'Callaway Gardens is a man made landscape in a unique natural setting, conceived and created by Cason Callaway and his wife Virginia Hand Callaway. The purpose is to provide a family environment where all may find beauty, relaxation, inspiration and a better world.'

An aim that seems to succeed on all levels. Waters sports, tennis, fishing as well as a variety of nature trails, and of course the golf.

In addition to the extensive sports facilities there are wonderful horticultural gardens, with fabulous azalea and rhodedendrum displays throughout the spring when the dogwood is also in full bloom. The flowers change but the splash of colour is a constant throughout the rest of the year. The butterfly farm on the site is just spellbinding.

There are a series of nature trails throughout the park, with the native plants of Georgia, including many that are rare and endangered are displayed and preserved. The rare Plumleaf Azalea, which blooms in late summer, an orange red blossom, provided the imspiration for the Gardens and is the floral emblem.

If the setting is spectacular, the golf courses are no less than appropriate. The Mountain View course was designed by famed architect Dick Wilson, and it has hosted the Buick Challenge on the US PGA Tour. The Lake View Course was also designed by Dick Wilson in conjunction with Cason Callaway and J B McGovern.

Two different tests of golf, with a common denominator, breathtaking views wherever and whenever you look.

As a special treat the Country Kitchen provides absolutely wonderful breakfast, American style, there is a need to arrive early for two reasons, firstly to get a table, and secondly to have time to recover and have the energy to play eighteen holes on a very full stomach.

This location is not well known in the United Kingdom, but if ever there was a reason for getting off the well trodden tourist path, this is certainly one of them. If you are ever visiting Georgia, add this to the list of places not to be missed.