By Mike May
Do you want to experience a legal natural high? Pack your bags, grab your clubs, and head for Sky Valley Country Club, one of Georgia’s premier golf and vacation destinations. Nestled in the northeastern corner of the state and surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, it is the highest golf course in Georgia and has been named the state’s No. 1 rated public golf course.
Sky Valley Country Club is a member of The Georgia Golf Trail, which features 24 golf courses around the state.
“Sky Valley is like heaven on earth and we in Georgia are lucky to have such an outstanding destination for golfers in our state and for those visiting from the nearby surrounding states,” said Doug Hollandsworth, founder, Georgia Golf Trail. 
Redesigned in 2007 by Bill Bergin, Sky Valley stretches to 6,900 yards from the tips, but with the elevation it seems shorter. Par is 72 and if the back tees are too long for you, each hole has four additional tee boxes. The course is always immaculate and features bent grass from tee to green.
The practice facilities, including a driving range, with target greens, plus the putting and chipping greens, are first class.
“Sky Valley is a fantastic layout,” said Steve Heher, head golf professional, Sky Valley CC. “It’s a mountain golf course that winds its way through the valley. It features great views from the elevated tees at the 2nd, 8th, 12th, 15th, and 17th holes. Our signature hole is the par-3 15th, which has a 60-foot elevation drop from tee to green.”
Heher also says his superintendent does an exceptional job.
“Our superintendent Steve Mason has been here since 2007,” added Heher. “He does a great job to keep this course in great shape throughout the year. He and his veteran crew know what they are doing.”
The greater Sky Valley area is truly as appealing for golfers, as well as, non-golfers. The area is known for its excellent hiking, fishing, boating, camping, whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, bird watching, and zip lining opportunities.
When you visit Sky Valley, come with an appetite and a taste for the finer things in life.
Sky Valley has a strong reputation for its locally grown produce and is known as the ‘Farm-to-Table Capital’ of Georgia. For connoisseurs, local vineyards produce delicious wines for tasting.
“We try to utilize local ingredients from vegetables, fruits and proteins,” said Elizabeth Truax, clubhouse manager, Sky Valley CC. “You can be assured that each dish prepared offers scrumptious cuisine.”
The clubhouse, opened in 2013, features a natural stone floor-to-ceiling fireplace, glass window walls, exposed beams, and hardwood floors. The outdoor terrace allows guests to enjoy the jaw-dropping views, while dining in a comfortable, casual setting that creates the perfect end to the day in the mountains.
However long you decide to stay at Sky Valley, it will never be long enough. There is always something to visit, a new trail to explore, or another birdie to hunt.
Once you and your family visit Sky Valley, it will soar to the top of your family’s annual must-visit list.
To find out more visit: Home – City of Sky Valley (skyvalleyga.com).
April Issue is Loaded with Great Golf