The Masters might've been and gone, but if Augusta has got you in the mood for golf there are plenty of great courses in Georgia and nearby South Carolina that are happy to take your money…
East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia
If you’re flying in and out of Atlanta, then a round at East Lake is a must. Host venue for the Tour Championship since 2005 – and the 1963 Ryder Cup – East Lake also has its place in golfing history as the home course of Bobby Jones, the only player ever to win the grand slam in a calendar year. Originally designed by Donald Ross, the 7,374-yard layout presents a stiff test for even the very best players. The signature hole is the 168-yard sixth, a testing par three that plays from an elevated tee over water to an angled peninsula green – which is believed to be the first ever island green built in America. Green fees from $175; +1 404 373 5722; eastlakegolfclub.com
Sea Island Golf Club, South Carolina
Sea Island is a barrier island on the South Carolina coast that is home to the legendary Sea Island Resort. Its golf club offers 54 holes, including the excellent Harry Colt-designed Seaside course [pictured above], home to the PGA Tour’s McGladrey Classic. Occupying a dramatic location at the southern tip of St Simon’s Island, Seaside is best described as an oceanside links, offering endless sea views, while undulating grassy dunes and salt marshes give it a wild and windswept feel. Although not long at 6,550 yards, the severity of the bunkering requires careful plotting to score well, while the winds that whip off the Atlantic add to the difficulty. Green fees from $295; seaisland.com
Harbour Town Links, Hilton Head, Carolina
For those jetting out of Charleston, the coastal courses of South Carolina should not be missed. With miles of exquisite sandy beaches, top class hotels and resorts, and around 30 of the finest golf courses you could wish for, it is easy to see why Hilton Head is one of America’s most popular golf destinations. The Heritage Classic at Harbour Town Links is a standing dish on the PGA Tour, hosting its tournament immediately after the Masters. It’s easy to see why Pete Dye’s masterpiece attracts such a strong field, as the course is as exhilarating as the location. Throw in some sublime par threes, the iconic lighthouse behind the majestic par-four 18th [pictured above], and you have all the makings of an unforgettable round of golf. Green fees from $159; seapines.com
Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro, Georgia
Beaten only by nearby Augusta National to the ranking of top course in Georgia when it first opened in 1986, the Landing is one of five layouts at Reynolds Plantation – enough for a week’s golf on its own. Designed by award-winning architect Robert Cupp, the Landing’s 7,048-yard layout winds through wooded areas and rolling hills, before hugging the shoreline of Lake Oconee. It’s close to Loch Lomond in appearance, with ornamental grasses reviving its Scottish highlands character, while subtle changes in elevation add to the challenge. The resort’s other courses – Plantation, Great Waters, The National and Lake Oconee – are all exceptional. Green fees from $189; reynoldsplantation.com
Ocean Course, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
No trip to this part of world can be undertaken without first securing a tee time at Kiawah Island’s fabled Ocean Course. Few golf fans of a certain age will forget the look of horror on Bernhard Langer’s face when he missed ‘that putt’ that cost Europe the Ryder Cup in 1981, and you too can learn just a little of how that feels when you recreate the drama on Kiawah’s iconic par-five 18th. It’s hard to emphasise the difficulty of Pete Dye’s creation, especially with a three-club wind in your face, but safe to say it’s tournament golf on steroids, which will leave you elated and slightly beaten up. Whatever you do, walk the course and take a caddy. After your round, relax in the comfort and luxury of the 255-room Sanctuary hotel, which boasts three restaurants and a 15,000-square foot spa. Green fees from $370; kiawahresort.com
