and you'll need to carry the same body of water twice on your way to the green. Hit something just short of the fairway bunkers on the left off the tee and leave yourself a short to mid-iron into the green. Check the yardage and the wind on your approach shot and take enough club to clear the two bunkers left of the green and find the right level of this two-tiered green.

If golf is the main attraction at The Country Club of Roswell, tennis isn't far behind. The Tennis Facility includes 9 sub-irrigated Har-Tru clay courts and 4 US Open hard courts. For pickleball enthusiasts, CCR has 8 permanently lined courts. Leagues run year-round, and there are several specialty mixers, golf/tennis challenges, and the Club's famous Charity Tennis Pro-Am, which is held the first weekend of August. There are also dedicated programs for the kids that help them progress in the game as they get older, as well as junior teams for league play.

When you look at the Club's Aquatic Center, you may think you're looking at a high-end resort. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, it's a beehive of activity and the go-to destination for families searching for relief from the heat and fun-filled activities. t starts with the Junior Olympic-size, zero-entry pool with lanes for swimming laps and competitions. There's a separate diving pool with two boards and a third pool with two water slides, a mushroom fountain, and a splash pad. When the kids get waterlogged, there's a gated playground area adjacent to the pool that has recycled rubber mulch to help eliminate bumps and bruises.

For Members looking to improve their overall level of fitness, CCR's exercise facility has a wide variety of options to help you get there. They have PRECOR machines and equipment, plus free weights and a complete set of strength training machines. There's also a Video On-Demand Fitness System designed for small groups.

For many members, dining is the lifeblood of a club. Whether you're entertaining friends or clients or spending the evening with that special someone, you always want to make a good impression. CCR's Executive Chef and the talented staff of culinary artists put together seasonal menus and offer specialty entrees with diverse and delectable options. Locally sourced farm-to-table ingredients are used to create made-from-scratch meals that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Just like Cheers, the staff knows your name - and your food and drink preferences.

The veteran CCR staff are also pros at planning and executing events and can help with everything from conception to execution. Whether it's a small corporate board meeting or a lavish wedding ceremony and event with 300 guests, they can make the event special and memorable with venues both inside and out. Each year, the Club holds a wedding and events expo; check their website for upcoming dates.

If you like what you see when you visit the Country Club of Roswell, why not consider becoming a member? They have several membership options to meet everyone's needs and budget. A Full Golf Membership grants you complete access to the golf course, practice facilities, and all of the Club's amenities. An Intermediate Golf Membership offers all of the same privileges for members under 35. As a Tennis Member, you'll enjoy full access to the pool, fitness center, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor dining, and social/dining events. A Social Membership gives you full access to the fitness center, indoor and outdoor dining, and social/dining events.

The Country Club of Roswell is home to the Goldrush Member-Guest tournament, rated by Golf Digest as the best Member-Guest in Georgia. So, if becoming a member isn't in the cards right now, I suggest becoming best friends with someone who is!

For more information on becoming a member or arranging a visit to the club, you can contact them at 770.75.7800 or visit them online at www.ccroswell.com.

Regional winners were chosen from the East, Midwest, South and West sections of the United States. Bobby Jones Golf Course was named South Region Course of the Year, and from these regional winners, the NGCOA Board of Directors chose the acclaimed Georgia property as the 2025 Jemsek National Course of the Year.

The NGCOA's Jemsek National Course of the Year Award recognizes a facility that epitomizes exceptional course quality and management excellence, makes important contributions to its communities and the game, and is a model of operations to its peers.

"Through the leadership and hard work of President Marty Elgison and the non-profit Bobby Jones Golf Course Foundation, the BJL management and leadership, and our staff who works tirelessly to make the golf experience here unforgettable and truly accessible to everyone, this property has become a tremendous source of pride for our team, the city of Atlanta and the golf industry," said Bobby Jones Golf Course General Manager Joshua Deal. "Our entire staff is proud and humble - it is an incredible and meaningful honor to be able to deliver every day on the Foundation's mission to 'Make a Difference Through Golf,'"

As the result of a $33 million redevelopment project that began in 2011, the course was transformed from a poorly conditioned, obsolete, and underutilized property into a facility that not only features a unique reversible 9 hole layout designed by the late Bob Cup and a state of the art driving range, but is now an integral part of the local golf community and a shining example of how a course can enrich the lives of people throughout a community. For example, through its PGA Hope program, a free initiative that teaches golf to active-duty military and veterans, BJGC has made a significant impact in the lives of countless service people - with four different six-week clinics that are free to veterans and active-duty military.

