3000 Union Rd., Atlanta; 404-344-1334; www.wolfcreekgc.com
STAFF: Randy Grebeck is the PGA Golf Professional/Generak Manager; Mark Abrams is the Superintendent.
PAR/YARDAGE: Wolf Creek is par 72 with four sets of tees: Gold (7,033 yards); Blue (6578; White (6,080; Red (5,262).
COURSE RATING/SLOPE: 73.2/143 (Gold); 71.2/138 (Blue); 69.0/130 (White); 70.1/ 125 (Red).
ABOUT THE COURSE: One of the best and strongest courses on Atlanta’s southside, Wolf Creek features an interesting but frequently perilous layout by Georgia-based designer Mike Young. Wolf Creek’s slope numbers are among the highest for a daily fee course in all of Atlanta, with an ample amount of trouble in play. For the most part, Young provides ample fairways, but there are more than a few carries of length over hazards, with tee selection critical, especially for the distance challenged among us. Young’s design includes several holes that present the distinct possibility of producing ugly numbers on the scorecard, beginning with a trio of par 5s you encounter early (3) and late (17 and 18). All three feature hazards between tee and green, with positioning required on all three and length a definite asset. While the par 5s, including the straight and relatively tame opening hole, all have ample length, the par 3s are definitely on the short side, with three under 140 yards from the blue tees. While they lack for length, the four present some surprisingly difficult-to-find targets. The downhill 11th is a great test of short iron distance control, and the scenic 14th, with a green surrounded on three sides
by water, can present some real concern when the wind is blowing and the pin is cut back right, perilously close to sand and water. The par 4s are a diverse group, with several holes that rank with the toughest in the metro area along with a handful that are on the short side and offer some scoring opportunities. Holes 8 and 9 both require forced carries, one on the second shot (8) the other off the tee (9). Even from the white tees, the holes measure right around 400 yards, with the demanding 8th also featuring a trio of greenside bunkers, one of a relatively handful of holes with sand a serious factor. The putting surfaces, however, are part of Wolf Creek’s challenge, with the excellent bent grass greens featuring sufficient movement to put your putting touch to the test. An extremely enjoyable but challenging layout.