Drive just a few minutes south of the Tennessee border into Cohutta, and you'll find a place that feels like a bit of a local secret, even though it’s been around for decades. Nob North Golf Course Georgia isn't some high-priced, gated country club where you need a specific zip code and a six-figure initiation fee just to get through the front door. Honestly, it's the opposite. It is a rugged, rolling, and surprisingly tricky public track that somehow manages to stay in better shape than courses charging twice the greens fee. If you’ve ever played golf in North Georgia, you know the terrain is basically a rollercoaster of red clay and pine trees. Nob North embraces that. It doesn't try to be a flat Florida resort course; it forces you to deal with side-hill lies and elevation changes that will make your rangefinder work for its living.
Most people discover this place because they’re looking for an alternative to the crowded city courses in Chattanooga or the bank-breaking resorts further south in Atlanta. What they find is a layout designed by Gary Player—yes, that Gary Player—that hasn't lost its teeth since it opened in the late 1970s. It’s owned by Whitfield County, which usually suggests a "muni" vibe, but the maintenance crew here treats these greens like they’re preparing for a major. It’s weird. You expect a county course to have patchy fairways and slow greens, but Nob North consistently defies those expectations.
What makes the Nob North Golf Course Georgia layout so frustratingly good?
Let’s talk about the design because that’s where the real story is. Gary Player didn't just move some dirt around and call it a day. He utilized the natural ridges of the Appalachian foothills. This means you aren't just hitting a ball; you’re playing chess with gravity.
The course plays to a par 72, and from the back tees, it stretches out to about 6,600 yards. That might not sound long by modern standards where pros are hitting 350-yard drives, but don't let the yardage fool you. Between the wind whipping across the ridges and the sheer number of uphill shots, it plays significantly longer. If you’re a high handicapper, the elevation changes can be brutal. You’ll hit a "perfect" drive only to realize you have a 180-yard approach shot where the green is sitting twenty feet above your head. Club selection here is a nightmare for the uninitiated. You’re basically guessing until you’ve played it three or four times.
The front nine and back nine have distinct personalities. The front is a bit more open, allowing you to spray it a little—though not much—while the back nine starts to feel much tighter. There are holes where the trees seem to lean in just to see if you’ll blink.
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The infamous greens of Cohutta
If the elevation doesn't get you, the greens will. At Nob North Golf Course Georgia, the putting surfaces are notoriously fast and incredibly undulating. We aren't talking about subtle breaks here. We’re talking about "if you leave it above the hole, you might putt it off the green" kind of breaks.
Local players will tell you the same thing: stay below the pin. It doesn’t matter if you have a 40-foot uphill putt; it’s better than a 10-foot downhill slider that breaks three feet. The bentgrass greens are usually kept in pristine condition, which is a feat in the Georgia heat. During the summer, many courses in the South see their greens go dormant or get "burnt out," but the staff here has a reputation for keeping them smooth and true. It’s probably the course's biggest selling point. You get professional-grade rolling surfaces for the price of a decent steak dinner.
Navigating the "Amen Corner" of Whitfield County
There isn't an official name for the toughest stretch at Nob North, but most regulars agree that the middle of the back nine can absolutely ruin a scorecard. Take a look at the par 3s. They aren't "gimme" holes. Often, you're hitting over hazards or dealing with severe drops in elevation where a 7-iron suddenly goes 200 yards because of the descent.
- The Tee Boxes: They’re usually level and well-mowed, which is a small detail that makes a big difference. Nothing ruins a round like a crowned tee box where you feel like you're standing on a hill before you even swing.
- Bunkering: Player’s design features bunkers that are strategically placed right where your "miss" usually lands. The sand quality is generally consistent, though like any public course, a heavy Georgia rain can pack it down.
- Water Hazards: They aren't everywhere, but when they appear, they are decisive. You have to commit to your shot or the North Georgia clay will swallow your ball whole.
It's a thinking man’s course. If you show up and try to "bomb and gouge" your way through Nob North, you’re going to lose a lot of Titleists. The smart play is often a 3-wood or a hybrid off the tee to find a flat spot in the fairway. Seriously. Leave the driver in the bag on the tighter par 4s. You’ll thank me when you’re putting for birdie instead of searching in the woods.
