Many golfers consider Augusta, GA the Holy Grail of Golf. While it may not have the variety or the sheer number of golf courses that Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, or many Florida destinations have, it does have one thing none of these others do, The Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club!
West Lake Country Club is located a little more than 5 miles from Augusta National and while it may not have achieved the notoriety of the latter, this private gated community of prestigious estate homes offers a friendly and healthy lifestyle for all ages.
Each year during Masters Week, both the community and Country Club become a special place. Many homes in the community are rented to large corporations who pay big money for a home near Augusta National where they can entertain corporate clients. It’s not unusual for large homes in the area to bring six-figure rental income just for the week.
Several corporations that become members of the community for the week host their events at the West Lake Country Club’s clubhouse. This gives them and their guests access to West Lake’s amenities including the golf course, fitness center, and spa, as well as the live entertainment onsite. West Lake’s indoor and outdoor facilities are fully customizable with wireless and high-speed Internet, and access to a highly skilled team of culinary experts and event specialists.
West Lake Country Club offers special packages beginning April 2nd through April 10th to play the golf course and enjoy the great layout, its beauty, and all the fantastic amenities of the club. Included in these packages are:
- 18 holes of championship golf on this spectacular Ellis Maples design.
- Unlimited use of the driving range and practice facilities.
- Complimentary club storage and locker rental.
- Complimentary use of the Tennis and Fitness Centers
- Full-service breakfast including bloody Marys and mimosas.
- Full-service lunch including a selection of imported and domestic beers.
- Complimentary cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks from the beverage cart and Halfway Café.
- Temporary charge account.
Over the past several years these packages have sold out quickly so if you’re interested, call Director of Golf Chris Bates at (706) 863-4640 or email him.
The professional golf staff at West Lake oversees programs for ladies, men, seniors, juniors, and couples and ensures that Members and guests get the most out of all the golf amenities. Lessons are available for all Members regardless of skill level and can take place either at any of the practice areas or on the golf course. The staff can also provide Members with one-on-one club fittings, for anything from putters to drivers. The Golf Shop at West Lake stocks the latest trends and technology in equipment and apparel.
West Lake is best known by both members and visiting golfers for its well-groomed fairways, impeccable playing conditions, and Champion Bermuda greens that typically run between 11.0 – 12.0 on the stimpmeter and roll true to form. You’ll encounter penalty areas on at least 7 holes; possibly more if you’re playing poorly!
When you think of golf in Augusta, you think of the Masters, and when you think of the Masters, you think of tall, stately pine trees. West Lake does in fact have its fair share of these beautiful mature trees, and, after playing the course, you may have a different opinion of what may have been your favorite tree! The golf course at West Lake offers golfers 5 sets of tees and can be played anywhere from 3,272 yards (Red Tees) to 6,857 yards (Blue Tees) making it challenging and rewarding for players of all levels. The course is not long but the undulation in both the fairways and greens makes it a challenge. And, with holes that dogleg both left and right, it helps if you know how to work the ball. Tightly mown collars around the greens put an emphasis on a good short game.
Several holes are quite memorable. Number 3 at Westlake Country Club is one of the Members’ favorites. It’s a very picturesque par 4 that plays 359 yards from the White Tees with water to carry off the tee, but it shouldn’t present a problem. The large fairway bunker on the right side of the fairway needs to be navigated either over or around with your tee shot. The hole plays slightly uphill off the tee and the slope becomes much more pronounced with your approach shot, so take at least one extra club. The green is crowned in the middle and has some good roll to it.
The 6th hole is a beautiful par 4, dogleg left that plays 358 yards from the White Tees with two creeks to navigate. The first one is no problem to get over from the elevated tee box; the trick is to have the right club, so you don’t knock it into the second pond! If you can’t blister your drive over both ponds (few golfers can) then your best bet is to hit your tee shot over the first pond, up the right side of the fairway short of the second pond. That may leave a little bit longer approach shot but it beats the alternative. Before hitting your approach shot, note the pin position. If it’s on the right side, congratulations, you’re facing one of the toughest shots on the course: uphill, over a large, deep bunker, into the narrowest part of the green. Thank you, Mr. Maples!
Twelve is another pretty golf hole; a par 4 that plays 387 yards from the White Tees. You tee off towards what looks like a ravine; If you pull your tee shot left, don’t be surprised if the large hill in the landing area helps to funnel your ball back to the fairway. The approach shot plays uphill all the way, so take an extra club or two. There’s some good undulation in the green and a right-side pin placement doesn’t leave much green to work with. I think we’ll name this hole Forgiveness!
The 16th hole is another member favorite; a dogleg left, par 4 that plays 366 yards from the White Tees. Longball hitters and players that can successfully play a draw off the tee will do well on this hole. Trees line both sides of the fairway off the tee and a creek runs down the left side. Favor the right side of the fairway off the tee; it slopes left which will help bring the ball back into the fairway. Things open up just past the turn and your approach shot plays slightly uphill into a large well-undulated green protected front left by a large, deep bunker.
In addition to a fantastic golf course, membership at West Lake Country Club includes some pretty impressive amenities including a full-length driving range, a fitness center that is open 24/7, a luxury spa, 10 tennis courts, and 4 pickleball courts, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, dining and kid’s activities.
Several membership options are available at West Lake Country Club including Full Golf Memberships, Young Professional (Under 40), and Junior (Under 18) Golf Memberships. Athletic and Social Memberships are also available. Check out the Membership tab on the website for more information. If you’re a member of a private club visiting the Augusta, GA area, see about playing a reciprocal round at West Lake Country Club. It will quickly become one of your favorites.