The Hickory Knob State Resort Park & Golf Course cozies up to the shores of Lake Thurmond, a reservoir lake that is visible or in play on every hole. Hickory Knob is the state's only resort state park. Not only is there a comfortable clubhouse with a snack bar and pro shop, but lodge rooms, cabins, a campground and a full-service restaurant make…
Each April, Augusta, Georgia is the epicenter of the golf universe. Since Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones founded Augusta National in 1933, and started the Masters Tournament shortly after, this small town about two hours from Atlanta draws golf fans from all over the world to experience Amen Corner. Augusta National is one of the most coveted and exclusive private clubs in the world, but the area is full of other golf options both private and publicly accessible. And many of the private clubs like Champions Retreat or Forest Hills will open up their gates. Affordable golf can also be found at Fort Gordon Golf Course, a popular military facility designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., or head to nearby Aiken, S.C. and play the affordable and historic Aiken Golf Club. Allister Mackenzie designed not just Augusta National but nearby Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken, which dates back to 1892. Golf history and southern hospitality converge nowhere better than around Augusta.
You can have a special weekend of golf near Augusta National at Champions Retreat in Evans, Ga., which boasts courses by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player.
Forest Hills Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. has managed to retain its place in the game's history and still remain relevant today. The Donald Ross design, which was established in 1926, is steeped with tradition. Play this course whenever you get a chance. It's one of those places that you could never grow tired of playing. You'll find something different on every visit, Stan Awtrey writes.
If you're in town for the Masters and want to play a round or two, you can choose from private clubs that open their gates, or more affordable public courses.
The Bear Trap. The Green Mile. The Snake Pit. We rank the 17 best collection of holes in America and the Caribbean from least favorite nickname to the most iconic.
Many public courses have traces of Augusta National. Brandon Tucker shares some elements, from a grand entrance to scale and short courses, that anyone can experience.
Unless you previously held a cabinet position in Washington or are the CEO of a large corporation, you're unlikely to ever get the opportunity to play golf at Augusta National. Good news, though. Although you may never get to test the tricky winds at Amen Corner, you do have plenty of golf options when you visit Augusta, Ga. It won't be the place with the pimento cheese sandwiches in the green wrappers, but it's not bad. Veteran Georgia sports writer Stan Awtrey suggests six must-play golf courses in the Augusta area.
It's the holy grail of golf, and several Golf Channel team members have had the opportunity to play Augusta National over the years. See what they had to say about their respective rounds.
The 2011 Masters will feature picture perfect conditions and weather. Though a storm blew through earlier in the week, the golf course is in prime shape leading into the first round. Brandon Tucker spent Wednesday at Augusta National and captured a few shots of the action, both players' practice rounds, and the annual Par 3 Contest.
Before the real tournament kicks off, a Wednesday tradition unlike any other is the par-3 contest at Augusta National. Mike Bailey was there and shares some pics.
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