University of Georgia Golf Course - tee marker
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University of Georgia Golf Course - tee marker
From the Bulldog tees, the University of Georgia Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is an exceptional test of golf. Mike Bailey/GolfAdvisor
University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 2
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University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 2
The second hole at the University of Georgia Golf Course is a 440-yard par 4 that plays up to a difficult green. Mike Bailey/GolfAdvisor
University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 3
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University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 3
The third hole at the University of Georgia Golf Course is a very uphill 210-yard par 3. Mike Bailey/GolfAdvisor
University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 5
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University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 5
The par-4 fifth at the University of Georgia Golf Course is a right-to-left hole right to the end. Mike Bailey/GolfAdvisor
University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 6
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University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 6
The sixth hole at the University of Georgia Golf Course is a downhill, left-to-right par 5 that's reachable for stronger players. Mike Bailey/GolfAdvisor
University of Georgia GC - 9th
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University of Georgia GC - 9th
The ninth hole at the University of Georgia Golf Course is a long, uphill par 4 that doglegs right. Mike Bailey/GolfAdvisor
University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 10
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University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 10
The 10th hole on the University of Georgia Golf Course is another strong par 4. Mike Bailey/GolfAdvisor
University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 12
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University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 12
The par-15 12th hole at the University of Georgia Golf Course plays over a lake. Mike Bailey/GolfAdvisor
University of Georgia Golf Course - 12th green
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University of Georgia Golf Course - 12th green
The par-5 12th hole at the University of Georgia Golf Course ends with a semi-island green. Mike Bailey/GolfAdvisor
University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 13
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University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 13
The par-3 13th hole on the University of Georgia Golf Course goes back over the water. Mike Bailey/GolfAdvisor
University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 14
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University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 14
The 14th hole, a 418-yard par 4, crosses water again on the University of Georgia Golf Course in Athens. Mike Bailey/GolfAdvisor
University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 15
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University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 15
The difficult par-4 15th on the University of Georgia Golf Course plays through a chute of trees. Mike Bailey/GolfAdvisor
University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 16
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University of Georgia Golf Course - hole 16
In Athens, the University of Georgia Golf Course is one of the top-rated courses on Golf Advisor and can be played for under $50. Mike Bailey/GolfAdvisor
University of Georgia Golf Course - 18th
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University of Georgia Golf Course - 18th
The 488-yard par-4 finishing hole at the University of Georgia Golf Course ends with a double green it shares with the ninth. Mike Bailey/GolfAdvisor
University of Georgia Golf Course - bags
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University of Georgia Golf Course - bags
The bags of former Bulldogs who have excelled professionally are displayed in the clubhouse at the University of Georgia Golf Course in Athens. Mike Bailey/GolfAdvisor
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Where the 'Dawgs' play: University golf course delivers classic Georgia pines test

ATHENS, Ga. -- Rated as one of the top university courses in the nation, and certainly one of the best public golf courses in Georgia, the University of Georgia Golf Course is an outstanding test of golf, somewhat reminiscent of Augusta National.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., who was a personal friend of former UGA President O.C. Aderhold, the course opened for play in 1968. Jones actually donated his services to the university. Architect John LaFoy did some redesign work that included additional mounding.

Like Augusta, many of the greens are perched high on hills, and getting there is only half the battle. With plenty of movement on the bentgrass greens, finding the right spot is critical to avoid three-putts.

Perhaps the signature hole, though, is the par-5 12th, which plays downhill from the tee and around and over a lake to a semi-island green. It's the first of three holes where shots have to be hit across the same body of water.

And the ninth and 18th holes, both difficult par 4s, end with a double green that they share.

There are five sets of tees, including the Bulldog tees that tip out as a par 71 at 7,258 yards. The UGA golf course is open to the public and does more than 45,000 rounds per year.

Mike Bailey is a former Golf Advisor senior staff writer based in Houston. Focusing primarily on golf in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America with an occasional trip to Europe and beyond, he contributes course reviews, travel stories and features as well as the occasional equipment review. An award-winning writer and past president of Texas Golf Writers Association, he has more than 25 years in the golf industry. He has also been on staff at PGA Magazine, The Golfweek Group and AvidGolfer Magazine. Follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeBaileyGA and Instagram at @MikeStefanBailey.
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Where the 'Dawgs' play: University golf course delivers classic Georgia pines test