Designed by famed architect Joe Lee, Emerald Pointe Golf Club was described by Golf Digest as being the “Pebble Beach of the Southeast.” It has also been recognized as Atlanta’s most challenging resort golf experience by The Atlanta Business Chronicle. It boasts an award-winning par-72, 18-hole course with 13 holes on the waters of Lake Lanier. The 5,659-yard men’s tee also has a ladies’ course rating of 72.3 and a slope of 131. Hole number two is surrounded by water and is known as Emerald Pointe’s signature hole.

Situated amid a 1,200-acre pine forest in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, PineIsle Golf Club is a relaxing, lake-front paradise. Designed originally in 1974 by Gary Player and Ron Kirby & Associates, the course recently reopened April 2006 after renovating the much neglected sand bunkers. A new Club Car fleet was added and future upgrades or design changes are currently in consideration. With 8 holes skirting the waters of Lake Lanier, Golf Digest honored PineIsle with 3.5 stars out of 5.

For refueling after a game, Fairways Grill at Lake Lanier Islands Resort is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is accessible from the lake by using the resort’s day-use dock across from the restaurant.

Both Emerald Pointe and PineIsle Golf Clubs have PGA-certified golf professionals on staff to provide lessons for beginners and golf enthusiasts alike and both courses are perfect for tournaments and group outings.

For more information on Emerald Pointe and PineIsle Golf Clubs at Lake Lanier Islands Resort click here. For tee times, packages and group outings call 770.945.8789.

After a high soft shot that drifts just 10 yards off target and comes to rest in the green side bunker, you approach your ball, only to find the dreaded “Fried Egg.” That’s right, the worst lie in a bunker you can imagine. The ball resting in its own depression, just half its surface visible above the sand. Now what? Suddenly bogey seems likely and double bogey appears realistic. But don’t despair, there’s an easy way out.

Okay, first you must believe that bogey from this position is a good score, but also realize that par is very possible. Next, survey the green and choose the largest target, even if this means aiming away from the hole. Then take your stance, square to the ball and slightly right of your target with the ball located in the middle of your stance. Normally you would open the clubface for a sand shot, but here you are going to close the clubface down, with your hands forward. Now you’re ready to swing. The swing will be an up and down motion, landing in the sand directly behind the ball at a very steep angle, almost like a chopping swing. The result will be for the ball to come out with a rather low trajectory and will have a lot of roll once it lands on the green.

The last thing you’ll need to do is make that putt for par. Your playing partners will be most impressed and you will have added yet another escape shot to your repertoire.

Richard Hileman, PGA
Director of Golf
Lake Lanier Islands Resort

For more information on golf at Lake Lanier Islands Resort, click here or call 770.945.8789.

“Lake Lanier Islands Resort’s Equestrian Center staff made our fifth wedding anniversary a very special and memorable event. After riding along the water’s edge we were led to a quiet spot along the lake’s shoreline where we enjoyed a romantic picnic.”

–Jeff & Melissa Venza

What will you remember?
Click here and tell us!