Most people think Augusta is just a one-course town. They’re wrong. Honestly, if you’re heading to Georgia for the Masters or just a bucket-list golf trip, you’ve probably heard whispers about a place called Champions Retreat Golf Club. It’s tucked away in Evans, just north of the city, and it doesn’t try to be Augusta National. It can’t be. But what it does—basically bringing together three of the greatest legends to ever pick up a club—is something you won't find anywhere else on the planet.
It's rare.
Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player. The "Big Three." They didn’t just show up for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. They actually designed three distinct nines here. Think about the ego involved in that for a second. You have three of the most competitive men in history, each given a piece of Georgia loam and told to outdo the others. The result isn't a disjointed mess, though. It’s a 27-hole masterpiece that feels like three different conversations with three different masters of the craft.
The Weird, Brilliant Backstory of Champions Retreat Golf Club
You’ve got to appreciate the audacity of the original vision. Most clubs are lucky to get one signature designer. Getting all three? That's a flex. It started back around 1999 when the idea was pitched to the Big Three during a Champions Tour event. They agreed, which is honestly a miracle in itself. They even shared a dinner to discuss how the three nines would mesh.
The land is special because it’s diverse. You aren't just playing through a pine forest or along a river; you’re doing both, sometimes on the same hole. The property is bounded by the Savannah River and the Little River, creating this peninsula vibe that feels completely isolated from the outside world. When you’re out on the Island nine, you’re basically in a different ecosystem than when you’re navigating the Creek or the Bluff.
It officially opened in 2005. Since then, it’s evolved from a private sanctuary into a global destination, largely because it hosts the first two rounds of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA). If it’s good enough for the best amateurs in the world to prep for a Sunday at Augusta National, it’s probably good enough for your Saturday morning foursome.
Breaking Down the Three Nines: Palmer, Nicklaus, and Player
Each nine reflects the personality of its creator. It’s kinda fascinating to see their DNA in the dirt.
The Island Nine (Arnold Palmer)
Arnie’s nine is the soul of the place. It sits on an actual island between the Little River and the Savannah River. It’s beautiful. It’s also terrifying if you have a slice. You’re playing through massive, ancient hardwood trees—oaks and hickories that feel like they’ve been watching golf since before the gutta-percha ball was invented.
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Palmer wasn't subtle here. He wanted you to feel the river. On some holes, the water is right there, whispering to your golf ball. It’s flanking the fairways, demanding respect. The par-3 4th hole is a standout. You’re hitting toward the river, and the wind coming off the water can turn a solid 7-iron into a disaster real quick.
The Bluff Nine (Jack Nicklaus)
Jack’s layout is exactly what you’d expect: it’s a thinker’s course. It has more elevation change than the others. You’ll find yourself standing on tees looking down at wide fairways that look inviting, but the angles matter. If you’re on the wrong side of the fairway, you’re dead.
Nicklaus used the natural ridges of the property to create these rolling hills that feel more like the North Carolina Piedmont than the Georgia coast. The bunkering is classic Jack—deep, strategic, and punishing. It’s the kind of nine where you can shoot a 38 or a 48 and not really know how it happened until you look at your yardage book and realize you missed every single "safe" landing area.
The Creek Nine (Gary Player)
Gary Player is known for his fitness and his grit, and his nine reflects that "Black Knight" intensity. It’s perhaps the most technical of the three. The Creek nine winds through wetlands and dense native vegetation. It feels tighter. You have to be precise.
There's a specific "South Carolina lowcountry" feel to this section, even though you’re in Georgia. The opening hole is a par 5 that basically tells you everything you need to know: keep it straight or go home. Player loved to incorporate the natural movement of the land, so you’ll find a lot of side-hill lies and tricky greens that require a deft touch.
The ANWA Factor: Why the World is Watching
If you follow golf, you know the Augusta National Women’s Amateur is a big deal. It’s arguably the most important event in women’s amateur golf. But here’s the thing: only the final round is played at Augusta National. The first two rounds? They happen at Champions Retreat Golf Club.
That choice wasn't accidental.
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Augusta National is picky. They don’t partner with just anyone. They chose Champions Retreat because the course conditions are immaculate and the layout is championship-caliber. Watching the best women in the world navigate the Island and Bluff nines gives you a real sense of the difficulty. They make it look easy, but when you’re standing over a 20-foot putt on the 9th green of the Island course with the wind howling off the Savannah River, you realize how much pressure this place can apply.
