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| BIG CANOE | |||
| The mere sound of the name conjours up images of Indians, tepees, forests, streams and lakes, and the reality is that it would be well justified, for the Big Canoe is perched on the edge of the Cherokee National Park, in the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia. The site contains relics of the native Indian way of life, very rare wedding cairns have been found, and they have been correctly identified as being hundreds of years old. | |||
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| It also has a much more modern occupancy, some thirty years ago, an enterprising sole started the development of the community. Holiday and residential homes just an hour or so out of Atlanta, the perfect place to relax and recharge the batteries. Today the site encompasses over 8000 acres, with all the infra structure to support the gated community. With the convenience of restaurants, postal facilities, shops and all the conveniences necessary for comfort in isolation, the ideal spot to commune with nature. Add to that various other sports facilities, plus some wonderful fishing on the lakes that border the golf courses and are sprinkled around the complex.
The leisure side is extremely well catered for, and the wildlife is abundant and fascinating, the scenery just too much to absorb, mountains, lakes, forests and streams. The popularity of golf has meant that it has become integral in the majority of American developments, and Big Canoe is no exception. There are three nine hole courses on the complex, each separate and different in nature. They are appropriately named, Creek, Chocktaw and Cherokee.
The drive from Atlanta is easy, much of it motorway or dual carriageway, until close to the town of Jasper. Then the rural scene takes over.
The Creek is probably the most challenging of the three nine hole courses, the first three holes are just about as good as any I have had the pleasure to play. Standing on the first tee, the drive is intimidating, but that is just the start. It is a par 4 over a lake to a narrow valley fairway, then an approach to an elevated green. Followed by a long par 5, downhill with the lake threatening the second shot alongside the left, and finally a short iron over the lake to the green. The third is a par 3, to what appears to be an island green, three holes as tough and rewarding as could be imagined.
The standard is set, and three pars would be just cause for celebration. There are chances to recover lost shots on the remaining holes, but a classic nine nevertheless.
Course architect Willard Byrd has provided superb holes around Lake Sconti, making full use of water, elevation and although the course is not long, it is impossible to score unless concentration and course management is fully used.
The Chocktaw and Cherokee nines are somewhat longer, but each provides it's own test, judging club selection for holes with major changes in elevation, especially when there is a breeze blowing. Every club in the bag will have an airing during the course of twenty seven holes. It is impossible to choose a signature hole or holes, there are so many that are imprinted into the memory banks. It is hoped that the photographs can do justice to some of the most beautiful countryside in Georgia. |
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