Cherokee/Creek at Big Canoe Golf Club

Carved into the folds of the North Georgia mountains, Cherokee/Creek at Big Canoe Golf Club presents a demanding test shaped by the region's dramatic elevation changes. A product of the late 20th century, the original design, like many of its era, emphasizes length and penalizes wayward drives, more than artful placement. Fairways are generous at times, only to give way to severe undulation and demanding approaches to well-guarded greens. It favors players who can manage the slopes and control their distances, especially on downhill shots where club selection becomes paramount.

While not a stage for national championships, Cherokee/Creek provides a stern challenge for its members and guests. Local lore suggests that the back tees, rarely played, were designed to humble even the most accomplished golfers, requiring heroic carries over ravines and blind approaches to tucked pins. The course's remoteness, nestled within the Big Canoe community, fosters a tight-knit membership drawn to the natural beauty of the surroundings, and its laid-back atmosphere.

The clubhouse, though modest, serves as a social hub. The mountain views afforded on the back nine are as memorable as the course's trickiest holes. And while the club doesn't boast a signature dish, the post-round camaraderie often extends late into the evening, fueled by tales of near misses and improbable recoveries on this unique mountain layout.