Evans, Georgia
Champions Retreat is the rare 27-hole club shaped by three legends—Palmer, Nicklaus, and Player—each putting their mark on a distinct nine. State-ranked with a pristine reputation, it draws attention as the host of the Augusta National Women's Amateur. Expect tournament-level conditioning, memorable holes, and a private, exclusive vibe.
Arrive early to experience breakfast on the porch overlooking the Island nine’s riverside holes—especially stunning in the morning mist.
Champions Retreat weaves together three distinct design philosophies into a seamless 27-hole experience. Arnold Palmer’s Island nine brings riverside drama and risk-reward options amid mature hardwoods; Jack Nicklaus’s Bluff nine leverages elevation changes and bold landforms for classic shot values; Gary Player’s Creek nine navigates marsh, wetlands, and demanding ball placement. The result is a club where variety reigns—each loop offers new strategic puzzles, framed by tournament-caliber conditioning and framed in the peaceful, exclusive woods of Augusta’s outer ring.
The club is the only venue worldwide with nines designed by Palmer, Nicklaus, and Player—a true Big Three summit.
At 467 yards, this jaw-dropping par 3 is both a psychological and physical test. The green is well protected, and wind transforms an already daunting carry into a true survival hole. It's the kind of hole that sticks with you long after the scorecard is put away.
Prioritize a controlled tee shot, favoring the safest angle of entry to avoid big numbers; precision trumps aggression.
Anything left or long brings a big number into play due to unforgiving bunkers and tricky surrounds.
Immaculate private-club surfaces with stadium-ready greens and highly maintained fairways.
Deliberate, steady pace of play emphasizing caddie service and a tournament-standard experience.
Quiet, exclusive, and club-focused with a touch of Masters week energy.
Private club standards; collared shirts and tailored golf attire required.
Scout hole flyovers and pin sheets for each rotation; the Island, Bluff, and Creek nines each have unique strategic asks.
The course’s mix of wetland, woods, and riverside holes means conditions can change quickly—pack accordingly.
Demanding approach shots and well-guarded greens mean your short game and bunker play will be tested throughout the round.
Idea conceived at Masters Champions Dinner by Gary Player
Champions Retreat Golf Club officially opens
New ownership under Bill Forrest brings club improvements
Begins hosting Augusta National Women's Amateur opening rounds
Major course and amenity upgrades including bunker and practice facility renovations
During the 1999 Masters Champions Dinner, Gary Player proposed that each of the Big Three—Palmer, Nicklaus, and Player—should design a nine at a single club, creating a one-of-a-kind collaboration in golf course architecture. That dream became Champions Retreat, now the only course in the world with this legendary trio's creative mark.
Since 2019, Champions Retreat has served as the battle stage for the opening rounds of the Augusta National Women's Amateur, rapidly gaining visibility in the elite club scene and helping launch major amateur careers like Jennifer Kupcho and Tsubasa Kajitani.
Not only do three Hall of Famers have their design signatures on the course, but Champions Retreat’s location in Evans makes it a sought-after playground during Masters week, hosting guests seeking a taste of Augusta-area exclusivity away from the glare of the tournament crowds.
Each nine at Champions Retreat offers a different flavor: the river-hugging Island (Palmer), the elevation and drama of the Bluff (Nicklaus), and the marshy, shotmaker-dominated Creek (Player), ensuring every loop is a fresh challenge for even seasoned members.
First and only course to feature nine holes by each of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player.
Hosts the opening rounds of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur—future LPGA stars walk these fairways.
Conceived at the Masters Champions Dinner—Gary Player’s idea turned dream collaboration.
Three distinct nines means no repeat rounds, making membership variety-rich.
Regular upgrades and meticulous conditioning keep it tournament-ready year-round.
Charming, old-school design and walkability just across the state line.
Classic Donald Ross routing with broad appeal and open tee times.
Modern, accessible, and consistently praised among Augusta-area options.
Championship test with some public access in a scenic countryside setting.
West Augusta or downtown Augusta for quick commutes in all directions.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Old Memorial Golf Club is a natural next stop after Champions Retreat Golf Club: it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
Why it matches: If Champions Retreat Golf Club is your kind of course, The Reserve Club at Woodside is worth a look because it puts the same premium on presentation.
Why it matches: Atlanta Country Club is a natural next stop after Champions Retreat Golf Club: it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
Community Sentiment
See something inaccurate in this listing?