Sky Blue Sky Valley
The original designer of this resort course tucked up in the canyons of the Blue Ridge Mountains just south of the North Carolina border was not a golf course architect and, as of a few years ago at least, purportedly still lived on the property.
He actually did a great job of routing the course to show off the lovely views, and while he boxed himself into a few corners the efficient hole sequencing makes perfect sense.
There remain a few tight turns (the opening drive turning almost 90-degrees around a hillside is awkward), but Bill Bergin was able to loosen up some cramped quarters by moving a number of greens and tees to unused areas and entirely rebuilding a few other holes. These include a sporty 300-yard uphill par-4 at 16, the tough 18th and the memorable 15th, which shoots 130 yards across a gorge to a deep green with four levels dripping down toward the precipice.
The course runs primarily through the valley along Mud Creek and a few lakes but sends more exciting sorties up the flanks for scenery and the better holes. It’s one of the prettier spots of golf you’ll find in North Georgia, though the modest ski component, where a generation of Georgians had their first (and in many cases, last) experience with the sport is now defunct as new ownership continues to focus on golf and upgrading the lodging and amenities. (87)
Sky Valley Resort & Country Club
Sky Valley
Architect: Bill Watts/renovated by Bill Bergin in 2007
Year: 1971