The Oaks Course (Semi-Private)
11240 Browns Bridge Rd., Covington;
770-786-3801; www.golfoaks.com
STAFF: Dick Schulz is the Director of Golf; Andy Bowman is the Golf Professional.
PAR/YARDAGE: The Oaks is a par 71 with four sets of tees – Black (6,577 yards); Blue (6,265); White (5,833) and Gold (4,799).
COURSE RATING/SLOPE: 70.6/129 (Black); 69.2/126 (Blue); 67.3/118 (White); 66.2/110 (Gold).
ABOUT THE COURSE: One of the metro Atlanta area’s friendliest courses, both from a playing and staff standpoint, The Oaks has long been a favorite of golfers looking for an enjoyable round of golf at a modest cost. The course may not be quite as friendly as it was a year ago, as a new back tee on the ninth hole has transformed it from a moderately difficult par 4 into a par 5 that offers a better scoring opportunity providing you can thread your tee shot through a chute that is not very accommodating to those who play a draw. The short hike to the new elevated tee is about the only one of consequence on the course, which may be the most walker-friendly in all of Atlanta thanks to its compact nature and gentle terrain.
The ninth is one of just a handful of holes that requires much accuracy off the tee, as The Oaks provides ample room to drive the ball with an exception or two. Some yardage has been added in recent years, and other than the two opening holes and the par-4 18th, The Oaks is not an overly short course, although there is just one hole with significant length – the par-3 fourth. The fourth, a stout 217 from the back tees and 195 from the blues, and the scenic but perilous 11th are two of the metro area’s best and most demanding over-water par 3s. Only a handful of other holes have water seriously in play, beginning with the short but testy opening hole that necessitates a little thought and precision to avoid an unpleasant start. In addition to the two dangerous par 3s, The Oaks has several stout par 4s, most notably the dogleg left 12th, with one of the toughest greens to hit you’ll encounter, and the 17th, which has a little length as well as a creek that can impact play. The new Champions Bermuda putting surfaces are excellent and with some mostly gentle slopes offering the chance to hole some putts and post a score that will bring a smile to your face.