Originally published in Southern Fairways Magazine, Summer 2026. Reprinted by Golf Course Trades with permission.
Simply put, there is so much more to golf in Georgia than the Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club in April and the Tour Championship at Atlanta’s East Lake Golf Club in August.
Two of the best regions along The Georgia Golf Trail to visit are two of the coastal destinations and two of the mountainous destinations. The two coastal destinations are Jekyll Island and the Sapelo Hammock Golf Club, both located in the extreme southeastern section of the Peach State. And, the two mountainous destinations are the Brasstown Valley Resort & Club in Young Harris, Georgia and the Valhalla Golf Club in nearby Helen, Georgia.
Here are some details about those two aforementioned areas which are worth visiting this year, with golf clubs in tow, on your next trip to or through Georgia.
Jekyll Island
At any time of the year, you would be well served by spending the night on Jekyll Island along the beach at either the joint Courtyard by Marriott/Residence Inn, which share the same property, or the Holiday Inn Express.
Waking up every day along the seashore is one of the perks of your next visit to Jekyll Island. While on Jekyll Island, there are a multitude of activities that include bird watching, bike riding, swimming in the surf, playing tennis, shopping at the Beach Village, learning about turtles at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, taking guided fishing and crabbing expeditions, visiting the many historical structures on Jekyll Island, and playing golf at the Jekyll Island Golf Club and its three golf courses – Pine Lakes, Indian Mound, and Grand Dunes.
Sapelo Hammock
In the late 1990s, Sapelo Hammock Golf Club – a par-72 layout, measuring nearly 6,700 yards from the tips – opened its doors to the general public.
Located in Shellman Bluff, Georgia, this golf course is surrounded by tidal marshes, saw palmettos, and live oak trees, dripping with Spanish moss. This golf course is in terrific shape and its greens are a reflection of this club’s commitment to excellence.
Brasstown Valley
Brasstown Valley is the quintessential mountain golf getaway. It’s so good that it’s worthy of a same-day replay or a next-day repeat.
Even though Brasstown Valley is located in the mountains, the golf course was built in a valley, which justifies its name – Brasstown Valley.
Here, the atmosphere is refreshing, relaxing, and re-energizing. The golf course is very well maintained, cleverly designed, and entertaining to play. At all times, you’ll have spectacular views of the surrounding mountains as the golf course winds its way through preserves, ponds, and streams.
Valhalla
The Valhalla Golf Club – located in Helen, Georgia – was built in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia.
Some golf pundits have referred to Valhalla’s par-72 layout as “Alpine Mountain golf at its finest.”
The most memorable shot at Valhalla will be the downhill tee shot on the par-three 15th hole, as the descent from tee-to-green is significant – at least 150 feet.
When you visit Helen, you’ll notice a strong German theme to its architecture and atmosphere. When walking or driving through Helen, you’ll feel that an Oktoberfest-like celebration is taking place or is about to begin.
An ideal place to spend the night in Helen is at the luxurious Valhalla Resort, which is adjacent to the Valhalla GC. Guests at Valhalla are pampered.
The coastal and mountainous destinations along The Georgia Golf Trail (www.GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com) await your arrival.
About This Article
This article was originally published in the Summer 2026 issue of Southern Fairways Magazine and is reprinted by Golf Course Trades with permission.
Written by Mike May
Visit Southern Fairways Magazine at southernfairwaysgolf.com for more golf, travel, leisure and lifestyle coverage.