The Foundation's focus on junior golf is exemplified by BJGCs' PGA Junior League program, which had more than 250 children participate last year. The weekly matches were on Sunday afternoons, which is prime real estate for tee times, demonstrating the course's commitment to junior golf. More than 6,000 juniors have come through the course in the past five years and the Youth on Course program allows juniors to play the course at any time for $5.

The facility's Dan Yates Putting Course and Cupp Links, a five-hole par-3 course, can both be played free of charge, as can the practice putting green and chipping green. Bobby Jones Golf Course also has the only outdoor publicly accessible range in Atlanta using Trackman Range technology, which debuted there in 2024. The property's centerpiece - the Murray Golf House - serves multiple roles. It is the clubhouse and is home to the Georgia State Golf Association, Georgia PGA Section and Georgia Golf Hall of Fame. Boone's restaurant was originally designed to be a grab-and-go food center but has turned into an upscale experience that features American cuisine with beautiful views of the course and the Atlanta skyline.

"To take a property from an under-utilized, virtual afterthought in the local golf market to a prototype of how public golf courses everywhere should function and serve their surrounding communities is just incredible," said BJL Founding Partner Steve Willy. "The programming there has galvanized a community, brought more people into golf, and the clubhouse, course and practice facilities are genuinely a desirable and fun place to spend time. No matter how many lunch and dinner meetings we have in Boone's restaurant, it's still exhilarating and humbling to walk into the Murray Golf House and appreciate the splendor of it all, how far this place has come, and what it now means to so many golfers in Atlanta."

Added Elgison, who oversaw the redevelopment of the facility and remains in charge of its day-to-day decision making: "It has turned out better than I ever expected it to be. It has become a model for the renovation of municipal golf courses across America."

Each year, the NGCOA recognizes the most outstanding members of the past year, and the individuals and organizations that have helped preserve the tradition of the game while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the golf business. The winners will be recognized throughout NGCOA's Golf Business Conference 2025, being held January 20-22, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.

"We will be recognizing an outstanding lineup of golf industry leaders during NGCOA's Golf Business Conference 2025," said Cathy Harbin, Owner of Pine Ridge Golf Course and Board President of the NGCOA. "All of our award recipients have made incredible impacts on golf, especially within their communities, and we're thrilled to celebrate such a deserving group."

To learn more, visit BobbyJonesLinks.com and BobbyJonesGC.com. Visit GolfBusinessConference.com for NGCOA Golf Business Conference 2025 event details.

"The Frog was designed by Tom Fazio around the same time he designed The Seaside Course at Sea Island and The National at Reynolds Lake Oconee. It's a terrific layout that our team is excited to return to its rightful position as one of the premier daily fee courses in the Atlanta market," said Doug Hellman, Chief Development Officer for Bobby Jones Links. "We will initially work on elevating course conditions, developing the customer journey and training and empowering staff to focus on the details that make a difference."

Bobby Jones Links, which manages more than 38 select properties in 12 states, will employ its expertise and deep resources to uncover opportunities that drive financial performance while maintaining a laser focus on delivering unsurpassed customer service. BJL will oversee daily operations and train employees with its comprehensive library of standard operating procedures, proprietary tools, best management practices, and expertly developed leadership training program.

"What sets Bobby Jones Links apart to us is that they understand what needs to happen operationally to maximize profitability. On the other side of the token, our customers are looking for an enjoyable experience at a fair value," said Thomas Gwynn, Vice President of US Strategic Capital. "If we can continue to see improvements to our operations while also garnering a loyal following from the golf community, that's the key. We think Bobby Jones Links has proven that they know how to put that winning formula to work."

The Frog extends 7,018 yards from the tips, and perpetually has excellent reviews and ratings from golfers online. BJL is poised to take the facility to the next level. "How we position The Frog will be reflective of the course here, this premium Fazio layout," says Hellman. "We are committed to maintaining the great golf, great conditioning, and great customer service."

For more information, visit BobbyJonesLinks.com and FrogGolfClub.com.

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About Bobby Jones Links

Bobby Jones Links is a privately owned club management company offering hands-on, turnkey operations management and advisory services to select daily fee, private and semi-private clubs. Based in Atlanta with an office in Naples, FL, the company supports more than 30 properties in 12 states, including Bobby Jones Golf Course, Hope Valley Country Club, and Travis Pointe Country Club. Visit www.bobbyjoneslinks.com to learn how Bobby Jones Links makes a difference for their clients and associates.

About The Frog Golf Club

Designed by legendary golf course architect Tom Fazio, The Frog is widely considered to be among the top courses in Georgia. Located off Interstate 20 in Villa Rica, this is a masterpiece layout complete with bentgrass greens and expansive bunkering.

