Escape the ordinary and embark on a golfing journey to a true hidden gem: Highland Walk Golf course. Situated within the beautiful Victoria Bryant State Park in Royston, Georgia, this 18-hole destination offers more than just a round of golf; it presents an experience—a harmonious blend of challenging play, spectacular natural scenery, and tranquil seclusion. For travelers actively seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this golf course is a must-add to your itinerary, promising a memorable escape into the Peach State’s picturesque upper Piedmont region. The atmosphere is one of peaceful discovery, with rolling hills and lush woods setting the stage for a truly engaging day on the links.
Highland Walk Golf Course: A Golfer’s Sanctuary in the Georgia Piedmont
The Highland Walk Golf Course stands as a magnificent example of a design that perfectly integrates with its natural surroundings, offering an experience defined by its deep connection to the terrain. The 18-hole layout was expertly crafted by renowned golf course architect Denis Griffiths, whose philosophy embraced the dramatic, rolling landscape of the upper Piedmont region, making the constant, often steep, elevation changes the central and invigorating feature of the entire experience. This distinctive topography gives the Highland Walk Golf Course its reputation for being both visually stunning and strategically demanding, ensuring a harmonious blend of challenge and tranquility.
The course features a traditional Par 72 layout, spanning about 6,400 yards from the back tees. However, its true challenge, reflected by a high Slope Rating of 131, stems entirely from the strategic demands of the hilly terrain. Nearly every shot is affected by significant elevation changes, which the designer skillfully utilized to create a compelling mix of uphill and downhill tee shots. Golfers must constantly account for these lies when selecting clubs, emphasizing the critical need for precise course management and distance control.
The playing surfaces at Highland Walk Golf Course are exceptionally well-maintained with Bermuda grass on both fairways and greens. Fairways are broad but “crowned,” subtly sloping balls toward the rough and demanding accuracy off the tee. The greens are generous yet feature significant undulations and slopes, making putting a true test of touch requiring meticulous break-reading. This strategic complexity is why the course received the Georgia State Parks Outstanding Golf Course of the Year Award in 2021.
Framed by mature hardwood forests and featuring natural waterways and strategically placed bunkers, the Highland Walk Golf Course offers a sense of seclusion and harmony with nature throughout the round. The true challenge lies not in sheer power but in navigating tight corridors and dramatic elevation changes, rewarding strategic placement over brute strength. While the course can be walked, many opt for a cart due to the exhilarating terrain. This truly feels like a genuine “state park course,” reaffirming its reputation as a demanding yet fair test of skill where the stunning surroundings are key to the challenge.
Part of the Premier Georgia Golf Trail
The quality of Highland Walk Golf course is further cemented by its proud membership in the Georgia Golf Trail. This collection of elite golf destinations across the state highlights courses that offer championship-level play and exceptional value, many of which, like Highland Walk, are tucked within the beautiful Georgia State Park system. The Georgia Golf Trail’s mission is to showcase the state as a premier golf haven, and these State Park courses are often affectionately referred to as the “hidden gems” of the trail.
Doug Hollandsworth, the Founder of the Georgia Golf Trail, articulates this sentiment perfectly when speaking about the State Park courses. He noted, “Our state park golf courses in Georgia are terrific golf destinations. They are incredible designs, 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 family.” This sentiment perfectly captures the ethos of the Highland Walk Golf course: a high-caliber golf experience wrapped in a complete, family-friendly outdoor getaway.
Stay Awhile: Cabin Accommodations at the Park
To fully immerse yourself in the serene environment of Victoria Bryant State Park and the Highland Walk Golf course, consider booking one of the on-site accommodations. The park offers an ideal solution for golf groups or families looking for an extended stay with their popular golf packages. The most noteworthy option is the Bluebird Cottage, a fantastic facility designed to host larger groups, which is a key component of the park’s golf-and-stay offerings.
Lakeside serenity at Victoria Bryant State Park. The perfect spot to pause and appreciate the tranquility before or after a round at Highland Walk
This cottage provides full amenities, creating a comfortable and convenient home base for your golfing retreat. Packages typically include the cottage stay, greens and cart fees, access to the practice range, and sometimes even a meal with each round. For those who prefer a more traditional camping experience, the park also offers a Camping Package that bundles a two-night stay at a fully equipped campsite with multiple rounds of golf at Highland Walk Golf Course. Whether you choose the spaciousness of the cottage or the rustic charm of a campsite, both options ensure you are just moments away from your next tee time and all the other recreational activities the park has to offer.
Beyond the Fairway: Other Park Adventures
Victoria Bryant State Park offers a wide array of activities, making it an ideal destination for non-golfers or for golfers looking to fill their afternoon after a morning round at Highland Walk Golf course. The park is crisscrossed with beautiful hiking and biking trails, including a longer perimeter trail that winds through lush hardwood forests and crosses small creeks, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and peaceful contemplation. For those who enjoy target sports, the park features an Archery Range with both Bow Butt and 3-D trails, welcoming both experienced archers and those eager to try something new.
For a more leisurely pace, visitors can enjoy fishing in one of the two small ponds or, during the summer months, take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. The park also embraces the modern treasure hunt known as geocaching, offering a fun, family-friendly activity that encourages exploration of the park’s hidden corners. With a playground for children and numerous picnic areas, Victoria Bryant State Park is designed to be a holistic outdoor getaway, ensuring there is something to engage every member of your travel party, all within sight of the spectacular Highland Walk Golf course.
Inspiring Your Next Golfing Getaway
The Highland Walk Golf course is more than just a superb state park amenity; it’s a testament to the fact that some of the best golfing experiences are found where the landscape dictates the design. The combination of rolling hills, meticulously maintained fairways, comfortable accommodations, and the rich array of complementary park activities creates an inspiring destination for golfers and travelers alike. It’s a place where you can truly unplug, enjoy the quiet rhythm of the game, and connect with nature. Plan your escape to Royston and discover the tranquility and challenge that awaits you at the Highland Walk Golf course.
