Georgia on My Mind
ACCORDING TO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE RULES, OLD TOCCOA FARM’S GOLF COURSE SHOULD NOT EXIST. Its greens cut deep into the Blue Ridge Mountains, before sloping up and rolling downhill along near-sheer cliffs and narrow rock outcroppings. This style of envelope-pushing design adds an element of intrigue for many golfers looking to play one of the most exciting rounds of golf in the country. Yet it’s only one of many factors that continue to draw serious golfers from around the world to this unforgettable destination.
Old Toccoa Farm’s course first opened with nine holes, in 2015, as part of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ only golf-and-river residential community. Set deep in the hills of Mineral Bluff, Georgia, on a stretch of acreage once known by the Cherokee people as “the enchanted land,” the Old Toccoa Farm community quickly attracted homeowners looking to luxuriate in the beautiful wilds of Appalachia. Custom homes, chic cabins and rustic retreats soon lined the 405-acre property, where 4,360 feet of the Toccoa River winds through stunning mountain vistas and woodland trails.
From the jump, developers Peter Knutzen and Kevin Hermetz wanted to bring golfing into the fold. They reached out to renown course architects Dave Axland and Dan Proctor of Bunker Hill Golf to expand on the course, bringing a world-class, 18-hole playing experience to both residents and visitors of Old Toccoa Farm. This meant a thorough rethinking—and plenty of construction; during the project workers were seen digging out the driving range and rehoming earth around the course. It was worth it.
The resulting links-style course was finally unveiled last fall. Today, Old Toccoa Farm features a semi-private, par-72 course. Its Bentgrass greens swell and surge; elevation fluctuates 280 feet over the entirety of the course. Five sets of tees—ranging from 6,707 yards to 4,525 yards—offer challenges for all skill levels, from the first hole to the last. Players will note the absence of tee signs, hole diagrams and yardage markers, an edict of the minimalist design. Golfers are armed instead with scorecards and a Visage GPS system. Add in 125 acres of ridges and meadows, stunning views and the tranquil charms of north Georgia, and you’ve got an immersive luxury golfing experience that’s firmly rooted in natural beauty.
As the course winds through the scenic vistas and fields of native grasses, players can look out on changing views of the Chattahoochee and Cherokee Nation Forests. Massive bunkers and tall-wispy grass edges keep things interesting on the course as wildflowers and twisted knots of mountain laurel dictate the flow of play. The gorgeous outlook from the 12th hole and peaceful enclave of the 15th hole lead to a dramatic finish at the 18th hole with its long, skinny green.
Which is to say: Old Toccoa Farm feels a place apart. But the course is open to non-residents six days of the week, where rates are inclusive of greens fees, cart fees, range balls, and taxes, and includes access to practice facilities. A new Par-3 course, designed for family play, is the most recent addition to the driving range, where golfers can also tinker around at the chipping and putting greens nearby.
It’s clear that Knutzen and Hermetz, the developers, take Southern hospitality seriously. Even the 3.5 miles of groomed walking trails on the property welcome visitors in, offering friendly views of the gently flowing creeks and ample outlooks for soaking in the warmth of the sun. Visitors are invited to bring their poles and try their luck on the Toccoa River— known locally as one of the best rivers for catching rainbow, brown, and brook trout in the state—or shop for essentials at the onsite golf shop, which is loaded with necessities, plus a wide selection of shoes, souvenirs, clubs, umbrellas and other accoutrement.
Although some of the residential properties within the grounds are of- fered as vacation rentals, the best place to find luxury accommodations nearby is through Cabin Rentals of Georgia. The company has been family owned and operated for nearly two decades—and it shows. Each of the cabins is personally vetted by the staff before it’s included on the luxury cabin listings. The company’s portfolio now boasts more than 30 such rentals, ranging from intimate two-bedroom spaces with river views to grand, sprawling five-bedroom mountain lodges, equipped with deluxe hot tubs and game rooms.
Larger groups should consider a rental at Royal Mountain Lodge. This five-bedroom luxe lodge can sleep up to 12 guests, as it’s furnished with three king beds, a pair of queen beds and two twin beds, each outfitted with pillowtop mattresses and Restoration Hardware linens. The large gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dream, with a six-burner gas stove and double ovens, plus an eight- foot cooking and eating island. In-house entertainment includes smart TVs and a foosball table, although not much can compete with the real-time mountain viewing entertainment available from each room, at all hours of the day. After a day out on the course, it’s the perfect place to return for a sunset soak in the hot tub or have cocktails around a roaring fire on the porch, then retire inside for a gourmet dinner.
Smaller cabins in the portfolio are no less opulent. The Mayfly Lodge and Treehouse sleeps up to four guests throughout its dual king-bed suites with in-suite bathrooms. This brand-new lodge was constructed from repurposed barn wood and cedar timbers and is outfitted in supple leather furniture—perfect for cozying in with a good book under the warm light of an Edison-bulb lamp. The Mayfly offers direct river access for easy fishing on the Toccoa River, which also provides the perfect soundtrack for a moonlit soak in the deck-side tub.
Each of the properties available through Cabin Rentals of Georgia comes stocked with high-end products, but there’s even more on offer. The company employs a dedicated staff to manage personal requests like in-room massages, personal chefs, grocery stocking, event planning and more. These folks are effectively private concierge for navigating your time playing through Old Toccoa Farm and the Blue Ridge Mountains. They can offer recommendations for the best wineries and breweries located nearby, in the charming town of Blue Ridge, or get you set up with private tennis lessons from a local pro.
Old Toccoa Farm’s proximity to Blue Ridge is ideal for experiencing a true Southern meal from one of the area’s countless topflight restaurants. Try grabbing fresh produce and a hearty breakfast at the Mercier Orchard, home to the most beloved chicken biscuits and apple fried pies in the region. But save room for the fried green tomatoes, collard greens, and country fried steaks at Southern Charm Restaurant, which are only precursors to their decadent desserts—southern bourbon pecan pie and seasonal fruit cobbler—served during lunch at this adorable Main Street restaurant. The town of Blue Ridge wouldn’t be the same without The Vine, a bistro on Main Street, offering daily wine tastings, craft beers on tap, and hand-rolled cigars. Once you dig into the local cheese plates and flatbread pizzas, it’ll be easy to see why this place is packed throughout the night.
Southern golfers are notorious for getting to the golf course early, and Old Toccoa Farm is a reminder of why that reputation exists. Here, you can relax the day away with the simple comforts of good food, good drinks, good company and, of course, 18 holes of exceptional play. The beautiful greens and easy pace of living ensure the ultimate Deep South experience. oldtoccoafarm.com