Few golf courses in Georgia offer the gorgeous sprawling views on display at Whitepath.
The 18-hole course is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has been a golfing destination for 34 years.
Those in search of a flat tract with fairways as wide as a battleship is long, will have to look elsewhere. However, if elevated tee boxes, constant elevation changes and a course that rewards careful shot consideration piques your interest, then look no further.
Whitepath is managed by Gilmer County under the supervision of director of golf Mike Brumby, who has held the position for nine years.
“I hear it every day,” Brumby began, “I see people from Florida, New York and we’ve had groups in from Montana, and they absolutely loved it. A lot of our tee boxes are elevated; they (golfers) are up and they’re hitting down. A lot of people think they’re hitting it 500 yards and it makes them feel good. Hole number one, three, six, eight, 10 ... they’re all looking down with a view.”
Because Whitepath is in a heavily-wooded area, it offers an environment not found at most courses. It’s a tranquil setting that enables golfers to relax and enjoy the round.
“People love the views and the condition of the course, but it’s also the wildlife,” Brumby said. “They’ll see deer and turkeys, and some people normally don’t see that. The course is spread out over 7 miles, and you don’t have holes running parallel to each other. When you’re out there, you’re by yourself and you don’t see people. It’s peaceful and quiet.”
Whitepath is 6,139 yards long from the back tees and par is 72. What Whitepath lacks in length it more than makes up for when it comes to placing shots, especially off the tee.
Brumby has a simple piece of advice for those new to the course looking to grip it and rip it.
“Keep the driver in the bag, hit it where you can see it and you’ll score,” he said.
“This isn’t a long course, it’s a tight course. People see a green just around the corner and say, ‘I can hit it that far.’ But if you don’t hit it straight, it’s gone.”
There are multiple blind shots and doglegs on the course. Players missing the fairway to either side on any hole will be punished with an ensuing shot from the woods or on unfavorable terrain. When you manage to keep the ball in the fairway, your next target will be Whitepath’s dime-sized greens.
“What protects the course is the size of the greens because they’re very small,” Brumby said. “Hole No. 5 is the easiest hole on the golf course. It’s a 240-yard par four, but the green is so small. If you hit it in the middle of every green, then you’re going to have a chance to make the putt.”
Hole No. 10 exemplifies what the course is all about. The par five, 531-yard hole offers an elevated tee box with a visible landing area. If you happen to be a regular player who is a big hitter and also manages to possess tour player accuracy, you might be tempted to forgo the landing area and go long.
If the high-risk strategy pays off, chances are you will still be left with a blind second shot toward a green that is surrounded by four bunkers.
“I hear people say it all the time, ‘That hole killed me’ because they hit a driver and don’t play the hole how it’s designed to be played,” Brumby said. “I’ve sold memberships just based on people seeing that hole. From the tee box, you’re looking at Rich Mountain and they love it.”
Holes 14, 15 and 16 are another hallmark of the course and are a par five, four and three, respectively. Hole 14 begins with another daunting elevated tee shot. Much of hole 15 is a lake with a fairway along the right side that narrows as it creeps toward the green. Hole 16 is 230 yards, and if you do not hit the green with your tee shot, coming up short is your best bet.
“The men’s group have a thing going that if you get through those three holes at even par, you get something after the round. That’s like their Amen Corner (which is famously found at Augusta National). Hole 15 is the hardest hole out here.”
The course is in prime shape, and business has been “booming,” according to Brumby. When weather cooperates, weekend tee times are booked solid until 2:30 p.m. The flow of golfers continues steadily after the early rush.
Brumby noted it is not uncommon to see out-of-towners make a day out of golfing and shopping. A foursome often arrives to play a round while their significant others head into downtown Ellijay.
“The course is helping everybody, not just us,” Brumby said. “That’s what you want to see and hear.”
Off the course, Whitepath offers typical amenities such as a driving range and practice putting green for any needed tuneups ahead of your round. The course features a pro shop that is 11 years old and stocked with apparel, balls, tees, snacks and drinks.
The course opened an event center in 2021 that is adjacent to the pro shop. It features plenty of seating at tables and bars with TVs lining the walls. It is a prime spot to kick back before or after a round and is available for rent.