Augusta, Georgia, is a city steeped in golf history and tradition, primarily due to the iconic Masters Tournament held annually at Augusta National Golf Club. While Augusta National is a private haven for the world’s elite golfers, the city also boasts an impressive array of public golf courses that cater to both residents and visitors.
This guide explores the best public golf courses in Augusta, offering diverse challenges, picturesque landscapes, and a taste of the golf culture that defines the region.
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Tips for Military Families
When choosing a golf course, consider the following tips to enhance your experience:
- Check Military Discounts: Many golf courses in Augusta offer discounts for military personnel and their families. Inquire about special rates or memberships.
- Book Tee Times in Advance: Popular courses can get busy, especially during weekends and holidays. Booking your tee time in advance ensures you have a spot.
- Explore Family-Friendly Facilities: Look for courses with amenities such as dining options, practice facilities, and pro shops to make your visit enjoyable for the whole family.
- Participate in Tournaments: Joining local golf tournaments can be a great way to meet fellow golf enthusiasts and immerse yourself in the community.
Forest Hills Golf Club: A Historic Gem
Nestled on the grounds of Augusta University, Forest Hills Golf Club is a historic gem that has played host to numerous prestigious golf events. Originally designed by world-renowned architect Donald Ross in 1926, the course underwent a renovation by Love Golf Design in recent years, preserving its classic features while enhancing playability.
The course unfolds with tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens. The back nine offers particularly challenging holes, and the entire layout provides a balance of difficulty and enjoyment for golfers of all skill levels. With its rich history and Augusta charm, Forest Hills Golf Club offers an authentic golf experience in the heart of the city.
The River Golf Club: A Riverside Retreat
Situated along the banks of the Savannah River, The River Golf Club offers a scenic and challenging golf experience. The course, designed by internationally acclaimed golf course architect Jim Fazio, takes full advantage of its riverside location to provide stunning views and a layout that harmonizes with the natural landscape.
The River Golf Club features strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and elevation changes that add excitement to each round. The back nine, which follows the river, offers a particularly memorable stretch of play. Golfers can enjoy the picturesque surroundings while navigating a course that caters to both beginners and seasoned players.
Augusta Municipal Golf Course (The Patch): A Historic Landmark
Commonly known as “The Patch,” Augusta Municipal Golf Course holds a special place in the city’s golf history. This public course is where the legendary Bobby Jones first played the game. With its affordable rates and accessibility, The Patch provides a welcoming environment for golfers of all ages and skill levels.
The course features relatively flat terrain, making it suitable for beginners, yet it offers enough challenges to keep experienced golfers engaged. The small, well-manicured greens and straightforward layout make for an enjoyable round. The Patch is not just a golf course; it’s a historic landmark that invites players to connect with the roots of the game.
Goshen Plantation Golf Club: A Southern Sanctuary
Goshen Plantation Golf Club, nestled in the Goshen Plantation neighborhood, offers a serene and picturesque setting for golf enthusiasts. The course, designed by Ellis Maples, features rolling fairways lined with mature trees, presenting golfers with both strategic challenges and scenic beauty.
The layout incorporates water hazards and well-placed bunkers, requiring players to think strategically as they navigate each hole. Goshen Plantation provides a peaceful escape with its Southern charm, and the well-maintained course offers a delightful balance of playability and difficulty.
Eisenhower Lakes Golf Course: Military Excellence
Located on the grounds of Fort Eisenhower, Eisenhower Lakes Golf Course is a military gem that offers a top-notch golfing experience. The course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., boasts 27 holes, providing variety and flexibility for players. The layout features well-manicured fairways, challenging bunkers, and large greens.
Eisenhower Lakes Golf Course provides a picturesque backdrop with its lakes, streams, and lush vegetation. The course is well-maintained, and the friendly staff enhances the overall experience. As a military golf course, it welcomes both military personnel and civilians, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among players.
Bartram Trail Golf Club: Nature and Challenge
Designed by noted golf course architect Jeff Burton, Bartram Trail Golf Club is a championship course that combines natural beauty with a challenging layout. The course winds through pine forests, wetlands, and along the shores of Clark’s Hill Lake, offering golfers a scenic and immersive experience.
Bartram Trail presents a diverse range of challenges, with strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and elevation changes. The well-maintained fairways and greens contribute to the overall enjoyment of the course. With its commitment to preserving the natural surroundings, Bartram Trail provides a harmonious blend of nature and golf.
Jones Creek Golf Club: Suburban Elegance
Jones Creek Golf Club, designed by Rees Jones, is a suburban golf oasis that combines elegance with playability. The course is known for its meticulously manicured fairways, undulating greens, and beautiful landscaping. It offers a challenging yet fair test for golfers, with strategic bunkering and water hazards coming into play.
The layout at Jones Creek provides a variety of holes, and the course conditions consistently receive praise from players. The clubhouse, overlooking the 18th green, adds a touch of sophistication to the overall experience. Jones Creek Golf Club stands as a testament to the quality of public golf available in the Augusta area.
Mount Vintage Golf Club: Timeless Elegance
375 Mount Vintage Plantation Drive, North Augusta, SC 29860
Just across the river in North Augusta, South Carolina, Mount Vintage Golf Club offers a timeless and elegant golfing experience. The course, designed by Tom Jackson, winds through rolling terrain, providing players with scenic views and a layout that incorporates the natural landscape.
Mount Vintage features tree-lined fairways, well-bunkered greens, and elevation changes that add excitement to each round. The course is meticulously maintained, and the welcoming atmosphere reflects Southern hospitality. Mount Vintage Golf Club stands as a hidden gem for golfers seeking a classic and challenging course.
Applewood Golf Course: Affordable Enjoyment
6130 Story Mill Road, Keysville, GA 30816
For golfers seeking an affordable and enjoyable round, Applewood Golf Course offers a laid-back atmosphere and scenic surroundings. Located in Keysville, just a short drive from Augusta, this public course provides a relaxed setting for players of all skill levels.
Applewood features a straightforward layout with open fairways and well-maintained greens. The course is suitable for beginners while still offering enough challenges to keep more experienced golfers engaged. The friendly staff and affordable rates make Applewood Golf Course a favorite among local golfers.
Southern Wayne Country Club: A Premier Destination for Golf Enthusiasts
Nestled in the heart of Dudley, North Carolina, Southern Wayne Country Club stands as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike. Boasting a meticulously maintained 18-hole golf course, the club offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for players of all skill levels. The lush, rolling fairways and pristine greens are set against a backdrop of scenic landscapes, creating an idyllic environment for a day on the links.
Beyond golf, Southern Wayne Country Club features a range of amenities, including a modern clubhouse, fine dining options, and event spaces perfect for gatherings and celebrations. With its commitment to excellence and a welcoming community atmosphere, Southern Wayne Country Club is not just a place to play golf, but a destination for relaxation and social engagement.
Explore Public Golf Courses in Augusta, GA
Augusta, GA, offers an array of public golf courses that provide exceptional golfing experiences for military servicemen and servicewomen stationed at Fort Eisenhower.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging game or a relaxing day on the greens, Augusta’s courses cater to all preferences and skill levels. Make the most of your time in this golfing haven and enjoy the camaraderie and support of the local community.
