In the heart of Georgia's scenic landscape lies Big Canoe, a premier mountain retreat that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and luxurious amenities. This private enclave is not only a haven for those seeking tranquility but also a paradise for golf enthusiasts. With its lush landscapes and meticulously designed courses, Big Canoe provides an unparalleled golfing experience. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a newcomer to the sport, the golf courses in Big Canoe promise an exciting and rewarding experience. Here, we explore the top golf courses in Big Canoe, each offering its own unique charm and challenges.
Big Canoe Golf Club
Big Canoe Golf Club features 27 holes divided into three nine-hole courses: Choctaw, Cherokee, and Creek. This setup gives golfers the flexibility to combine nines and enjoy different layouts on separate visits. The course is private and located inside the Big Canoe community, offering access to residents and their guests.
Each nine has a different feel. Creek plays along valleys with water in play on several holes. Cherokee features tighter fairways and elevation changes that test distance control. Choctaw presents more open shots and broader landing areas, offering room for aggressive play. Together, the three nines offer variety without feeling repetitive. The clubhouse includes a pro shop and dining area, providing a full-service golf experience inside the gates of Big Canoe.
Each nine has a different feel. Creek plays along valleys with water in play on several holes. Cherokee features tighter fairways and elevation changes that test distance control. Choctaw presents more open shots and broader landing areas, offering room for aggressive play. Together, the three nines offer variety without feeling repetitive. The clubhouse includes a pro shop and dining area, providing a full-service golf experience inside the gates of Big Canoe.
Crystal Falls Lake and Golf Club
Crystal Falls is located in Dawsonville, less than 15 minutes from Big Canoe. This semi-private course has 18 holes set against rolling hills, forests, and open views of the surrounding landscape. The course is known for its elevation shifts and natural water features, including several holes with lake views.
The layout favors strategic thinking over power. Many holes reward precision off the tee and careful club selection. Fairways are generally wide, but approach shots often involve uneven lies or elevated greens. The par-5 holes stand out as some of the most scenic and challenging on the course. Crystal Falls also offers a driving range and short game area.
The layout favors strategic thinking over power. Many holes reward precision off the tee and careful club selection. Fairways are generally wide, but approach shots often involve uneven lies or elevated greens. The par-5 holes stand out as some of the most scenic and challenging on the course. Crystal Falls also offers a driving range and short game area.
Chestatee Golf Club
Chestatee Golf Club in Dawsonville offers a public course with a private club feel. Designed by Denis Griffiths, the 18-hole layout is part of a lakeside residential community. The course features tree-lined fairways, elevated greens, and views of Lake Lanier.
The routing mixes uphill and downhill shots with moderate doglegs. Greens are fast and often protected by bunkers or run-off areas. The back nine includes a strong finishing stretch, especially the 17th and 18th, which play along water and require accurate approach shots. Chestatee regularly hosts events and tournaments, so the course staff are familiar with handling larger groups and organized play.
The routing mixes uphill and downhill shots with moderate doglegs. Greens are fast and often protected by bunkers or run-off areas. The back nine includes a strong finishing stretch, especially the 17th and 18th, which play along water and require accurate approach shots. Chestatee regularly hosts events and tournaments, so the course staff are familiar with handling larger groups and organized play.
Bent Tree Golf Course
Bent Tree Golf Course is located just south of Big Canoe in Jasper, Ga. It’s a private course, open to members and their guests, situated within the Bent Tree gated community. The 18-hole layout follows the natural elevation and woodland terrain typical of the North Georgia mountains.
The course includes narrow fairways, sharp doglegs, and greens that often sit above or below the fairway. It requires careful tee placement and a good short game. The course is known for its peaceful setting, with few homes lining the fairways and plenty of tree cover. The clubhouse has a traditional design with views of the mountains and a casual dining area. Bent Tree is a solid choice for those who want a quieter and more controlled playing environment.
The course includes narrow fairways, sharp doglegs, and greens that often sit above or below the fairway. It requires careful tee placement and a good short game. The course is known for its peaceful setting, with few homes lining the fairways and plenty of tree cover. The clubhouse has a traditional design with views of the mountains and a casual dining area. Bent Tree is a solid choice for those who want a quieter and more controlled playing environment.
Old Toccoa Farm
Old Toccoa Farm is located in Mineral Bluff, about an hour from Big Canoe, but it’s worth the drive for its standout design. The course is semi-private, with access granted to members and day guests. It stretches along the Toccoa River and through rolling mountain terrain.
Designed by Dan Proctor and Dave Axland, the 18-hole course emphasizes classic shot values, walkability, and strong use of the land. Fairways follow natural slopes, and greens are large with subtle breaks. The course includes stone walls, native grasses, and views of the river throughout. Old Toccoa Farm also emphasizes hospitality, with a comfortable clubhouse, dining area, and a relaxed atmosphere. Golfers looking for a blend of scenery, architecture, and quality will find this course especially rewarding.
Designed by Dan Proctor and Dave Axland, the 18-hole course emphasizes classic shot values, walkability, and strong use of the land. Fairways follow natural slopes, and greens are large with subtle breaks. The course includes stone walls, native grasses, and views of the river throughout. Old Toccoa Farm also emphasizes hospitality, with a comfortable clubhouse, dining area, and a relaxed atmosphere. Golfers looking for a blend of scenery, architecture, and quality will find this course especially rewarding.
Whitepath Golf Club
Whitepath Golf Club is in Ellijay, Georgia, located about 45 minutes from Big Canoe. It’s a public course known for being approachable and scenic. The layout features open fairways, wooded backdrops, and occasional water hazards.
The course is enjoyable for most skill levels. Fairways are forgiving, and the greens are large enough to allow some flexibility on approach shots. There’s enough challenge in the par-3s and par-5s to keep lower handicaps engaged. The layout is straightforward, making it an easy course to navigate on the first visit.
The course is enjoyable for most skill levels. Fairways are forgiving, and the greens are large enough to allow some flexibility on approach shots. There’s enough challenge in the par-3s and par-5s to keep lower handicaps engaged. The layout is straightforward, making it an easy course to navigate on the first visit.
Play Excellent Golf in Big Canoe
Big Canoe is truly a golfer's paradise, offering a perfect blend of challenging courses and breathtaking scenery. Whether you're enjoying the meticulously maintained greens or exploring the vibrant community, there's something for everyone in this mountain retreat.
If you're considering making Big Canoe your home or simply want to explore its real estate opportunities, reach out to Tom Petrigliano and Carolyn Littell of North GA Properties for expert guidance. Let Thomas Petrigliano help you find your dream home in this beautiful golfing haven.
If you're considering making Big Canoe your home or simply want to explore its real estate opportunities, reach out to Tom Petrigliano and Carolyn Littell of North GA Properties for expert guidance. Let Thomas Petrigliano help you find your dream home in this beautiful golfing haven.
