Up To Par – Golf Courses Around Lake Hartwell – Georgia

by K.B. on September 30, 2008

 

I have to admit, I was really impressed by the number of golf courses and clubs around Lake Hartwell!  So many, in fact, that I’ve broken them into separate articles by state.  While I’d rather watch (with a cold drink in my hand) than play, most of our family and friends enjoy actually playing the game.  If you fall into the latter category, here are our top recommendations for courses on the Georgia side of the Lake.  Notice that we have several nationally recognized courses surrounding Lake Hartwell! 

As greens fees and hours of operation are subject change, please be sure to call for current rates.   As you can imagine, most of these courses are very popular and tee times must be reserved in advance – please see the contact information below for tee time reservations.

I’ll start with a local favorite, Cateechee Golf Club in Hartwell, GA, because it’s so close to our home, has a beautiful clubhouse and boasts a great restaurant called The Waterfall Grille.  Even if you don’t play golf, you’ll want to consider lunch or dinner here! 

  • Semi-private 18 hole course – 6,927 yards, par 72.
  • Named a “four star” golf destination by Golf Digest and certified as an Audobon Signature Course.
  • Open 7 Days a Week.
  • Greens Fees from $64.00 to $74.00, including golf cart.
  • Amenities include pro shop and practice facility; 9th hole snack bar; clubhouse, bar & restaurant.
  • www.cateechee.com or (706) 856-GOLF.
  • Located at 140 Cateechee Trail, Hartwell, GA 30643.

Hartwell is also home to Hartwell Golf Club, an 18 hole course with a convenient “close to town” location.

  • Semi-private 18 hole course - 5,855 yards, par 71.
  • Open 7 Days a Week.
  • Greens Fees from $13.00 to $15.50.  Cart fees from $13.00 to $15.50.
  • Amenities include pro shop & snack bar; lessons and clinics; clubhouse available for group/event rental, .
  • www.hartwellgolf.com or (706) 376-8161.
  • Located at 755 Golf Club Road, Hartwell, GA 30643.

West of Lake Hartwell you will find Highland Walk Golf Course , located in Victoria Bryant State Park near Royston – a beautiful course with rolling terrain.

  • Public 18 hole course – 6,503 yards, par 72.
  • Open 7 Days a Week.
  • Greens Fees from $39.00 to $45.00, including golf cart; special rates for seniors, juniors & state employees.  Frequent on-line specials.
  • Amenities include full service golf shop; snack bar; lessons; beginner clinics Saturday mornings (call for details).
  • georgiagolf.com/net/go/georgiagolf.aspx?s=7296.40.2.17&db=Georgia or (800) 434-0982 for tee time reservations/(706) 245-6770 for golf shop.
  • Located at 1415 Bryant Park Road, Royston, GA 30662.

About 30 miles south of Lake Hartwell, on a peninsula on neighboring Lake Russell, is Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course.  Also located in a State Park, this course has received several awards and, as you can imagine, features some beautiful water views.

  • Public 18 hole course – 6,788 yards, par 72.
  • Named one of the “Top 10 Courses in Georgia” by TravelGolf.com and “2nd Best New Affordable Public Course in America” by Golf Digest.
  • Open 7 Days a Week.
  • Greens Fees from $41.00 to $46.00, including golf cart; special rates for seniors, juniors & state employees.
  • Amenities include full service golf shop; private & group lessons; restaurant.
  • georgiagolf.com/net/go/georgiagolf.aspx?s=7430.7418.2.17&db=Georgia or (706) 283-6000.
  • Located at 2650 Russell State Park Road, Elberton, GA 30635.

Why not try one of our neighboring college golf courses?  The University of Georgia Golf Course in Athens, GA and the Walker Course at Clemson University in Clemson, SC are both home to the respective university golf teams.  I’ll provide more information on the Walker Course at Clemson in a separate article on Lake Hartwell’s South Carolina golf courses.

The University of Georgia Golf Course is a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design, renovated in 2006, and is considered by many to be one of the country’s top college courses.

  • Public 18 hole course - 7,240 yards, par 71; Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
  • Open 7 Days a Week, subject to tournament play.
  • Greens Fees from $58.00 to $65.00, including golf cart; special university and alumni rates available.  Walking rates also available.  Monday through Thursday 9 Hole rates from $22.00 to $31.50. 
  • Amenities include full service golf shop; driving range; clinics.
  • www.golfcourse.uga.edu/index.htm or (706) 369-5739.
  • Located at 2600 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30605.

Eagle Greens Sandy Creek Golf Course in Commerce may be one of the area’s best kept secrets.  It’s twice as appealing if you have some in your group who would rather shop than golf.  Located minutes from Commerce Factory Outlet stores, Sandy Creek Golf Course can allow the golfers to enjoy the links while the bargain hunters shop to ’til they drop – a great day for all!

