I've never played a golf course quite like Callahan Golf Links. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains a few miles north of Canton, Ga., this large tract of farmland has been transformed in the last six months into a Scottish-style golf course, complete with high grass in the rough, a number of creeks and ravines, and a layout smack dab in a prairie.
To sum: trees do not come into play here nearly as often as other places.
This par 72, 6,382-yard facility (from the middle tees) opened in October by the Callahan Family. In fact, they still live on the premesis. Mrs. Callahan said it was her late husband's dream to construct a golf course on their land. He more than got his wish.
At $38 for 18 holes, it's a great bargain. Check out the course's Web site for more details and history of the land: http://www.callahangolflinks.com/
The course may not be as plush as some top-dollar sites in the South, but the scenery is downright beautiful. About half of the course sits in a prairie. The other half -- behind the Callahan homestead -- goes deep into the Georgia woods. Fairways here are sloped, forcing the player to hit the right spots or suffer the consequences of balls either rolling into the rough, or deep into ravines.
Callahan Links offers a number of trouble spots, doglegs and tight fairways that appeal to the more accurate player. Those who seem to hit left and right had better bring a few extra balls. The underbrush on either side of the fairway is thick. Those fortunate enough to find their balls are forced to swing into the thick stuff.
There are a number of interesting holes of mention. The most difficult hole on the course, the par 4, 425-yard fifth, features a strong dogleg to the right with dense woods on either side of the tee box and a very narrow, sloped fairway. The woods love to eat golf balls. If you reach the fairway, beware the large boulder sitting in the center. One ricochet, and you're back in the woods. On the approach shot, the player is forced to either swing for the green, or lay up as a large ravine separates the fairway and green.
The 496-yard, par 5 10th hole offers no trees, but plenty of underbrush and water. Thick grass lines a narrow fairway, with a creek running down the right side. When chipping on to the green, do so with care. Even the slightest stroke beyond the hole can roll off of the green, then speed directly into a goose-filled lake.
The 185-yard, par 3 17th features little or no fairway and a green upon a pedestal. Hit it to the left, and the ball will roll downhill away from the desired target. Hit it to the right, and the ball will fall upon a hill with terrain not desired for hitting golf balls. Hit it beyond the green, and your ball will go swimming.
Since the facility is still very new, it's a safe bet to figure the course will continue to improve. Fairways aren't in perfect condition yet and there's a good amount of stumps and underbrush that can be cleared. Greens and sand traps are in very good condition.
If you're into trying a different type of golf course for a good price, Callahan is worth a try. I'll be back ... when I've learned to hit the ball straight.
Fun: 8
Value: 9
Conditions: 7
Amenities: 3
Difficulty: 9
Overall: 7.2
2 comments:
At $38.00 it is a great value however it definately has some so called hokie holes.The designer must of had a hangover the day they designed most of the holes. The par five first hole has a tower of power lines to contend with on your second shot. I will say that the staff is very friendly and the beverage lady on the golf course is well worth the price of admisssion.
Played it for the first time on Sunday at 4p and got the twilight rate of $30.
Great layout, and for being less than a year old it's in great shape. If they take care of it, it should mature nicely. Greens are firm, but roll beautifully.
Being that it is so wide open, it's difficult to get your distance bearings the first time around.
Will be back for more.
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