Finding Arrowheads
During original construction, project architect Harrison Minchew discovered dozens of Cherokee arrowheads in the signature Georgia red clay, giving the land added historic resonance.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Cherokee Run Golf Club
Conyers, Georgia
Established
1995
Architect
Arnold Palmer & Ed Seay
Access
Public
Par
Par 72
Length
5,233 – 7,016 yds
Green Fees
$
The verdict
A stern test in Metro Atlanta
Cherokee Run Golf Club delivers one of the toughest and most rewarding public golf experiences in the Atlanta area. Big, bunkered, and tree-lined, it’s a precision-demanding Palmer/Seay design that’s rightfully earned its place as a regional standout.
Course DNA
Difficulty
85
Scenery65
Conditioning75
Shot Variety78
Walkability62
Green Complexity71
Wow Factor72
Design Quality75
Don't miss
Ask to see some of the authentic Cherokee arrowheads unearthed during construction, which staff sometimes display as a quiet nod to the land’s history.
At a glance
Quick facts
Grass types
Zoysia fairways, bentgrass greens
Top accepted green fee
$65
Ownership
City of Conyers
Land history
Site of Cherokee arrowhead discoveries
Bunkers
Palmer-style, bold and penal
Championship events
Host of GSGA state competitions
Georgia International Horse Park area
Setting gives a unique local flavor
The design
The architecture
Cherokee Run showcases the woodsy muscularity and precision-driven shot values that typified late-career Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. Set on hilly, forested ground, its demanding routing turns through hardwood corridors and utilizes Georgia’s red clay slopes to shape both landing zones and visuals. Large, bold bunkering defines many holes—forcing care on approaches and punching up risk-reward moments on key par 5s and short par 4s. Its design, more punishing than showy, is meant for the golfer who relishes a mental test as much as a physical one, always rewarding control and placement over brute force.
Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay brought their signature championship vision, blending Georgia’s woodlands with bold bunkering and strategic shotmaking challenges.
Defining features
- Rolling, tree-lined fairways demand precision off the tee
- Big Palmer-style bunkers challenge approaches and recovery
- Minimal water hazards, maximum value on ground contours and woods
- Short par 4s with serious risk/reward undertones
- Long par 3s defended by carry and green contour
- Bentgrass greens with subtle slopes requiring deft touch
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 5
Reward for Precision
PAR
5
YARDAGE
511
This reachable par 5 tempts big hitters, but only accurate positioning off the tee opens up the green for a birdie chance. Bunkers and tree lines punish wayward attempts, making precision the name of the game.
Play it smart
Favor the fairway over distance and think carefully about layup angles—aggression must be balanced with smart placement.
Where it bites
Catch the thick woods or a fairway bunker off the tee and you’re looking at a likely layup and possible bogey.
Course management
Shots to think about
Opening tee shot on 1
Lay back with a fairway wood to avoid early trouble—position trumps distance.
Approach on 4
Don’t chase pins—middle of the green is safe with bunkers lurking short-side.
Tee shot on 8
Resist driver unless you’re 100% on your line; play for a full wedge if unsure.
2nd shot on 12
Aggressive players can attack in two, but the smart play is to lay up and set up a comfortable approach.
Tee shot on 15
Pick enough club for the carry—coming up short means facing a slippery bunker recovery.
Approach on 16
Take an extra second to judge elevation and avoid the right-side bunkers.
Final drive on 18
Swing confidently but favor accuracy—forcing birdie can spell disaster on this punishing finisher.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Well-kept zoysia fairways and bentgrass greens—expect good surfaces most seasons.
Pace
Typical metropolitan public-course pace of 4.5–5 hours on peak days, better on early or off-peak slots.
Vibe
Serious, golf-focused atmosphere with a blue-collar, competitive local feel.
Dress code
Standard golf attire recommended; confirm with the club for special policies.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Pack for Hilly Walks
Bring comfortable shoes and be ready for elevation changes throughout your round.
02
Book Ahead—Course Gets Busy
Prime times fill fast, so reserve early in season or on weekends, especially spring and fall.
03
Range and Short Game Warm-Up
Allow time to hit the range and rehearse your short game—precision is a must for scoring.
04
Bring Extra Balls
With tight corridors and big trouble off the tee, you’ll want spares.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1995
Course opens, designed by Arnold Palmer & Ed Seay
- 2005
Hosts Georgia State Golf Association Public Links Championship
- 2010
City of Conyers resumes operational control
- 2018
Second time hosting GSGA Public Links Championship
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Relentless Challenge
Cherokee Run’s reputation among Atlanta golfers is as a stern, precision-demanding test where even the best ball-strikers are pushed to the limit by tight driving corridors and daunting bunkers.
Public Course Revival
After some lean years, the City of Conyers took back operational reins in 2010, restoring Cherokee Run as the premier public-access championship experience in the eastern metro.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Arnold Palmer course where arrowheads were uncovered during construction.
2
Operated by the City of Conyers and designed as part of the Georgia International Horse Park area.
3
Bunkers here are famously tough, with large, stair-stepped edges that grab wayward shots.
4
One of Atlanta’s best value championship golf layouts.
Build the trip
If you’re making a Metro Atlanta golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
East Lake Golf Club
Private
Historic tour stop—bucket-list if you can get access.
Mystery Valley Golf Club
Public
Playable muni with Atlanta flavor and affordable rates.
Browns Mill Golf Course
Municipal
Fun, accessible city golf—perfect for a casual add-on.
Atlanta Athletic Club
Private
Major championship pedigree for well-connected golf travelers.
Reynolds Lake Oconee
Resort
Multiple top public-access layouts for an overnight trip east.
Decatur, East Atlanta, or in Conyers for shortest drives and early tee times.
Course DNA
If You Like Cherokee Run Golf Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.2
Traditions Golf Club
Hebron, KentuckyDifficulty
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Traditions Golf Club asks for the same disciplined decision-making, making it a compelling counterpart to Cherokee Run Golf Club.
Strong DNA Match7.8
Sand Creek Station
Newton, KansasDifficulty
Why it matches: What links these two? Brings a comparable level of challenge — a familiar feeling, expressed in Sand Creek Station's own setting.
Strong DNA Match7.4
The Club at Indian Creek
Omaha, NebraskaDifficulty
Why it matches: The Club at Indian Creek is a natural next stop after Cherokee Run Golf Club: it asks for the same disciplined decision-making.
Community Sentiment
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