Media Contacts:

Kevin Frisch PR Kevin Frisch (989) 614-0241 kevin@kevinfrischpr.com

Carl Mickelson (512) 797-2673 carl@kevinfrischpr.com

Katie Lentine Marketing Manager

Bobby Jones Links katie.lentine@bobbyjoneslinks.com

Give our readers an overview of the golf trail. Southern charm and hospitality await you on The Georgia Golf Trail, home to breath taking golf courses and magnificent resorts from the mountains to the sea. Emerging as a leading golf destination, Georgia offers a vast array of world-class golf courses, as well as many other attractions including restaurants, historic sites and other wonderful amenities.

The Georgia Golf Trail brings it all together with a collaboration of the states' top resorts and golf clubs, presenting the Peach State as a premier golf haven. From the mountains to the plains and on to the beautiful Georgia coast, the Peach State has much to offer the golfer and traveler.

Our beautiful state is home to several major golf tournaments each year. In April, Georgia proudly hosts the greatest golf event in the world. The Masters Tournament held in Augusta, dates back to 1934 and was originated by native Georgian Bobby Jones. Bobby Jones also played his first and last round of golf at the Historic Eastlake Country Club in Atlanta home each year to the TOUR Championship..

What golf courses make up the golf trail and why are they must plays? They are over 23 members with some of them having more than 18 holes. Some great places to play and stay on the Trail, some great cities that are also members of the Trail, like Helen Georgia, #3 most visited city in Georgia. Savannah is one of the Gems of the entire country, have to go there! Check out the website to see more. www.georgiagolftrail.com

What are the most talked about and the hidden gem courses on the trail? The Georgia State Parks are called our Hidden Gems. From North Georgia to the Southern tip, some great courses and places to stay across the State Park Golf Courses.

Is the trail designed to be conquered in one or several golf trips? Please provide itinerary or sample itineraries to complete the trail. (please group courses along with lodging recommendations) North Georgia, have to go to Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, stay in the Lodge, play the wonderful 18 golf holes there, then move on to Sky Valley, wow, what a gem, Georgia's highest and coolest city in the State. The golf course is fantastic and you have plenty of places to stay in Sky Valley or around the area. Then head down to Valhalla Resort in Helen Georgia. Stay in the hotel and enjoy the mountain air.

What area tourist attractions might you recommend while doing the trail (golf or non-golf related)? North Georgia or the Georgia Coast

Provide an overview of the lodging accommodations? Anything from a Ritz Carlton to State Park cottages that are great as well. Lodges, Camping areas, Georgia has it all

Any other fun facts or things we should know about the golf trail or destination? Great places to eat along the Trail, The Wharf in Jekyll Island Club Resort, The Dillard House up near Sky Valley Georgia, Savannah has MANY great places to eat!!

Where can a golfer go to get more information or book rounds/travel/lodging? Start with our website, www.georgiagolftrail.com or go to www.gastateparks.org

Courses on Trail Number of Course: 23 Number of Holes: Hundreds!!

Welcome, fellow travelers and golf enthusiasts, to an exhilarating journey along the illustrious Georgia Golf Trail! Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Peach State, this trail offers an array of splendid golf courses, each with its own unique charm and challenges. So, pack your clubs, don your favorite golf attire, and let's embark on a remarkable adventure through some of Georgia's finest golfing destinations.

Arrowhead Pointe

Our journey commences at Arrowhead Pointe, a gem nestled along the shores of Lake Richard B. Russell. With its scenic views and challenging layout designed by the renowned Bob Walker, Arrowhead Pointe promises an unforgettable golfing experience amidst the tranquility of nature.

Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa

Next on our itinerary is Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, where golf meets luxury amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This picturesque course, designed by Denis Griffiths, offers a harmonious blend of challenging holes and awe-inspiring vistas, making it a must-visit destination for golf aficionados.

Brazell's Creek

Venture further along the trail, and you'll encounter Brazell's Creek, a hidden gem nestled within the heart of the Georgia countryside. This meticulously manicured course, designed by Denis Griffiths, presents golfers with a fair yet challenging test of skill, surrounded by serene natural beauty.

Callaway Resort and Gardens

Immerse yourself in the lush greenery of Callaway Resort and Gardens, where golf intertwines with botanical splendor. Home to two championship courses, Lake View and Mountain View, this resort offers a golfing experience like no other, with each hole offering its own unique set of challenges amidst the stunning backdrop of vibrant flora and fauna.

Chateau Elan

Prepare to be enchanted by the elegance and sophistication of Chateau Elan, a luxurious escape nestled amidst the rolling hills of North Georgia's wine country. With its championship golf courses, designed by legends like Denis Griffiths and Greg Norman, Chateau Elan beckons golf enthusiasts seeking both challenge and refinement.

