Georgia State Parks Golf offers some of the most scenic, enjoyable, and affordable golf experiences in the Southeast, yet many golfers still overlook the extraordinary value these courses provide. The combination of natural landscapes, thoughtful course design, and relaxed, family‑friendly environments makes these destinations stand out in a state known for world‑class golf. Georgia State Parks Golf deserves a place on every golfer’s must‑play list.
Georgia is home to legendary private clubs, PGA TOUR stops, and high‑end resort courses, but the state’s most surprising golf value lies within its park system. Georgia State Parks Golf features nine courses spread across diverse regions—from the rolling Piedmont to the quiet lakes of the east and the sandy soils of the south. These courses offer championship‑level design without the high‑end price tag, and they deliver something many modern golf developments can’t: pure, uninterrupted nature.
The Georgia Golf Trail, which includes all nine state park courses, has long championed these destinations as some of the most underrated in the state. Doug Hollandsworth, president of the Georgia Golf Trail, captures their appeal perfectly: “Our state park golf courses in Georgia are terrific golf destinations. They are incredible designs that are very well maintained and fairly priced. The affiliation of these golf courses with amenity‑filled state parks makes them a perfect place to visit, especially with your families.”
For golfers seeking authenticity, scenery, and value, Georgia State Parks Golf is a refreshing alternative to crowded resort corridors and high‑priced tee sheets.
Arrowhead Pointe at Richard B. Russell State Park
Arrowhead Pointe in Elberton is often considered the crown jewel of Georgia State Parks Golf. Designed by Bob Walker, the course stretches across a peninsula on Lake Richard B. Russell, creating one of the most visually striking layouts in the state. Ten holes run directly along the water, offering sweeping lake views that rival high‑end resort courses. The absence of residential development enhances the peaceful atmosphere, allowing golfers to enjoy a round that feels like a true escape into nature. Cabins along the lake make it an ideal stay‑and‑play destination for weekend trips or family getaways.
gastateparks.org/ArrowheadPointe
The Creek at Hard Labor Creek State Park
The Creek at Hard Labor Creek in Social Circle is a Bob Cupp design known for its rolling terrain and towering loblolly pines. The course blends rustic charm with strategic shot‑making, giving it a classic Georgia feel. Its par‑four 10th hole, once the opening hole, has earned a reputation as one of the toughest starting holes in the state. Despite that challenge, the course remains welcoming to all skill levels, offering a serene woodland setting that appeals to golfers who appreciate quiet, tree‑lined fairways. Cabins located near the first tee make it easy to turn a day trip into a relaxing weekend retreat.
Highland Walk at Victoria Bryant State Park
Highland Walk in Royston is a Bill Boswell design that showcases dramatic elevation changes and wide‑open views of the surrounding hills. The course is known for its uphill and downhill tee shots, giving players a dynamic and visually engaging round. The signature 17th hole, perched high above the fairway, is a favorite photo spot and a thrilling tee shot for golfers who enjoy letting the driver fly. Highland Walk’s blend of challenge and scenery makes it one of the most enjoyable walking courses in the state park system.
Brazell’s Creek at Jack Hill State Park
Brazell’s Creek in Reidsville is a unique par‑71 layout designed by Denis Griffiths, one of Georgia’s most respected golf architects. The course features two distinct personalities: a tree‑lined front nine with creatively contoured greens and a wide‑open, windswept back nine with a links‑style feel. A 1,500‑yard bridge connects the two nines, creating one of the most memorable transitions in Georgia golf. The contrasting landscapes make Brazell’s Creek a fun and surprising round for golfers who enjoy variety and thoughtful design.
gastateparks.org/BrazellsCreek
The Lakes at Laura S. Walker State Park
The Lakes in Waycross is the southernmost course on the Georgia Golf Trail and was designed by Steve Burns. The course features large, undulating greens and a layout that flows through a peaceful coastal‑plain landscape. Water comes into play on several holes, adding both beauty and strategic interest. The Lakes is known for its friendly atmosphere and relaxed pace, making it a great choice for golfers who want a laid‑back round surrounded by natural wetlands and wildlife.
Georgia Veterans Memorial at Lake Blackshear
Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course, designed by Denis Griffiths, sits along the shores of Lake Blackshear and offers a classic parkland layout with generous fairways and well‑protected greens. The course is part of a full‑service resort area that includes lodging, dining, and lake activities, making it a popular destination for golf groups and families. Its combination of playability and scenic lake views creates a memorable experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Meadow Links at George T. Bagby State Park
Meadow Links in Fort Gaines is another Denis Griffiths design, known for its wide fairways, open vistas, and prairie‑style feel. The course blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, offering a peaceful and spacious playing environment. Its large greens and subtle contours reward thoughtful approach shots, while the natural setting provides a relaxing backdrop for a day on the course.
Wallace Adams at Little Ocmulgee State Park
Wallace Adams in McRae‑Helena is a classic design by O.C. Jones, son of the legendary Robert Trent Jones. The course features a traditional layout with tree‑lined fairways, gentle doglegs, and subtle greens. Its straightforward design makes it enjoyable for beginners, while its strategic elements keep experienced golfers engaged. The course’s quiet setting and comfortable lodging options make it a popular choice for relaxed golf getaways.
gastateparks.org/wallace-adams-golf-course-little-ocmulgee-state-park-lodge
Why Georgia State Parks Golf Deserves More Attention
Georgia State Parks Golf delivers something increasingly uncommon in the modern golf world: thoughtfully designed courses set in unspoiled landscapes, offered at prices that make great golf accessible. With no housing developments lining the fairways and no resort bustle competing for attention, the focus stays exactly where it should—on the game and the scenery that surrounds it. Whether you’re chasing a new challenge or simply craving a quiet round, these courses provide an experience that feels both authentic and refreshing.
As part of the Georgia Golf Trail, each course highlights the state’s most scenic and rewarding places to play. Their defining strength lies in a commitment to preserving the character of the land while delivering quality golf at a fair value. With nature as the backdrop and no residential distractions, the immersion is complete. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution captured it perfectly, calling the experience “like playing a resort course…without all the houses.”
Wallace Adams at Little Ocmulgee State Park channels the timeless elegance of Augusta National, with towering pines, pristine fairways, and a classic Southern charm.
Georgia State Parks Golf: A Trail Worth Traveling
Each of these courses is a proud member of the Georgia Golf Trail, a network designed to showcase the state’s most scenic and rewarding golf experiences. What sets Georgia State Parks Golf apart is its commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the land while offering high-quality play at affordable prices. The lack of residential development means fewer distractions and more immersion. As the Atlanta Journal-Constitution aptly described it, these are “like playing a resort course…without all the houses”.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a curious traveler, Georgia State Parks Golf offers a refreshing alternative to the typical golf getaway. It’s where the game meets the great outdoors, and every swing is accompanied by the whisper of wind through the trees or the sparkle of sunlight on water. So pack your clubs, plan your route, and prepare to be inspired—because Georgia’s fairways are calling.
