DO IT: Golf

If you’re not fortunate enough to be part of the annual Masters^® Tournament super-event, there are still more than 300 courses to challenge all from the pros to the casual shooters.Five-star resorts to municipal courses in practically every corner of the state give golfers reason love Georgia.

Georgia golf courses take full advantage of the varied terrain and natural beauty of the state. Your game can be enhanced by breathtaking mountain vistas, by awe-inspiring ocean and marsh views, and everything in between. World renowned designers have put their stamp on many Georgia courses –Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Davis Love III, to name a few. The legendary Bobby Jones, possibly the best golfer ever, grew up playing golf in Georgia and was the architect of several courses in the state, including the iconic Augusta National.

Golf in Georgia is practically a year-round prospect. Even in North Georgia snow is rare, and the rest of the state enjoys winter lows around 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and highs sometimes in the 60 and 70s, so courses stay busy even in the colder months.

Offering public courses that rival many private resort courses, Georgia State Parks offers a golf pass that discounts cart and green fees as well as lodging and retail. Some individual state park courses also offer memberships. Three state park courses – Georgia Veterans Memorial, Meadow Links and Wallace Adams – are part of the amenities for three stellar resorts that include luxury lodging and private cabins, delectable dining, and a full menu of activities that will keep the entire family entertained. These resorts also have modern conference facilities, so you can plan a business meeting highlighted with a golf outing on a great course.

And don’t forget Georgia’s private resorts. You’ll find great golf and a lot of pampering at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in Young Harris, Barnsley Resort in Adairsville, Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton, Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Callaway Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain, the Sea Island courses at The Cloister on Sea Island and The Lodge on St. Simons Island, The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort also on St. Simons Island, and Lanier Islands Resort in Buford, to name a few.