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.