March 2021 Ohio Golf Journal

Sky Valley CC: Georgia Golf’s High Altitude Escape D o you want to experience a legal natural high? Pack your bags, grab your clubs, and head for SkyValley Country Club, one of Georgia’s premier golf and vacation destinations. Nestled in the northeastern corner of the state and surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, it is the highest golf course in Georgia and has been named the state’s No. 1 rated public golf course. Sky Valley Country Club is a member of The Georgia Golf Trail, which features 24 golf courses around the state. “Sky Valley is like heaven on earth and we in Georgia are lucky to have such an outstanding destination for golfers in our state and for those visiting from the nearby surrounding states,” said Doug Hollandsworth, founder, Georgia Golf Trail. Redesigned in 2007 by Bill Bergin, Sky Valley stretches to 6,900 yards from the tips, but with the elevation it seems shorter. Par is 72 and if the back tees are too long for you, each hole has four additional tee boxes. The course is always immaculate and features bent grass from tee to green. The practice facilities, including a driving range, with target greens, plus the putting and chipping greens, are first class. “Sky Valley is a fantastic layout,” said Steve Heher, head golf professional, Sky Valley CC. “It’s a mountain golf course that winds its way through the valley. It features great views from the elevated tees at the 2nd, 8th, 12th, 15th, and 17th holes. Our signature hole is the par-3 15th, which has a 60-foot elevation drop from tee to green.” Heher also says his superintendent does an exceptional job. By Mike May Ohio Golf Journal