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On July 23, 2009, Tarik of Stone Mountain (8 handicap) posted:
Dr. J was my childhood idol. So it really saddens me to post this. My previous post was more optimistic than what I have to now report.
This course is floating somewhere between partially good or bad. Large grass clippings could be seen around the greens. I couldn't understand why someone was not spraying to control the weeds on the course? I couldn't believe how they have allowed the weeds to spread and grow almost all over this wonderful golf course.
I saw all kinds of different species of weeds growing and in some areas the weeds dominate the bermuda grasses. Even the greens have even been invaded by Poanna grass. But since it's mowed very low it might not be noticed by the average golfer. The greens still roll smooth but they are slower than the greens at most other courses. The Oaks, Coweta Club at Arbor Springs, & Smoke Rise all have faster greens than this place. (See my Smoke Rise report. They have the same issues as Celebrity/Heritage!)
However, that layout is great! This course will test every club that you have in your bag. It's just not worth the ticket price that they are asking to play on a weed invested golf course with some greens showing signs of stress from extreme weed takeover.
And I'm not talking about the kind that you smoke!
I paid the LMTT rate and felt like that was too much!
1
On July 3, 2009, long dong of decatur (12 handicap) posted:
course is in great shape. the grass is cut perfectly in all areas. greens roll true and are very well maintained. This is a very tough course and plays very long. Greens are hilly and putts are quick. I cant wait to go back.
2
On July 3, 2009, Jay of Lilburn (10 handicap) posted:
This course used to be top notch. It has gone through some ownership changes. This course is very challenging. You have to have your short game going or you will be in for a long day. I played recently in the course is in ok shape. some problems with fairways....rough areas.....greens are in good shape. If you can get through 10,11 and 12 even par....you are the man. good luck!
3
On June 30, 2009, alex d of atlanta (22 handicap) posted:
expensive!!!! The onyl reason it was cheap for me, is because my frein is a member so i got a discount.. but the reg. prices are like $80.. course is alright... i like stone mount. way better than this course and st. mount is public
4
On June 14, 2009, Brad of Kennesaw (10 handicap) posted:
Played here on June 13, 2009 and was not impressed. The course is definitely not worth the $89 course rate let alone the $75 LMTT rate. This is a $45 course at the most. I have played courses in better condition for much less. I don't know why they feel this course is worth this green fee. The fairways have weeds in them and are full of missing patches of grass. As far as the course, it is extremely hilly. There is just way too many hills and bumps in the fairways. The greens are nice though and I liked the clubhouse. Overall I will probably not return.
5
On June 5, 2009, Double P of Lawerenceville (5 handicap) posted:
Played the course this past weekend and thought I got a deal from lmtt on a red flag special but boy was I wrong. I payed $44 and cannot for the life of me figure how someone could spend $85. The tee boxes are in bad shape, there are weeds everywhere, the yardage markers and signs were severely off. (I know this because I brought my trusty sky caddie) and the greens were dreadfully slow. I do give them credit the greens keeper looks to be working on the track but in that case shouldn't the rate be a little lower. I did like the contours and undulation of the greens so I think they have a good course to work with but need to spend some of that $85 on the course.
6
On June 2, 2009, Hudson (16 handicap) posted:
I'm been playing this course on a regular basis for the last 6 years; 4 years as a member. I was there a couple of days ago and the course condition was in somewhat better shape than I've seen since the new owners took over. I'm guessing this may be due to upcoming "celebrity events" and any corp. tournaments that still might be booked. However, there's a lot of work to do on the bunkers, even though some bunker work has taken place. Seriously, the bunkering has never been good and I doubt they have the interest or money to do a serious makeover. The greens are the slowest I've ever seen them. I don't visit the clubhouse anymore since the current beer selection is horrible. I was concerned about joining this club but was told by someone, not management, that there's a 99 year lease on the property that requires it to stay a golf course. I could foresee them trying to sell off the Silver Course which are the farthest away 9 holes that are across a busy street. I hope to keep this my home course because of its convenience but I'm not taking bets.
