Arrowhead Pointe—Elberton, GA
Rankings as of 1/29/2011…
-10th best public course in Georgia (Golfweek)
Arrowhead Pointe is located in Richard B. Russell State Park in Northern Georgia. It is about 2 hours from Atlanta,
1 hour from Athens and 1.5 hours from Augusta. Being owned by the State, it is a municipal golf course and only
cost $45 to play during peak hours. And let me tell you, it is worth every penny.
The course starts off with an uphill par 5 that lets you grip and rip it, but don’t get the mistaken idea that you will be
able to simply let loose on every hole. No, sir! Holes, like the scenic par 4 12th require big time precision and
holes like the epic par 5 10th require strategy, precision, and brute force.
In fact, the 10th in one of the best holes I’ve ever played. Right off the bat, you notice this isn’t your typical par 5.
The direct line to the hole is totally blocked by trees and water.
So, you must work the ball and/or play the angles. You could work the fade off the tee and then draw the ball onto
the green on your approach. Or you could hit a moderately long and straight ball off the tee, hit a shot at a 45
degree angle across and down the fairway, and leave yourself a wedge into the green. But beware the creek that
meanders across the fairway near the green. Great hole!
Another item to note is the greens. They have excellent undulations. Frankly, they kind of remind me of Tom Doak’
s greens at Ballyneal. They employ ridges that cut across the middle of the green, false fronts, and tricky little
nooks and crannies. However, Mr. Doak’s greens more seamlessly blend into the natural environment. But for
$45 a round at Arrowhead Pointe, you really can’t complain about too much. The course is flat out good.
In fact, the courses design quality is enhanced by the nearly ideal golfing environment. No housing. Vast tracks of
land, the State Park, surrounding the course. And a beautiful lake that engulfs the entire course. But here is the
kicker…water is not an over-used hazard. You will have a forced carry here and there, but they are at such
moderate lengths that are not a hassle. Instead, the meandering creek concept is used a few times. An inlet of
the lake will narrow the fairway here and there. I would call the use of the water way more strategic than penal.
The course was designed by Bob Walker. It measures 6,861 yards from the tips and is rated 72.3/133.
Rankings as of 1/29/2011…
-10th best public course in Georgia (Golfweek)
Arrowhead Pointe is located in Richard B. Russell State Park in Northern Georgia. It is about 2 hours from Atlanta,
1 hour from Athens and 1.5 hours from Augusta. Being owned by the State, it is a municipal golf course and only
cost $45 to play during peak hours. And let me tell you, it is worth every penny.
The course starts off with an uphill par 5 that lets you grip and rip it, but don’t get the mistaken idea that you will be
able to simply let loose on every hole. No, sir! Holes, like the scenic par 4 12th require big time precision and
holes like the epic par 5 10th require strategy, precision, and brute force.
In fact, the 10th in one of the best holes I’ve ever played. Right off the bat, you notice this isn’t your typical par 5.
The direct line to the hole is totally blocked by trees and water.
So, you must work the ball and/or play the angles. You could work the fade off the tee and then draw the ball onto
the green on your approach. Or you could hit a moderately long and straight ball off the tee, hit a shot at a 45
degree angle across and down the fairway, and leave yourself a wedge into the green. But beware the creek that
meanders across the fairway near the green. Great hole!
Another item to note is the greens. They have excellent undulations. Frankly, they kind of remind me of Tom Doak’
s greens at Ballyneal. They employ ridges that cut across the middle of the green, false fronts, and tricky little
nooks and crannies. However, Mr. Doak’s greens more seamlessly blend into the natural environment. But for
$45 a round at Arrowhead Pointe, you really can’t complain about too much. The course is flat out good.
In fact, the courses design quality is enhanced by the nearly ideal golfing environment. No housing. Vast tracks of
land, the State Park, surrounding the course. And a beautiful lake that engulfs the entire course. But here is the
kicker…water is not an over-used hazard. You will have a forced carry here and there, but they are at such
moderate lengths that are not a hassle. Instead, the meandering creek concept is used a few times. An inlet of
the lake will narrow the fairway here and there. I would call the use of the water way more strategic than penal.
The course was designed by Bob Walker. It measures 6,861 yards from the tips and is rated 72.3/133.
