Smoke Rise Country Club

It is one of my favorite courses. Layout is challenging, but is always nicely manicured and enjoyable, even in harsh winter conditions.

Course was in great condition. The greens were very well groomed and it was an extremely challenging design; not for the faint of heart.

I visit ATL at least once a year to see the in-laws and I make sure to bring my clubs since it's usually a good opportunity to play with my father-in-law. I booked a twosome for the day after Christmas - temperature in the mid-30's around 9AM but rose to mid-40s by the time the round was over.

Course layout: Started on the 10th hole (all winter golf starts here at this course) with a dogleg par 5. Let me say this... this course is narrow and this course is very hilly. And I loved playing it. There are generous landing zones for drives so it's not an unfair course by any means. But if you can hit the fairways with your drive, you'll have a mid-iron on most par 4s but most likely an uphill or downhill approach shot. I love these types of courses personally. It was my first time playing here and I was given a course yardage book, which was good to read on a few holes. The entire course had plenty of elevation changes and I believe every par 3 had a big downhill tee shot. I made par on all of par 3s except for #17, which I leaked to the right off the green and made a poor chip.

Course condition for late December: 4.5/5. I didn't expect much since I'm coming from the Northeast U.S. However, the fairways were decent (obviously very little rough at this time of year). The best part of this course was the greens. Very quick and in great condition. If you hit the right shot, you can get the ball to stop without rolling through the green. If you hit any chips poorly, they will run out, but with the right spin, it'll check. I struggled with my chips around the green at times, which cost me a few putts.j

Staff/Clubhouse: Top notch. The gentleman at the pro shop was super kind and kept us informed about the 20 minute frost delay. The men's locker room was spotless but did smell like pipe smoke. I like the smell but I would imagine that not everyone does. It's a semi-private club so who am I to say anything negative though.

Overall experience: 4.75/5 - pace of play was excellent, only 2 groups ahead of us and no one immediately after us. I played slowly just to give the twosome ahead of us time not to feel rushed and I never felt out of sync.

Due to the weather, very few players.

The guy at the pro shop was very nice.

We enjoyed as more than usual because of no players to slow us down.

Greens were in good condition but extremely fast. Very challenging holes on a hilly tract. Will play again in future as this was about 50 miles from home

Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic greens, as good as you will find anywhere (very fast with lots of contours) and all the par 3's are excellent but the overall layout is not for me. It's just a little too challenging and targety, but give it a try and see what you think!!!

Great test of golf. Better bring your ‘A’ game from the back tees! Greens are fast but not crazy fast. Lots of slope and never a flat lie... Great test!!!

The club seems gotten popular and more players than used to.

It's very good for the club, but slow play is not so great.

You've got to share the good course with others to maintain the club.

When I am back in Atlanta I am definitely playing this course

Course was in excellent condition for this time of year. A few holes had issues around the green, I'm thinking earth worms, but overall still good value.

This is a longer course than many in the area. You've got to be a baller off the tee box & hit an accurate approach shot to have any chance at par.

A very challenging course. Blind tee shots, uneven lies, uphill shots, down hill shots. If you are a mental golfer, be prepared to hit iron shots and you must be able to shape them. I would call it a U.S. Open layout for amateurs. I have to admit I loved the course and enjoyed the challenge.

Great layout. High slope rating so bring your

A-Game.