Ansley Golf Club (Private)
196 Montgomery Ferry Drive, Atlanta
404-897-7717; www.ansleygolfclub.org
STAFF: Phil Taylor is the PGA Director of Golf; Richard Hatcher is the PGA head professional.
PAR/YARDAGE: Ansley GC is a 9-hole facility with multiple tees for each hole. The course plays to a par of 72 with four sets of tees: Gold (6,731 yards); Blue (6,353); White (5,614) and Red (5,228).
COURSE RATING/SLOPE: 73.3/138 (Gold); 71.4/135 (Blue); 67.9/123 (White); 66.3/118 (Red).
ABOUT THE COURSE: One of the country’s best, and most unique, 9-holes layouts, Ansley Gofl Club is a real treasure within the Atlanta golf community. The club was founded in 1912, and its land locked nature has prevented any expansion to 18 holes, but it’s just fine as it is. Part of what makes Ansley so unique is the aqueduct that runs through the course and impacts play on four holes. Shots that land in the aqueduct are liable to ricochet in almost any direction, depending on the angle your ball hits the structure. Each hole is played from a different tee the second time around, with holes 4 and 7 changing par. The 4th is a 410-yard par that plays as a 520-yard par 5 on the back nine with a separate green. Each hole has eight tees to accommodate its four sets, with a sufficient difference in yardage to make each one play differently the second time around. The aqueduct has to be carried off the tee on each of the first two holes, and is definitely in play the second time around from tees 20 to 35 yards farther back. Its biggest impact comes on the par-4 8th, looming unseen to the right and beyond the elevated landing area, which can’t be seen from the tee. Any tee shot that doesn’t find the fairway will leave an awkward, uneven lie for the approach, which must clear the aqueduct just short of the putting surface. The remaining holes are a lot more straightforward, with 7/16 a short but perilous (for shorter hitters) par 5 going out and a long but not nearly as dangerous par 4 coming in. Both nines close with a short-ish par 3 over the aqueduct that places plenty of pressure on distance control with little depth for the target. Ansley’s layout tests all aspects of your game, beginning with the tee shot at the 1st, which offers a great view of the Atlanta skyline but has OB tight to the right. There are several narrow, tree-lined fairways, with the mostly ample, speedy greens having plenty of roll and well-guarded by either sand, a healthy spread of rough or some hilly terrain that will result in some very testy short game shots. Conditions, beginning with the Zoysia fairways, are outstanding, and help make Ansley a must play for anyone who really appreciates the game.