It has put the club on a pedestal. It’s no longer just a "local" spot for wealthy Georgians; it’s a global benchmark.
Staying at the Retreat: It’s Not Just About the 18th Green
Most people come for the golf, but they stay for the cottages. This isn't a "hotel" experience. It’s a village. The club has these massive, luxury cottages—some with four bedrooms, some with eight—that are designed for groups.
Think:
- High-end kitchens where you can have a private chef cook dinner.
- Massive fire pits for post-round drinks.
- Living rooms that actually feel like a home, not a lobby.
The Barn is the social hub. It’s where you eat, and the food is... surprisingly great? Usually, golf club food is "clubhouse grill" tier—burgers and over-salted fries. Here, they’re doing serious culinary work. The Grille serves up Southern-inspired upscale dishes that actually hold their own against downtown Augusta spots.
What Most People Get Wrong About Champions Retreat
The biggest misconception is that it’s impossible to get onto. Yes, it’s a private club. Yes, membership is exclusive. But they have a "Stay and Play" program that is actually accessible if you book it right. You don’t necessarily have to know a guy who knows a guy.
Another myth: It’s just a "backup" for when you can’t get into Augusta National.
That’s offensive to the design, honestly. Champions Retreat is its own beast. While Augusta National is a parkland cathedral, Champions Retreat is more rugged and varied. You get three legendary philosophies in one day. You can play 27 holes and feel like you've visited three different states.
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The Logistics: Getting There and Getting In
Located in Evans, Georgia, it’s about a 20-to-25-minute drive from the heart of Augusta. If you’re flying in, you’re likely coming through Augusta Regional (AGS) or driving a couple of hours from Atlanta (ATL).
If you are planning a trip, keep these nuances in mind:
- Seasonality: Spring is the peak. Obviously. The Masters week is the busiest time of the year, and rates reflect that. But don't sleep on the fall. Georgia Octobers are perfect for golf—low humidity and crisp mornings.
- The Caddie Program: Use them. The greens at Champions Retreat are notoriously tricky to read. A good caddie here isn't just carrying your bag; they’re saving you five strokes on the greens alone.
- The Pro Shop: It’s dangerous for your wallet. They have some of the best-curated gear in the Southeast.
Real Talk: Is It Worth the Price Tag?
Let’s be real. It’s expensive. A weekend stay-and-play package here will cost you significantly more than your local muni. You’re paying for the "Big Three" name, the ANWA prestige, and the fact that you might run into a PGA Tour pro at the practice range.
But if you value privacy and variety, it’s hard to beat. You aren't fighting for tee times. You aren't dealing with slow play from people who don't know golf etiquette. It’s a curated, high-end experience that feels very "Old South" without feeling stuffy or exclusionary.
The service is where they really justify the cost. From the moment you pull up to the gate, the staff treats you like you’ve been a member for twenty years. That "Southern Hospitality" trope? It’s alive and well here.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you're actually going to pull the trigger on a trip to Champions Retreat Golf Club, don't just wing it. Here is how to actually maximize the experience:
- Request the "Island-Bluff" Rotation: While the Creek nine is fantastic, the Island and Bluff nines are the ones used for the ANWA. If you want to play the "tournament" routing, that's the combo you want.
- The 27-Hole Challenge: Don't just play 18. The club is designed as a 27-hole facility. Play all three. It’s the only way to truly compare Palmer, Nicklaus, and Player. Most people find they have a favorite by the end of the day, and it’s rarely the one they expected.
- Bring a Camera for the 9th on Island: It’s one of the most photographed holes in Georgia for a reason. The view of the river behind the green as the sun sets is worth the price of admission alone.
- Book the Cottages, Not a Hotel: If you’re traveling with a group of four or more, stay on-site. The commute from Augusta hotels during peak season is a nightmare, and you lose the "retreat" feel.
- Check the Calendar: Avoid the weeks immediately surrounding the ANWA and the Masters if you want a quieter experience. If you want the "buzz," that’s the time to go—but book a year in advance.
Champions Retreat isn't trying to be a museum. It’s a living, breathing tribute to the three men who built the modern game. It’s challenging, it’s beautiful, and it’s probably the most underrated 27 holes in the United States. If you get the chance to tee it up where the Big Three left their mark, take it. Just make sure you bring your "A" game—Jack and Gary aren't known for being easy on the average golfer.