36 holes Atlanta - Chateu Elan or Heritage/Bears Best

[lighter]

So being from California, I am unable to play any of the private courses in the Atlanta area.  I travel to GA a couple times a year and have played most if not all the "top public" golf courses on any given list.

 

With only 1 full day of golf available, I will be able to squeeze in 36 if not 54 holes.  I plan on playing in July and due to the heat, 36 is usually enough.

 

Here are the following courses I have played (some multiple times)

 

Bears Best

Echelon

Wolf Creek

St Marlo

Stone Mtn. (both courses)

The Frog

Cobblestone

 

 

After reading a few threads, I figure Chateau Elan would be a good choice or doing a combo of Heritage/Bears Best .   I would like the 36 holes to be generally in the same area and not replay the same course.  I've also read that Cherokee Run is a good course and recommended to me by a random playing partner I played with in GA, I just don't know any other courses in that general area that is worth playing. 

 

I play off a 3 handicap and enjoy scenery/layout  and good conditions.  Echelon was a decently tough track, but the conditions weren't great.  Overall, the Frog and bear's best were the best I've played so far in GA.

 

I've already done the RTJ trail as well, so count that out.   I'll be staying near downtown and don't want to drive over 100 miles in either direction.

[spinnywedge]

I like Chateau Elan as an option. If you can get on the Legends course, it’s a must play. Between the Chateau and Woodlands courses, I’d always pick the Chateau. It’s been over 5 years since I played at Stone Mountain, but I remember it not really living up to my expectations then.

 

They’re both a little farther out than the ones you’ve played, but I always recommend playing the UGA Course or going up to play Achasta. Great layouts that are always in great shape. You could play UGA and maybe the Georgia Club. Achasta and Chattahoochee would also be a really good combo.

[david.c.w]

Not sure when you came, but the last time I played the Frog it was in rough shape.  When our club closed for pandemic we played the Frog, Echelon and Lake Lanier.  Echelon was by far the best.  Heritage is mediocre but does have 27 holes so you can loop twice with a different layout.

 

PM me when it get closer and if I can get out I will try and host.

 

 

[lighter]

The  last time I played the Frog was about 2-3 years ago and it was in immaculate shape.   I've played Echelon about 3 times and 2 out of the 3 times I've played, it wasn't as great shape as bears best or the frog was.

 

@david.c.w have you had a chance to play both courses at Chateau Elan?  

What club are you are part of?

 

@tbrumbeloe13 I highly doubt I will be able to get on The Legends course.  I also reached out to The Georgia Club and they stated they do not allow public play.

'

 

[smashdn]

Do you by chance belong to a club in California?  If so maybe a pro-pro conversation can open doors.  Especially if you are a 3 cap.  

 

If you are in ATL a few times a year I would think maybe some relationships can be formed to get you some better access.

[spinnywedge]

5 hours ago, lighter said:

The  last time I played the Frog was about 2-3 years ago and it was in immaculate shape.   I've played Echelon about 3 times and 2 out of the 3 times I've played, it wasn't as great shape as bears best or the frog was.

 

@david.c.w have you had a chance to play both courses at Chateau Elan?  

What club are you are part of?

 

@tbrumbeloe13 I highly doubt I will be able to get on The Legends course.  I also reached out to The Georgia Club and they stated they do not allow public play.

'

 

Didn’t know that about the Georgia Club. I will say that the last few times I’ve played Echelon I’ve thought it’s been in the same shape as the Frog or Bears Best.

[david.c.w]

There has been so much rain in Atlanta the past 24 months The Frog is getting killed.  In a bad spot.  A little west and every bad t-storm goes up through there.  90+ inches of rain/year.  It was my go to for my Chicago buddy when he came to visit.  Played it 20+ times.   Love the layout.  Before that it was White Columns before it went private and then got bought by Club Corp.  Echelon was in great shape last April.  If i was going to play Atlanta public it would be BB or Echelon.  Never played Chateau Elan. 

[monkeyboy]

Drive time between areas is a killer.

Highly highly recommend the UGA course - it is awesome and greens are very challenging - awesome practice facility.  Great college town nearby too, tons of great restaurants.

 

I really like St. Marlo too.  You'll use every club in your bag, pretty course when things are blooming.

Echelon is very challenging

 

Off the beaten track = 2 courses in Covington GA (kinda out of the way location) - Ashton Hills and The Oaks, they are near each other...two of my favorite courses we have just found this past year.  

[david.c.w]

Last thing I would offer would be to get the Maclemore Club near Chattanooga.   Recent redesign and looks awesome.  Just outside of your 100 miles but a 2 hour drive.   Lots of marketing in Golf and GSGA mags.  I little outside of your range, but if you can score a flight into Chattanooga and then try and play Maclemore and then The Farm if you an get on.   

[Abh159]

My vote is for Chateau Elan. Although it's been years since I've played it, I remember it being a decent layout and it was usually in solid shape. 36 holes all right there together so you shouldn't have any problem squeezing in 36 even 54 holes if you really wanted to. 

 

 

[ctfuzz21]

Governors Towne Club in Acworth would allow you to play there and Cobblestone. GTC use to be private and is now public. It’s a good layout, with rolling terrain. Nice range and facilities, as well. GTC/ Cobblestone would be my recommendation for 36 holes in one day.  

[me05501]

10 hours ago, ctfuzz21 said:

Governors Towne Club in Acworth would allow you to play there and Cobblestone. GTC use to be private and is now public. It’s a good layout, with rolling terrain. Nice range and facilities, as well. GTC/ Cobblestone would be my recommendation for 36 holes in one day.  

Man it’s amazing that Acworth is now considered “Atlanta.” The sprawl is endless! 
 

Chateau Elan would be a good bet, since you can play 36 quality holes on the same property. 

[Incognito]

Chateau is your only option for 36 different holes if you wanna get it in 1 day.  The rest are simply too far apart with Atlanta traffic to even be feasible.  

 

I prefer the Woodlands course at Chateau Elan as its more of the 'players' course and the Chateau side is the 'resort' course....play there 5-6 times a year. 

[pjdpatrick]

Cherokee Run or Ashton Hills?

 

Playing Harbor Club in Lake Oconee/Greensboro in September....need a second course (besides Reynolds) between airport and Harbor Club area.  Any recommendations? 

TY!

[Tyrus Webb]

2 hours ago, pjdpatrick said:

Cherokee Run or Ashton Hills?

 

Playing Harbor Club in Lake Oconee/Greensboro in September....need a second course (besides Reynolds) between airport and Harbor Club area.  Any recommendations? 

TY!

 

Cherokee Run

[david.c.w]

On 8/28/2023 at 6:29 AM, pjdpatrick said:

Cherokee Run or Ashton Hills?

 

Playing Harbor Club in Lake Oconee/Greensboro in September....need a second course (besides Reynolds) between airport and Harbor Club area.  Any recommendations? 

TY!

 

Stone Mountain is just a little out of the way and a nice public course.  Play the Lakeside course.