Nancy Lopez's Breakout
Nancy Lopez recorded her first LPGA victory at Bent Tree—then returned to notch her 35th career win on the same turf. The course is forever tied to one of women's golf’s true stars.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Bent Tree Golf Course
Jasper, Georgia
Established
1972
Architect
Joe Lee; David Johnson (select greens/practice area renovations)
Access
Public
Par
Par 72
Length
4,885 – 6,587 yds
Green Fees
$
The verdict
Mountain Scenery Steeped In Legacy
Bent Tree is a true shotmaker’s mountain course—walkable but never easy, with tumbling terrain and a proud LPGA legacy. Its mix of classic challenge and elevated vistas delivers a memorable, regionally renowned round with just the right touch of history. Come for the scenery, stay for the stories and the demanding natural routing.
Course DNA
Difficulty
75
Scenery83
Conditioning68
Shot Variety72
Walkability68
Green Complexity65
Wow Factor77
Design Quality70
Don't miss
Check out the clubhouse’s LPGA Wall of Champions, featuring every winner from the Sarasota LPGA Classic era—including Nancy Lopez’s first win.
At a glance
Quick facts
Region
North Georgia mountains
Former LPGA Event Host
1976–1988 Sarasota LPGA Classic
Signature Architect
Joe Lee
Elevation Change
Over 200 vertical feet
Practice Facilities
Enlarged driving range and greens
Open to Public
Yes, public tee times available
Best Played
Spring through fall for prime mountain conditions
The design
The architecture
Bent Tree’s routing is pure North Georgia—an 18-hole championship layout draped over rolling, wooded mountain terrain. Joe Lee’s original vision is visible in the natural flow, with doglegs, elevation changes, and risk-reward holes demanding smart club selection and focus. Modern enhancements by David Johnson Golf Design have revitalized select greens and practice areas, improving playability while preserving mountain shot values. The result is a thoughtful blend of classic challenge and updated touches, making each round fresh amid scenery that steals the show.
Built by Joe Lee, one of the Southeast’s most prolific golf architects, with modern refinements by David Johnson Golf Design to maintain interest and challenge.
Defining features
- Significant elevation changes across the routing
- Streams and creeks in play on multiple holes
- Green renovations for more pin positions and playable contours
- Mix of tight doglegs and open, demanding tee shots
- Practice area upgrades catering to all abilities
- Strategic bunkering characteristic of Joe Lee’s work
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 3
Valley Drop Par 3
PAR
3
YARDAGE
155
A short but nerve-testing par 3 across a deep depression. Surrounded by mountain forest, accuracy is key with wind a common challenge.
Play it smart
Trust your club, favoring the middle; swirling winds often affect the ball’s flight, especially in cooler mornings.
Where it bites
Severely missed shots can find the drop-off left or trees long, with tricky recovery options.
Course management
Shots to think about
Downhill approach to a sloping green
Club down and flight it low—backspin won’t save you from a fast, tilted surface.
Uphill par 4 tee shot with tight landing zone
Prioritize position over distance; even an iron can be the smarter play to keep you in the fairway.
Risk-reward par 5 second with water in play
Unless you're inside 230 and have a clean look, lay up short and trust your wedge.
Short par 3 in swirling wind
Take an extra beat to read the breeze—mountain winds are always trickier than you think.
Recovery after missing a fairway into trees
Punch out low rather than risking further trouble; playing for bogey can save your round.
Fast downhill putt on a renovated green
Play for softness and more break—these improvements make the subtle slopes tricky.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Generally good for a regional mountain course but can vary by season and weather; greens on select holes show recent improvements.
Pace
Varies with public access and community play; expect moderate pace, especially on weekends.
Vibe
Classic private-club feel blended with a relaxed mountain community atmosphere.
Dress code
Collared shirts and standard golf attire recommended; confirm specifics with club.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Book Early for Peak Times
Public slots go quickly during spring and fall weekends—reserve online or by phone well ahead.
02
Bring All-Weather Layers
Mountain weather shifts fast; mornings can be chilly with sudden wind, even in summer.
03
Request a Pin Sheet
A few greens have been expanded and softened; knowing the day's pins is a real edge for approach play.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1972
Course opens, designed by Joe Lee
- 1976
First Sarasota LPGA Classic held at Bent Tree
- 1978
Nancy Lopez wins her first LPGA event here
- 1988
Last year LPGA event is hosted
- 2015
Select greens and practice area renovations by David Johnson Golf Design
- 2023
Further course enhancements by club foundation
Stories & legends
What makes it special
The Sarasota Years
From 1976 to 1988, Bent Tree was home to North Georgia’s can’t-miss LPGA stop. Legends like JoAnne Carner and Pat Bradley walked these fairways, making the club’s Wall of Champions a living chronicle of women’s golf greatness.
Mountain Test, Georgia Style
Forget the flat doglegs and short walks of metro Atlanta—at Bent Tree, you battle the slopes, navigate streams, and play strategy on tumbling fairways Joe Lee carved into the hills. Every round is an adventure in elevation.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Nancy Lopez won both her first and 35th LPGA titles at Bent Tree.
2
The course drops and rises over 200 feet from lowest to highest point.
3
Bent Tree once drew the biggest names in women’s golf each spring for the Sarasota Classic.
4
Practice facilities include a recently renovated range and expanded greens.
5
The course sits within a private mountain-lake community yet is open to public play.
Build the trip
Make it a North Georgia Mountain Golf Getaway
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Big Canoe Golf Club
Public
Similar scenic elevation, fun mountain test and strong reputation nearby.
Old Toccoa Farm
Public
Modern mountain course with panoramic views and a curated golf experience.
Misty Mountain Golf Club
Public
Casual but picturesque, perfect for a relaxed second round.
Achasta Golf Club
Public
Jack Nicklaus signature course with riverfront holes and smooth playability.
Chateau Elan Golf Club
Resort
Stay-and-play options offering a complete resort golf experience less than 90 minutes away.
Book a cabin or hotel in Jasper or Ellijay for easy access to all North Georgia hotspots.
Course DNA
If You Like Bent Tree Golf Course
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match6.6
Olive Glenn Golf & Country Club
Cody, WyomingScenery
Why it matches: If Bent Tree Golf Course is your kind of course, Olive Glenn Golf & Country Club is worth a look because it makes the landscape part of the experience.
Strong DNA Match7.1
Ogden Golf & Country Club
Ogden, UtahScenery
Why it matches: What links these two? Makes the landscape part of the experience — a familiar feeling, expressed in Ogden Golf & Country Club's own setting.
Strong DNA Match7.5
The Ranch Club
Missoula, MontanaWhy it matches: If Bent Tree Golf Course is your kind of course, The Ranch Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Community Sentiment
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