Key Points
- Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is the top golf course resort in North Georgia. It offers a challenging course set against a resort complete with a spa, horseback riding, and fine dining.
- The Barnsley Resort is another top-notch luxurious golf resort in North Georgia. Stay in one of their cottages, enjoy their pools, and have delicious food at one of their restaurants.
- Other must-try courses include Lookout Mountain, Old Toccoa Farm, and Sky Valley Country Club.
The North Georgia Mountains is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the United States. It’s also close to Helen, a quaint little Bavarian town with great places to stay during your visit.
Here, we’ve curated a list of top golf resorts in the area to help you find the perfect spot for your next game.
Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Located in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains about 2 hours north of Atlanta, the Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa features an 18-hole championship course designed to challenge golfers of all skill levels.
With dramatic elevation changes, water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers, the golf course will give you a thrilling game that will test your skills and strategy. It is one of the highest-rated golf courses in Georgia, according to both Golf Digest and Leading Golf Courses of America.
The Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa also offers a number of other activities and amenities for you to enjoy. After a challenging game of golf, you can relax and unwind at the resort’s spa, go horseback riding, or enjoy a meal at one of the resort’s fine dining restaurants.
There are also comfortable accommodation options. Both rooms and cottages are available. Amenities are basic but include free wifi, a coffee maker, refrigerator, and microwave, and flat-screen TVs.
Barnsley Resort
When it comes to golfing in the North Georgia Mountains, Barnsley Resort is a landmark, must-visit destination. This is one of the best golf courses and resorts in the region, offering a challenging layout and breathtaking views. It was designed by Jim Fazio to be a “Beautiful Challenge,” and it certainly lives up to that. A total of 378 acres roll through the lake, forests, and surrounding gardens.
The course at Barnsley Resort is meticulously maintained, ensuring that every round is a pleasure to play. Hazards are placed strategically throughout, with a long dramatic tee shot at several holes throughout the course. Barnsley has been named a top course by Conde Nast.
The resort offers a luxury Inn with cottages and executive suites, a swimming pool with a poolside menu to grab a light bite to eat or a refreshing drink, and a fitness center with several miles of trails for some hiking in the great outdoors. For dining, they have several scrumptious options, from fast casual to fine dining perfect for a night out.
Butternut Creek Golf Course
Tucked away in the charming town of Blairsville, the Butternut Creek Golf Course is another gem you should check out if you’re planning a trip to the Georgia mountains. Designed by Bill Watts, this course cover 6500+ yards of golf with an option of 4 to 6 tee boxes at every hole. It’s also a public course, making it one of the most affordable options on the list – just $20 for 18 holes and $12 for 9 holes.
This 18-hole golf course is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and features rolling fairways, undulating Pentcross Bent Grass greens, and a variety of hazards for a challenging and enjoyable golf experience. 13 holes have water features to keep you on your toes.
The Butternut Creek Golf Course also has a great little bar and grill to get a bite to eat or drink after a day on the greens.
Apple Mountain Golf Club
If you’re looking for a golf course that offers a unique golfing experience, you should definitely visit the Apple Mountain Golf Club. Located in Clarkesville, this golf course features a challenging 18-hole layout with a variety of hazards and elevation changes that promise a thrilling game.
The club’s pro shop is stocked with the latest golfing equipment and apparel, and the clubhouse offers a comfortable space for you to relax and socialize after your game. The club also offers golf lessons for those looking to improve their game. Golf carts are also included with all fees.
The resort has great accommodations with tennis courts, a swimming pool, billiards, and beautiful views. While you’re there, be sure to checkout nearby Helen, Georgia.
Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain is a golfer’s paradise. Tucked away in the mountains, its sprawling golf course offers sweeping mountain views and a challenging terrain that will put your skills to the test.
The course is meticulously designed, with each hole offering a unique challenge. From strategically placed bunkers to water hazards, every aspect of the course is designed to challenge and inspire. It was designed in 1925 by legendary golf architect Seth Raynor. It has been recognized by Golfweek as one of America’s top classical golf courses.
The country club and resort offers plenty of other amenities and activities so the whole family can have a great time. There are tennis and pickleball courts, a swimming pool, and a top-notch fitness center.
Old Toccoa Farm
If you’re looking for a golf course that combines natural beauty with challenging play, Old Toccoa Farm is the place to be. Old Toccoa Farm is in Mineral Bluff, GA, close to the Tennessee state line. This course was designed by multiple top-notch golf architects, including Jack Dredla, Dan Proctor, and Dave Axland.
Old Toccoa Farm is a golfer’s dream. The course winds its way through a beautiful landscape, with each hole offering a unique challenge. The lush fairways are broad and inviting, the bunkers are strategically placed, and the greens are fast and true.
Also onsite is a Tavern to get a cold one after the game while enjoying views of Hole 9. They have a variety of refreshing and tasty dishes, from the Verlasso Salmon Bowl, served with Rice Pilaf and fresh Greens, to a Tuna Tataki appetizer with an avocado mousse, ponzu, and wonton chips.
If you’re ready to take the leap and make golfing a lifestyle, you can also buy property at Old Toccoa.
Sky Valley Country Club
Sky Valley Country Club winds its way through a breathtaking landscape, with each hole offering a unique challenge. This course was designed by Bill Watts and opened in the 1970s, but went through a redesign in 2007 by golf architect Bill Bergin.
The fairways are broad and inviting, the greens are fast and true, and the breathtaking scenery of the North Georgia Mountains is almost worth a trip just by itself. The course sits at an elevation of 3500 feet and there are bentgrass greens throughout. There is also a practice facility that includes a driving range, target greens, all weather tees, and chipping greens.
The Country Club also offers Croquet and a clubhouse with special events throughout the year. Sky Valley is available for weddings too, and the beautiful backdrop of the mountains is a great place to celebrate the start of your union.
The Bottom Line
Golfing in the North Georgia Mountains is a hidden gem in the golfing world, offering a unique blend of beauty and challenge. From the panoramic views of Lookout Mountain to the tranquil ambiance of Sky Valley Country Club, there’s something for every golfer in the North Georgia Mountains.