Helen/White County

Discover the quaint charm of Helen/White County, where golfing takes on a laid-back, leisurely pace amidst the scenic beauty of North Georgia. Whether you're teeing off against the backdrop of majestic mountains or winding through wooded valleys, this hidden gem offers a truly delightful golfing experience for players of all skill levels.

Highland Walk

Journey to Highland Walk, where history and golf converge amidst the rolling hills of Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park. Designed by Arthur Davis, this classic course invites golfers to test their skills against a backdrop of natural splendor, with each hole offering a new and exciting challenge.

Valhalla Resort

Prepare for an epic golfing adventure at Valhalla Resort, where luxury meets rugged natural beauty in the heart of the North Georgia mountains. Designed by renowned architect Denis Griffiths, this championship course offers breathtaking views and challenging play, ensuring an unforgettable experience for golfers of all levels.

Jekyll Island Club Resort

Step back in time at the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort, where golfing traditions are honored amidst the timeless beauty of Georgia's Golden Isles. With its three distinct courses, each offering its own unique character and challenges, this resort beckons golf enthusiasts seeking a truly unforgettable experience.

Jekyll Island Golf

Embark on a golfing odyssey at Jekyll Island Golf, where pristine fairways and ocean breezes create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable round. Whether you're tackling the challenges of Great Dunes or enjoying the scenic vistas of Oleander, this collection of courses promises an unparalleled golfing experience.

The Westin Jekyll Island

Indulge in luxury and leisure at The Westin Jekyll Island, where world-class golfing awaits amidst the serene beauty of Georgia's coast. With its proximity to Jekyll Island Golf Club and other nearby courses, this resort offers the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation for discerning golf travelers.

Lake Blackshear

Prepare to be captivated by the natural splendor of Lake Blackshear, where golfing adventures unfold amidst the tranquil waters and lush greenery of South Georgia. Designed by Denis Griffiths, this championship course offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels.

Little Ocmulgee

Discover a hidden gem at Little Ocmulgee, where golfing bliss awaits amidst the unspoiled beauty of South Georgia's countryside. With its scenic vistas and meticulously maintained fairways, this course offers a delightful retreat for golf enthusiasts seeking peace and tranquility.

Meadow Links

Experience golfing perfection at Meadow Links, where lush fairways and strategic bunkers combine to create a challenging yet enjoyable course. Nestled within the breathtaking landscape of Middle Georgia, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable golfing experience for players of all levels.

Reynolds Lake Oconee

Prepare for a golfing paradise at Reynolds Lake Oconee, where championship courses and luxurious amenities await amidst the pristine beauty of Lake Oconee. With courses designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio, this premier destination offers an unparalleled golfing experience for discerning travelers.

Sapelo Hammock Golf Club

Escape to the serenity of Sapelo Hammock Golf Club, where coastal charm and championship golfing await amidst the tranquil beauty of South Georgia. Designed by renowned architect Denis Griffiths, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable golfing experience amidst the splendor of the Georgia coast.

Sea Island

Indulge in luxury and leisure at Sea Island, where world-class golfing meets Southern hospitality amidst the timeless beauty of Georgia's coast. Home to three championship courses, including the legendary Seaside Course, this resort offers an unparalleled golfing experience for discerning travelers.

Sky Valley Country Club

Elevate your golfing experience at Sky Valley Country Club, where breathtaking mountain vistas and challenging play await amidst the tranquil beauty of North Georgia. With its unique blend of natural beauty and strategic design, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable golfing adventure for players of all levels.

Stone Mountain Golf Club

Embark on a golfing adventure at Stone Mountain Golf Club, where history and natural beauty converge amidst the majestic backdrop of Stone Mountain. With its two championship courses, Lakemont and Stonemont, this resort offers a challenging yet rewarding golfing experience for players of all skill levels.

The Creek at Hard Labor

Test your skills at The Creek at Hard Labor, where championship golfing meets the rustic charm of Georgia's heartland. Designed by Denis Griffiths, this scenic course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience amidst the serene beauty of South Georgia.

The Club at Savannah Harbor

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Savannah at The Club at Savannah Harbor, where championship golfing meets Southern charm amidst the stunning backdrop of the Savannah River. With its meticulously manicured fairways and breathtaking views, this course promises an unforgettable golfing experience for players of all levels.

The Lakes

Discover a golfer's paradise at The Lakes, where championship golfing meets the serene beauty of South Georgia's countryside. With its lush fairways and challenging layout, this hidden gem offers an unforgettable golfing experience amidst the tranquil waters and towering pines.

Visit Savannah

Conclude your golfing adventure with a visit to Savannah, where Southern hospitality and historic charm await amidst the vibrant culture of Georgia's coastal gem. With its proximity to world-class golf courses.

More Information The Georgia Golf Trail 281 Providence Club Dr. Monroe, Georgia, 30656 770-266-0331

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