Ohio Golf Journal September 2017

Outdoor enthusiasts , w alkers, hikers, bicyclists, birdwatchers, boaters, fishermen, and zipliners have been visiting Callaway Gardens, since the resort opened in 1952, but golf remains the number one attraction. Surrounding the courses at Callaway Gardens, you will see the magnolias, azaleas, and possibly even spot a great horned owl. Birdies, however, may be harder to find. Nestled in the southern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Callaway Gardens exists, “to connect man with nature, in a way that benefits both.” Callaway Gardens has two golf courses: Lake View and Mountain View. Lake View opened for play in 1952, while the Mountain View course, opened in the mid-1960’s. It hosted a stop on the PGA Tour, the Buick Challenge from 1991 to 2002. Golfers have a smorgasbord of greens fee choices, ranging from 18-hole, 9-hole, or twilight rates, plus they offer economical replay rates, for those that just can’t get enough. If you want to work on your game or take a quick lesson from one of the teaching professionals, theTwin Oaks practice facility is the perfect solution. The par-70 Lake View Golf Course is very playable from the back tees at just a shade under 6,200 yards. Water comes into play on nine holes, including a memorable six- hole stretch around Mountain Creek Lake. When the course was designed by J.B. McGovern and Dick Wilson, the goal was to design a course that is as beautiful to visit as it is fun to play. Callaway Gardens founder Cason Callaway always said, “If a golfer lifts his head at Lake View, they should see something beautiful.” The Signature Hole at Lake View is the par-three 10 th , which features an island tee and a serpentine bridge. As you transition from the 10 th green to the 11 th tee, you’ll pass a rustic two-story building, which served as the original clubhouse. Still operational, it has been transformed to The Gardens Restaurant, with the snack shop housed in the lower level. The restaurant on the upper floor provides a splendid view of Mountain Creek Lake, as well as, the 10 th hole. The par-72 Mountain View Golf Course stretches up to 7,057 yards from the back tees with three other tee choices for the average golfer. Dick Wilson designed the Mountain View Course for tournament play with tighter fairways lined by towering pines. The Signature Hole at Mountain View is the par-five 6 th , where both the tee shot and the approach are played over water. Callaway Gardens Georgia’s Gorgeous Golf Getaway By: Mike May Ohio Golf Journal