  • Public 18 hole course – 7,040 yards, par 72.
  • Open 7 Days a Week.
  • Greens Fees from $40.00 to $45.00, including golf cart.
  • Amenities include pro shop; driving range, self-serve snack bar.
  • www.eaglegreens.com/category.asp?id=1&parent=0 or (706) 335-8100.
  • Located at 3100 Ila Road, Commerce, GA 30530.

Last, but not least is Hammer’s Glen Golf Club in Homer, GA.  This course is situated on 139 beautiful rolling acres with a variety of hazards to challenge golfers of all levels.

  • Semi-Private 18 hole course – 7,130 yards, par 72.
  • Named one of “25 Toughest Courses” in the Atlanta Areas by Atlanta Business Chronicle.
  • Open 7 Days a Week.
  • Greens Fees from $39.00 to $49.00, including golf cart; twilight and senior rate available.
  • Amenities include pro shop; lessons, restaurant.
  • www.hammersglen.com/sites/courses/layout9.asp?id=498&page=25798 or (706) 677-3333.
  • Located at 140 Hammer’s Glen Drive, Homer, GA 30547.

In closing, keep in mind that days, hours of operation and fees are subject to change.  Please be sure to call ahead of time to confirm hours & amenities and to reserve your tee time.  Enjoy!

{ 0 comments }

Take a Walk … on Lake Hartwell Dam!

by K.B. on September 25, 2008

Lake Hartwell Dam & Power Plant

Lake Hartwell Dam & Power Plant

A few weeks ago our family took some time out to explore the dam area at Lake Hartwell.  It was a perfect day – sunny and breezy!
First Stop, the Hartwell Dam & Lake Visitor’s Center (5625 US Hwy 29/Anderson Hwy in Hartwell).  Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Visitor’s Center offers several small displays about native wildlife (which children will enjoy), the dam and power facility, and lake safety.  A small theatre is located in the visitor’s center and a short video on the history of the lake and dam is available for viewing upon request.  Brochures, maps, and other information regarding the lake and dam, water safety, recreation areas, etc. are also available.  Staff are on hand to answer questions and restroom facilities are available.  Days and hours of operation vary by season, especially during the winter months, so please check the Corps website or call for the current operating schedule. 
Hartwell Dam Walking Trail

Hartwell Dam Walking Trail

On to the Hartwell Dam Walking Trail!  You can leave your car in the Visitor’s Center lot and walk to the Hartwell Dam Walking Trail, or drive to the Big Oaks Recreation Area entrance (which is the next entrance to the left on Hwy 29 when you leave the Visitor’s Center).  The paved Walking Trail begins at the entrance to Big Oaks Recreation Area and initially runs parallel to Hwy 29 before it breaks away to follow Lake Hartwell’s shoreline. 

View of Lake Hartwell From the Dam

View of Lake Hartwell From the Dam

The Walking Trail on the Georgia side of the Dam is 2.75 miles round trip and you may see several other people and groups out pushing stollers, walking dogs and biking.  The trail is paved and there are benches located here & there along the trail.  While the Trail leads to the Georgia side of the Dam, which you can walk on for a short distance, it does not cross the Dam.  As you can see – the views are stunning!  The Dam and Powerplant, which were completed in 1962, sadly are no longer open for public tours – but are an impressive sight and definitely worth the walk!
Upon your return to Big Oaks Recreation Area you will find lots of shaded areas and picnic tables.  Watch boats load and unload at the boat ramp – and, for those is your group who still have energy to burn, take advantage of the playground!  Restrooms and drinking fountains are also available.

There is also a Walking Trail on the South Carolina side of the Dam – about 1.50 miles round trip – which is accessible from the South Carolina Overlook on Hwy 29 about 1/2 mile from the Dam.  A shorter paved Walking Trail is also accessible at the South Carolina Recreation Area, just past the Dam on Hwy 29 before you reach the South Carolina overlook.  Entrances to both areas are on the located on the left side of Hwy 29, right after crossing the Dam into South Carolina.

View of Savannah River from the Dam

View of Savannah River from the Dam

Below the Hartwell Dam, the Georgia River Recreation Area runs along the Savannah River.  Our group decided to save that for another day, but we understand that the area has limited facilities including fishing piers, picnic tables and restrooms/drinking water.

A few recommendations, especially if you are taking to the Trail with kids:
  • Wear sunscreen and take a hat, even if it’s cloudy – speaking from personal experience here!
  • As the Trail is on the Dam and elevated above the trees, you are rather exposed to the elements – if it is windy in the parking lot, it will be windy on the Dam!  If it is stormy, save it for another day.  Fall and Spring are probably the best times to enjoy.
  • Take a water bottle (or two).
  • If your crew is hungry after the outing, consider stopping in Hartwell at Papa’s Pizza (perfect for kids) or Green Bean Coffee Cafe!
  • Take it easy and have fun!

Hartwell Dam & Lake Visitor Center Hours:  Weekdays – 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; Spring & Fall Weekends – 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; Summer Weekends – 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.  Closed on Holidays.  Just to be safe, we recommend you call or check the website before you go.

{ 0 comments }

Next Entries →