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The "Muni" stigma and why it doesn't apply here
When you hear "county-owned course," you might imagine slow play, rude staff, and fairways that look like a mowed cow pasture. Nob North Golf Course Georgia flips that script. The clubhouse is functional and clean, the pro shop is stocked with the essentials, and the grill—The North Side Grill—actually serves food you’ll want to eat. It’s a community hub. You’ll see local high school teams practicing, seniors who have played the course every Tuesday for thirty years, and travelers who pulled off I-75 because they heard the greens were rolling fast.
The pricing is perhaps the most shocking part. In an era where a round of golf at a mediocre course is creeping toward $100, Nob North stays incredibly accessible. Depending on the day and time, you can often get out for $40 to $60, cart included. That kind of value is becoming rare. It’s the sort of place where the starter knows everyone’s name, but they’ll still treat a newcomer like a regular.
However, it’s not perfect. Like any popular public course, pace of play can be an issue on Saturday mornings. If you’re looking for a two-and-a-half-hour round, don't show up at 10:00 AM on a weekend. But if you’re there to enjoy the scenery—and the views of the surrounding hills are actually quite stunning—the four-hour pace is perfectly manageable.
Practical tips for your first visit to Nob North
If you’re planning a trip to Nob North Golf Course Georgia, there are a few things you need to know that aren't on the official website. First, the range is decent, but it’s not a "PGA Tour" practice facility. Use it to loosen up your back, but don't expect to spend three hours hitting flavored flop shots.
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Second, check the weather. North Georgia weather is famously fickle. Because the course sits at a bit of an elevation, it can be five degrees cooler and significantly windier than it is in downtown Dalton or Chattanooga. Bring a windbreaker even if you think you don't need one.
Third, trust the locals on the greens. If you see a guy in a faded Masters hat and a 20-year-old set of Pings, watch his line. The grain of the grass and the general slope of the mountain nearby (the "North" in the name) can make putts do things that defy the laws of physics.
Getting there and around
Located at 297 Nob North Drive in Cohutta, it’s an easy drive from Dalton or Chattanooga.
- From Chattanooga: Take I-75 South, exit at GA-2, and head east. It’s a scenic drive that takes about 25-30 minutes.
- From Atlanta: It’s a bit more of a haul, roughly 90 minutes North on I-75. Is it worth the drive from the city? If you’re looking to escape the $150 tee times and the five-hour rounds of suburban Atlanta, absolutely.
- Booking: They use modern booking systems, so you can snag a tee time online. Do it early. The secret is out, and the morning slots fill up fast, especially during the spring and fall.
The Reality of the "Player" Influence
Does the fact that Gary Player designed it actually matter? In this case, yeah. Player was known for his fitness and his belief that golf should be a physical test. Nob North reflects that. It's a "hikable" course if you’re in great shape, but most people opt for the cart because of the verticality. The design requires a variety of shots. You’ll need to hit high draws, low fades, and delicate chips from tight lies. It’s a "players" course in the sense that it rewards good ball-striking but punishes ego.
Some golfers complain that a few of the holes are "gimmicky" because of the severe slopes. I’d argue that’s just character. Every course has a personality, and Nob North’s personality is "grumpy mountain man." It doesn't care if you think a slope is too steep. It’s been there since 1978, and it’s not changing for you. You either adapt your game or you go home with a 95 and a bruised ego.
Actionable Advice for Your Round
- Club Up on the Par 3s: Almost every par 3 at Nob North plays differently than the number on the scorecard. Factor in the wind and the elevation. If you’re between clubs, take the longer one.
- The Flat Spot Strategy: On the par 5s, don't just mindlessly smash a 3-wood for your second shot. Look at where the fairway levels out. Often, hitting a 6-iron to a flat spot is better than hitting a hybrid into a 30-degree side-hill lie in the rough.
- Green Mapping: Use a GPS app that shows green slopes if you have one. If not, look at the nearest mountain. Everything wants to pull away from the high peaks.
- The Grill is a Must: Don't skip the clubhouse after the round. The atmosphere is quintessential North Georgia—unpretentious, friendly, and cheap.
The real beauty of Nob North Golf Course Georgia isn't just the layout; it's the fact that it remains a high-quality, accessible piece of land for the average golfer. It’s a reminder that golf doesn't have to be elitist to be excellent. Whether you’re a scratch golfer looking for a challenge or a weekend warrior trying to break 90, this course offers a fair (if difficult) test of your skills. Just remember: stay below the hole. Always.