Palmer and Snead Take Center Stage
When the course debuted under the O.B. Keeler name, legends Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead were brought in for an exhibition match—a tone-setting event that gave the course immediate pedigree.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Pinetree Country Club
Kennesaw, Georgia
Established
1962
Architect
Chick Adams (original), Bill Bergin (2007-08 renovation)
Access
Private
Par
Par 72
Length
5,163 – 7,108 yds
The verdict
Classic Parkland Challenge Awaits
Pinetree Country Club is Georgia’s consummate members’ test—a tree-lined, championship parkland course with deep local tournament roots. Don’t expect a bucket-list destination, but you’ll get a serious iron game workout and a real sense of occasion every time you tee it up.
Course DNA
Difficulty
81
Scenery75
Conditioning78
Shot Variety74
Walkability65
Green Complexity70
Wow Factor67
Design Quality69
At a glance
Quick facts
Tree species
Towering Georgia pines define corridors
Host of major Georgia events
Multiple Georgia State Amateurs and Georgia Opens
Signature history
Opened with an Arnold Palmer vs Sam Snead exhibition
Land contours
Routed over gently rolling hills
Renovation
Renovated by Bill Bergin in 2007-08
Local legend
Larry Nelson started here pre-major wins
The design
The architecture
Pinetree Country Club’s golf course delivers a classic parkland championship test: routed expertly over rolling Georgia hills, corridors framed by mature pines, a strong par-72 layout that builds from a demanding opener to a dramatic finish at 18. The 2007–08 Bergin renovation preserved Adams’ bones but stretched both length and strategic interest, mixing true three-shotters, long-iron par 4s, and an outstanding set of par 3s. You’ll walk away respecting its flow, challenge, and subtle nods to the game’s history in the region.
Chick Adams’ original parkland vision preserved, with Bill Bergin’s thoughtful expansion and modernization.
Defining features
- Towering pine corridors shape most shots
- Robust yardage: championship tees at 7,108 yards
- Well-routed over rolling land, not severe but rarely flat
- Recent greens and bunker work add modern challenge
- Mix of reachable and stout three-shot par 5s
- Demanding par 3s over 200 yards from the tips
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 1
Pines Opener
PAR
4
YARDAGE
418
A classic parkland opener requiring precision from the start; the tree-lined landing zone demands an accurate tee shot to set up a solid approach to a guarded green.
Play it smart
Favor placement over distance—hitting the fairway is crucial to control spin into the green.
Where it bites
Miss right and you’re flirting with the pines; left brings recovery headaches.
Course management
Shots to think about
Approaches into the long par 4s
Choose enough club—being short brings trouble around the greens.
Tee shot on the par-5 11th
Favor left center to open up your layup, resisting the temptation to cut the corner.
Challenging the corners on doglegs
Only take on the corner if confident—you can get blocked out by the pines fast.
Fast, subtly contoured greens
Stay below the hole when possible; above the cup, you’re defensive.
Downhill holes on the back nine
Club down as elevation can add unexpected roll-out.
Shorter par 3s with treacherous surrounds
Aim for the largest part of the green, take your two putts, move on.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Consistent, well-kept turf and greens, with the polish of a serious private club.
Vibe
Traditional but friendly private-club energy; expect a focus on the game and region’s golf traditions.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Dial in the Long Irons
Practice long-iron and hybrid approaches, especially for demanding par 3s and lengthy par 4s.
02
Emphasize Accuracy Over Length
Prepare to hit fairways—missing wide means scrambling among the pines.
03
Bring Your Short Game
Greens are well-defended and missing in the wrong spot leads to tricky recoveries.
04
Expect Active Member Play
Plan arrival and warmup to blend into a busy members’ scene, especially on weekends.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1960
Original opening as O.B. Keeler Memorial Golf Course
- 1962
Renamed Pinetree Country Club; Chick Adams design
- 1962
Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead exhibition marks opening
- 1976
First Georgia State Amateur Championship hosted
- 2007
Major course renovation by Bill Bergin begins
- 2008
Course reopens after Bergin renovation
- 2014
Hosts Georgia Open
Stories & legends
What makes it special
A Young Pro’s Launchpad
Before his major championship days, Larry Nelson cut his teeth and sharpened his game as an assistant at Pinetree, learning the value of precision on its narrow fairways.
Bergin’s Transformative Touch
The 2007-08 renovation by Bill Bergin honored Adams’ original spirit but stretched the course with length and modern challenge, demanding more thoughtful approaches throughout.
State Championships in the Spotlight
Pinetree has become a regular battleground for Georgia’s best, hosting the State Amateur, Georgia Open, and Atlanta Open across several decades.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Course was christened by an Arnold Palmer vs Sam Snead match.
2
Larry Nelson, PGA major champion, began his golf career here.
3
Hosted the Georgia State Amateur four times, a rare feat.
4
Opened under a different name: the O.B. Keeler Memorial Golf Course.
5
Sits on rolling terrain once dotted with Georgia farmland.
Build the trip
Making a North Atlanta Golf Getaway
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
East Lake Golf Club
Private
Historic tournament site and hallowed ground
Atlanta Athletic Club
Private
Elite major championship test
Atlanta National Golf Club
Private
Top modern design, great conditions
The Frog Golf Club
Public
Widely regarded as a must-play public option
Bobby Jones Golf Course
Public
Atlanta municipal flagship, centrally located
Kennesaw or Marietta for minimal drive times and easy club access.
Course DNA
If You Like Pinetree Country Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.8
TPC Jasna Polana
Princeton, New JerseyConditioning
Why it matches: If Pinetree Country Club is your kind of course, TPC Jasna Polana is worth a look because it puts the same premium on presentation.
Strong DNA Match7.6
TPC River's Bend
Mason, OhioConditioning
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. TPC River's Bend offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to Pinetree Country Club.
Strong DNA Match8.3
The Bridge
Sag Harbor, New YorkConditioning
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. The Bridge offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to Pinetree Country Club.
Community Sentiment
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