9090 Rose Avenue, Douglasville; 678-391-1600; www.westpinesgc.com
STAFF: Mike Schlueter is the PGA Golf Professional; Chuck Combs is the Superintendent
PAR/YARDAGE: West Pines is a par 71 with four sets of tees – Gold (6,832 yards); Blue (6,332); White (5,691) and Red (5.006)
COURSE RATING/SLOPE: 72.0/131 (Gold); 70.4/125 (Blue); 67.7/117 (White); 69.1/122 (Red)
ABOUT THE COURSE: West Pines Golf Club has been a fixture in the west metro Atlanta area for decades, but a major renovation in 2005 has elevated the status of the course, while also making it more of a challenge for its growing base of players. The renovation was handled by former tour player and club professional Bill Bergin, an Atlanta native, and the changes are not mere tweaks. There are several new holes and others that have been significantly altered, and the routing of the course has been completely changed with a relocation of the clubhouse. Bergin eliminated or reduced the blind shots and severely sloping fairways that defined the original design, and the new and improved West Pines is much more playable, although it has added a considerable amount of length. The blue tees are similar in yardage to the original back tees, but are very comfortable for players accustomed to playing from those tees. The whites are a nice fit for seniors and the distance challenged, taking some of the edge off a few forced carries. The renovated layout retains its rolling nature, with a varied mix of uphill and downhill shots. The landing areas are typically generous with most of the approach angles to the green open. But there is enough length and moderately hilly terrain to provide West Pines with sufficient challenge. The bent grass greens are excellent with a minimal amount of bunkering and modest slopes, but the bordering terrain will result in some testy short game shots. With the change in routing, West Pines begins with a solid group of holes, including a trio of stout, fairly lengthy par 4s and the first of an interesting and diverse group of par 5s. Things start to get interesting at the 8th, the second of the inviting but perilous par 5s, with hazards very much in play on all but one of the next six holes. The 13th concludes that stretch with an imposing lake not as much a concern as it appears. A few strong par 4s follow, along with a fairly hefty par-3 finishing hole that is the toughest of a mostly friendly group of one-shotters. Course
conditions are good and getting better, and the friendly atmosphere and affordable rates make West Pines one of the metro area’s best and most enjoyable values.