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Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

Nob North Golf Course

71

Cohutta, Georgia

Established
1978
Architect
Gary Player (with Ron Kirby / Randolph P. Russell)
Access
Public
Par
Par 72
Length
5,189 – 6,608 yds
The verdict

A Parkland Gem for Strategic Play

Nob North delivers classic parkland challenge with revamped bunkers and accessible public play just outside Chattanooga. Expect a well-routed, hands-on layout where shot placement and savvy approaches matter more than muscle. The Gary Player DNA shines in a course that's defined by value, variety, and smart golf decisions.

Course DNA
Difficulty
70
Scenery
65
Conditioning
76
Shot Variety
77
Walkability
67
Green Complexity
75
Wow Factor
60
Design Quality
70
At a glance

Quick facts

Location
Just outside Chattanooga, TN
Course Style
Traditional parkland with strategic bunkering
Bunker Renovation
2024 project completed
Bermuda Fairways
With bent-grass greens
Public Access
Open daily for all golfers
Longest Hole
573 yards (par 5, #10)
Signature Architect
Gary Player design
The design

The architecture

Nob North Golf Course is a quintessential 1970s Gary Player public design, now strengthened by a fresh 2024 bunker renovation. Routed through mature North Georgia terrain, it blends tight fairways, positional doglegs, and small but inviting greens with penal and strategic bunkering in all the right spots. The layout places a premium on controlled tee shots, smart approaches, and deft recovery, capturing the essence of Player’s philosophy: every shot poses a new question, with ground game and aerial options alike. The bunker overhaul restores intended shot values and highlights the course’s tactical DNA.

Gary Player’s strategic influence is felt on every tee—Nob North compels golfers to think and rewards restraint and shot execution far more than sheer distance.

Defining features
  • Revamped, well-positioned bunkering throughout
  • Small but slippery greens requiring precision
  • Mix of reachable and muscle par 5s
  • Classic doglegs and water hazards in play
  • Playable but never dull for skilled and casual golfers
  • Parkland setting with mature trees and rolling landscapes
Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 10

The Back-Nine Start

PAR
5
YARDAGE
573

The defining par 5 of the back nine, hole 10 stretches to 573 yards from the back tee. This three-shotter demands two well-placed drives to set up any realistic birdie look, with improved bunkering adding bite to layup decisions. The green sits slightly raised and can be elusive to those who stray.

Play it smart

Play for position twice before daring for the green—over-aggression courts big numbers.

Where it bites

Bunkers and small-tiered green can turn hopeful birdies into scrambling bogeys.

Course management

Shots to think about

Approaching a bunkered green after missing the fairway
Favor the safe side and leave yourself with an uphill chip—short-side misses court disaster.
Playing the reachable par 5s (#7 and #16)
Lay up to your favorite wedge number unless the approach angle is clear and trouble-free.
Short par 4s with small greens (#2, #13)
Don’t get greedy off the tee—club down for best angle and avoid short-game heroics.
Tee shot on long par 4s (#11, #18)
Prioritize centerline play and trust your mid-iron on the approach rather than over-driving into trouble.
Navigating the new bunkers post-renovation
Scout updated fairway and greenside bunkers—proper layup is crucial and positions have changed.
Fast, subtle bent-grass greens
Play for the center and putt defensively—local knowledge pays off in reading speed and break.
On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Solid, reliable public-course turf with freshly renovated bunkers and consistently good greens, especially post-2024.

Pace

Varies; generally steady but can be brisk on weekday mornings or slower on busy weekends.

Vibe

Welcoming, unpretentious small-town atmosphere—community feel with enough edge to test better players.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

01

Reserve Ahead

Online booking is recommended, especially for weekend tee times or during tournament days.

02

Practice Short Game

Bring your best wedge game—the small, contoured greens reward precision approaches and deft chips.

03

Study the Scorecard

Plot your strategy for the long par 5s (#10, #16) and tough par 4s—layups and second-shot placement matter more than all-out aggression.

The lore

How it came to be

  1. 1978

    Course opens with Gary Player as designer

  2. 2024

    Major bunker renovation enhances playability

Stories & legends

What makes it special

Architect

A Player Pedigree in North Georgia

When Gary Player came to Cohutta, Georgia, to design Nob North, he brought his strategic philosophy to a region that previously lacked marquee design DNA. The result: a course that rewards brains over brawn while providing daily access to an international architect’s handiwork.

Culture

From Local Tournaments to Community Hub

Nob North's early years saw neighborhood tournaments and post-round gatherings, forging a unique community spirit that still flavors its atmosphere today. Its municipal ownership and friendly staff make it a true regional hub for golfers of all stripes.

Renovation

Bunker Overhaul: Raising the Bar

The 2024 bunker renovation sharpened defenses and brightened the presentation. Reviews now praise improved sand quality and the restoration of classic strategic intent, breathing new energy and test into familiar holes.

For the group chat

Fun facts

1

Owned by the City of Dalton but located in Cohutta, GA.

2

Gary Player visited North Georgia personally for the project’s design.

3

Regular host of the Adam Miller Memorial Charity Tournament.

4

Mix of Bermuda fairways and bent-grass greens makes for unique seasonal challenges.

5

Reputation for the friendliest staff in the region.

Build the trip

If you’re making a Chattanooga golf trip out of it

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Cherokee Valley Golf Club
Public

Respected regional course with fun, scorecard-worthy challenge and public booking.

Brown Acres Golf Course
Municipal

Chattanooga’s no-fuss city course—great walk, fast pace, and easy to slot into a trip.

The Honors Course
Private

Elite private club—bring a host or relish the possibility.

Windstone Golf Club
Private

Well-rated regional club; a score if you can land an invitation.

East Ridge, Ooltewah, or downtown Chattanooga for easy access to both public and private rounds.

Course DNA

If You Like Nob North Golf Course

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

From the community

Community Sentiment

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