You know that feeling when you drive past a place for years and just assume it's "too fancy" or maybe just another cookie-cutter golf course? That's the vibe a lot of people get when they hear about Summit Chase Country Club Snellville GA. But honestly? They're usually wrong.
It isn't some stuffy, old-money fortress where you have to whisper in the dining room. It’s actually one of the most down-to-earth spots in Gwinnett County. Since it opened back in the early 70s—1971 to be exact—it has sort of evolved into this weirdly perfect hybrid of a serious athletic facility and a neighborhood backyard.
I've talked to people who have lived in Snellville for twenty years without ever stepping foot on the property. They’re missing out. Whether you're trying to fix a slice that’s been haunting your weekend or you just want a pool that isn't packed with three hundred screaming toddlers, Summit Chase hits a specific sweet spot that most modern developments can't replicate.
The Golf Course: It’s Not Just About the Grass
Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way. The course was designed by Orrin Vincent. If you follow golf architecture, you know his name carries weight. It’s a par-72 layout. It isn't the longest course in Georgia, but it’s sneaky. It protects itself with hills.
Lots of hills.
Walking this course is a legitimate workout. If you’re looking for a flat, easy stroll, go to a park. Here, you’re dealing with elevation changes that force you to actually think about your club selection. Most golfers just grab a 7-iron and swing. At Summit Chase, you have to account for the fact that the green might be thirty feet above your head. It’s rewarding. It’s also incredibly frustrating if you're having an "off" day.
The greens are Bermuda grass. In the Georgia summer, they get fast. Like, "don't-breathe-on-the-ball" fast. But the maintenance crew actually cares. You can tell. You don't see those massive brown patches that plague some of the public courses nearby.
✨ Don't miss: The Long Haired Russian Cat Explained: Why the Siberian is Basically a Living Legend
A Different Kind of Membership
One thing that people get wrong about Summit Chase Country Club Snellville GA is the barrier to entry. We’ve all been conditioned to think country clubs require a $50,000 initiation fee and a blood sacrifice.
Nope.
They offer various tiers. Full golf memberships, sure. But they also have social memberships and "Junior" options for the younger crowd who hasn't hit their peak earning years yet. It’s accessible. That changes the whole energy of the place. You see young families, retirees who have been members for forty years, and local business owners all hanging out in the same space. It feels like a community.
Beyond the Fairway: Tennis and The Pool
If you don't play golf, you're probably wondering why you'd even bother looking at this place.
Tennis.
They have some of the most active ALTA and USTA teams in the area. The courts are well-maintained, and they have lights for night play, which is a lifesaver in July when the sun is trying to kill everyone. The tennis community there is tight-knit. It’s the kind of place where you can find a match on a Tuesday night without having to beg people on a Facebook group.
🔗 Read more: Why Every Mom and Daughter Photo You Take Actually Matters
Then there’s the pool.
It’s an Olympic-sized pool. That sounds like a marketing buzzword, but it actually matters. It’s big enough that the swim team (the Torpedoes) can practice while there’s still room for people to actually swim. It’s the heartbeat of the club from May to September. They do "Dive-In" movies where they set up a big screen by the water. It’s nostalgic. It feels like 1995 in the best way possible.
The Food Situation
Let's talk about the Tavern.
Country club food is usually one of two things: overpriced steak that tastes like cardboard or a soggy sandwich. Summit Chase actually tries. Their burgers are legitimate. It’s the kind of place where the bartenders know your name after the third visit.
They do Sunday brunch. They do themed dinners. It’s not Michelin-star dining, and it doesn't try to be. It’s high-quality comfort food. If you want a place to watch a game and have a beer without the chaos of a Buffalo Wild Wings, this is it.
Why This Place Still Matters in 2026
Snellville is changing. It’s getting more crowded. The traffic on Highway 124 is... well, it’s a nightmare. As the area becomes more "suburban sprawl," places like Summit Chase Country Club Snellville GA become more valuable. They are green lungs in the middle of a concrete expansion.
💡 You might also like: Sport watch water resist explained: why 50 meters doesn't mean you can dive
There’s a sense of permanence here. In an era where everything is a "pop-up" or a corporate franchise, a family-owned and operated club is a rarity. It’s the Donnell family that really keeps the soul of the place alive. They’ve managed to modernize just enough—adding things like the "The Range" (their indoor golf simulator and hitting bays)—without losing the classic feel.
The Realistic Downside
I’m not going to tell you it’s perfect. It’s an older facility. If you’re looking for ultra-modern, glass-and-steel architecture with "smart lockers" and AI-driven caddies, you won’t find that here. Some parts of the clubhouse feel a bit dated. But honestly? That’s part of the charm. It’s comfortable. It’s not trying to impress you with shiny gadgets; it’s trying to be a place where you can relax.
Also, the hills. I mentioned them before, but seriously, if you have bad knees and insist on walking, you’re going to have a rough time. Take the cart.
Making the Most of a Visit
If you’re considering checking it out, don't just look at the website. Websites are curated. Go there on a Saturday afternoon.
- Walk the grounds. Look at the condition of the bunkers. Look at the pool deck.
- Talk to a member. Not a staff member—a regular person sitting at the bar. Ask them why they stay. Usually, they'll tell you it’s the people.
- Check the calendar. They do a lot of events. Trivia nights, holiday parties, golf tournaments. See if the vibe matches your lifestyle.
Actionable Steps for Locals
- Book a Tour: Don't wait for an invite. Call the front office and ask for a tour of the athletic facilities. They are usually pretty open about showing the place off.
- Test the Simulator: If you’re a golfer, book a session at "The Range." It’s a great way to experience the club's tech upgrades without committing to a full membership immediately.
- Look into Social Memberships: If you live nearby, the social membership is often the best value. It gives you the pool, the dining, and the social events without the cost of full golf privileges.
- Check the Junior Programs: If you have kids, their summer camps and swim team are legendary in the Snellville area. It's a great "trial run" for the family.
Summit Chase Country Club Snellville GA isn't just a place to play 18 holes. It’s a piece of Gwinnett history that managed to stay relevant by being friendly instead of exclusive. It’s worth a look. Regardless of your handicap.