Hard Labor Creek State Park

The Creek at Hard Labor is definitely "out in the boonies," close to the tiny town of Rutledge, but well worth the drive. I played from the tips, which is a modest 6,500 yards, and was greeted with one of the most difficult opening holes I have ever played - a downhill dogleg right with a tiny landing area and a pond at the bottom of the hill, with an approach shot to a green perched high upon the hill beyond the pond. It was an introduction to the style of golf I would need to play for the entire 18 holes - "position golf," where driver is only necessary on certain holes.

Hybrids and fairway woods are better for most of the tight holes on the front nine, and while the back nine is a little more open in places, unless you're a straight shooter with the big stick, you're better off leaving it in the bag.

My only knock on the course is the green speeds, which are slow. I left quite a few putts short. With the healthy Bermuda, they could stand to be a bit faster, but they putted true. Otherwise, it's a great design with no residential homes to worry with - you're in a state park, and it's just you and nature. No ridiculous OB stakes two yards off the cart path, no houses mucking up the views, no long waits on the tee boxes. I played on a Monday, and zipped through in less than three hours. This is golf as pure and challenging as it gets. I will be back.

Greens were in great shape, I'm assuming because of all the rain. Tee boxes were redone recently and looked great also. Played for $15 on golfnow which is a steal. Would pay $45 a round to play here

course is in really good shape, rough needs to be cut

The course needs attention. Great layout but grass hasn't been maintained. Lots of scalping/brown spots/uneven cutting of the fairways. The rough is almost unplayable. Grass is 6-8" high and ball just sinks down. A shot that barely misses the green will sink in the bermuda making it hard to even locate. I love this course but will not play again until it is maintained better. It has great potential and is lots of fun but almost an unfair test in its current state

The greens are very consistent. Fairways in great shape. Hard to find a ball once it gets in the Bermuda rough.

1st time playing here. Played a two-some on a Sunday @ 11:50. Pace was excellent...rarely saw a group ahead or behind (we played intentionally a little slow to accommodate for only having two players). Course was in great shape, other than some soggy areas caused by the never ending rain this summer. Greens were very smooth and rolled true, but were SLOW. Would certainly recommend this course to anyone...will definitely be back.

Course in good condition with a few wet areas due to excess rains for several weeks. Greens all in good condition, looking forward to planning another round.

Course was in great shape based on the amount of recent rain. We have had one of the wettest summers on record in Georgia this year. The only complaint was that I was a member of a threesome and the pro shop let four singles out right behind my group. I can understand one single maybe two, but never four in a row. I feel like the pro shop could have done a better job pairing up the singles so it didn't seem like you had golfers breathing down your throat the whole loop.

Greens were pretty slow and fairways high but it has rained for the last 10 days.

This was the first I played Hard Labor as I usually play Lane Creek which is a little closer to home. I would say the course is on par with Lane Creek quality wise. There are some very beautiful and scenic holes here. The course is fairly short from the whites however very few holes offer a wide open straight tee shot. Lots of water hazzards. Didn't shoot my best round but I had a case of the pullsies. Over all I would recommend this course. I ended up paying $38.

Cheers

Great layout with lots of trees, hills and mother nature abound. Played 36 holes in 6 hours. Would've played more if daylight would've allowed. Back tees are less than 6700 yards but sufficient to afford some very long and challenging par fours. Way out in the boonies but worth the drive. This is a must play at least a few times a year. Decent practice range and putting green.

Played with brother for his birthday on 6/7/13 for first time with Golfnow discount. Best value ever for course layout and condition I ever experienced in 40 years of golfing. The course is truly a hidden gem. Scenery on several holes was remarkable. I would love to see the course in the fall when the foliage is peak. Several holes were very challenging and long. Will remember the outing for years to come. The Creek at Hard Labor is a must play. You will not be disappointed.

Tee boxes good, fairways were in very good condition but the greens were a little slow.
Overall a very good course.

Greens had been aerated, but that had no effect, as the greens were extremely bumpy and thin. The Bermuda grass greens had not come in yet.

Greens and Fairways were in great shape. The tee boxes need some work.

I was really disappointed with the conditions of the course. Traps washed out and not raked even thought it had been 3 days since any significant rain. Greens were in horrible condition, 8 or 9 greens sanded but no airation. Fairways also never punched this spring, hard as a rock with very little grass. Had not played this course in 4 or 5 years now I know why. I know it is a state course but they need to spend a little money on the course. Arrowhead Point at Lake Russell is in 10 times better shape and that is a State Course. What gives

As #1 is the hardest hole on the course, the start can be a little deflating if you don't warm up 1st. From there it is a fun and challenging set up to play. Even the "easier" holes have their pitfalls but all can be managed with a lot of fun to boot. I recommend this course mostly because the course itself is never the reason for a poor shot opportunity. It is in very good shape , especially the greens.

Beautiful course. The rumors about it having the hardest opening hole in the state are true. Challenging but very enjoyable. I'll definitely be back.

The course is in good shape. The greens are acceptable.

First of all its a beautiful course set among thick hardwoods and hilly terrain. Greens are dormant but in excellent shape. Quick and I very large. Bring your A game. Its a long course even from the white tees. Lots of water and well bunkered fairways and greens. Number 9 has a huge tree stuck right in the middle of the fairway. I was greatful to shoot 89. Its a beast but if you can control your teeshots opportunities for scoring avail themselves. Friendly staff and well worth the 25 dollars I gave for this beautiful and beastly course.