I'm looking to send my husband and some of his friends away for a golf birthday weekend. Can anyone recommend a great course/resort no more than 1 1/2 hours from Atlanta? I'd love Oconee but I think it's more than I can afford. Thanks so much!

I would say Barnsley Gardens, but it may be pricey as well.

Forgot to add specifics...has anyone played Brasstown Valley or Young Harris courses? Guys are very particular about their golf and I'm absolutely clueless in the matter but am trying to do this as a surprise. Thanks again!

Perhaps Chateau Elan? Not quite as pricy as the Ritz-Carlton (Oconee).

sweettea, did you see this article in the ajc?

http://www.ajc.com/travel/content/tr.../0422golf.html

A former boss was a real fan but I forgot about the Robert Trent Jones trial until I saw the article this weekend. Now there are Marriott hotels next to most of the 10 stops.

If Alabama is too far, then maybe Stone Mountain?

Reynolds Plantation.

GoT, she said RP was too expensive.

Duh.

I'm being particulary obtuse today.

The frisky feline has you frazzeled, that's all

Barnsley Gardens or Chateau Elan

Brasstown and, I think, Young Harris are state owned courses. They are fine but if these guys are picky about their golf, they may find conditions to be subpar.

I actually got a GREAT deal on a VRBO for RP so I went ahead and sucked it up and booked a round of golf for all. BTW, greens fees are much less at Reynolds Landing (tho not necessarily inexpensive by any means). But bypassing the Reynolds reservations made this possible. Same cottage, just by owner instead of through the main place. Now on to the steaks...I think i'm going to pack my own.
thanks everyone!

Congrats, sweettea! Woo-hoo! A deal at Oconee.

Call the steak place and check their prices before you decide to pack your own. At their other locations the steaks are cheap - really inexpensive compared to Atlanta. They may have "adjusted" the prices for Oconee, but maybe not. For example, their signature filet with shrimp (fried or grilled), baked potato, and salad = $10.99. Truly. That's at their "country" locations - maybe it's higher at RP. Maybe not.