7
On June 2, 2009, Rick of Norcross (8 handicap) posted:
Just an fyi, and not sure of the truthfulness of this, however, I heard through a business associate that the owners of the Heritage have more of a future interest in converting the land into homesites once the market turns, rather than keeping up the golf course.
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On June 1, 2009, Puggolfer of Atlanta (14 handicap) posted:
Yes, the tee boxes are bad and there are weeds prevalent throughout the course, however, the greens are in very good shape and the faireways are not THAT bad. The greens are slower than other courses, but given the sometimes violent contours of the greens it's necessary to have slower speeds otherwise nothing will hold and you would get frustrated with your ball rolling off the green or 3 putting everything. There are still some very strange things going on there though. The signs have not been updated for the holes so you have to ignore the yardages. A laser or GPS device will help you immensely. I also noticed the LMTT rate went up to $85. That's steep given the current shape of the place and the bevy of alternatives in the area. If it was $55-$60 I would play FAR more often and overlook the shortcomings.
9
On May 27, 2009, bangbo of roswell (16 handicap) posted:
i played on memorial day and i have to agree with the recent course reviews..weeds and barren areas all over the fairways...the tee boxes were in deplorable shape..i don't even know why the name got changed to this ridiculous celebrity name..dr. j. knows basketball but i question his business skills..should have spent the money from name change and golf cart color change on landscaping..it's really sad that a course of this layout and location has gone downhill so fast..i have no idea why anyone would be willing to pay the exhorbitant member cost to play....positives - greens are in good shape but really..really slow..and beverage prices have gone down..i.e. gatorade is now $2 vs $3.75 when strippers were cart girls
10
On May 24, 2009, John D. of Atlanta (0 handicap) posted:
Have played this course many times in the past and was quite shocked that the condition of this course had deteriorated so drastically. Weeds were everywhere as were ant hills. The greens were holding but very slow when compared to the past when they were always excellent. Additionally, the tees were going down hill fast.
The new owners, i.e. Dr. J and others, need to invest some serious cash to bring this course back to itself.
I played this course 2 weeks ago (about 4/27/09 or so) and enjoyed the course but I'm somewhat of a picky, snobby, however you want to put it course reviewer so here are my thoughts. Take them as you wish.
Service - Not exception but the people did seem friendly enough.
Course Layout - I liked the layout. Several blind shots which made it difficult for someone who has never played before. Not sure the course is great for golfers of all skill levels. I thought I was playing fairly well but still ended up off the tee on an uphill or downhill lie in the fairway. Not sure this is great for high handicappers. I could see them getting frustrated easily
Greens - They were in good shape (no dead spots and etc.) but they need to be cut closer and rolled as they were very fluffy. Something I have found at many Atlanta public courses.
Overall Condition - It appeared (or I hoped) I had shown up the day before they were planning to send the extra crews out to clean up the course for summer play. There were weeds all around the course including the fairway. Could have used a mowing, extra weedeating and mulching. These are the attention to details nice courses take care off.
Clubhouse - Seemed pretty bare. They could invest in some inventory for the proshop or move things around to make it appear more stocked. I felt like I was at a closeout store. The dinning area and main entrance could use some plants or something to make it loose the plain cafeteria look and feel more homey.
Summary = I think the course has great potential and because of its proximity to my house would love to see it gets its act together. It has the outer skeleton and appearance of a nice course so fill in the inner gaps and make it one.
12
On April 23, 2009, JR of Sandy Springs (10 handicap) posted:
Hey Tarik- It is obvious you have an agenda with your comments below regarding Heritage. Fact of the matter is...there are more than just my post that expressed concerns over the major downturn in this golf course. I have played this course well over a hundred times in the past 10 years, and NEVER has it looked worse than it does right now. There is no way in hell you could have not seen the course infiltrated with weeds and poa annua. They are everywhere on the course, hence the additional comments by other honest LMTT posters who try to give fair and honest opinions about courses. No pot shots taken here....my asessment of the course was very fair and adequate based on the playing conditions. And by the way, there is no rough on this course....so it is all "the short stuff". This course is going downhill fast and as more people come out to play you will see more and more posts reflecting just that, unless they put some money back into the course and get back on track with chemical applications.
13
On April 21, 2009, Tarik of Stone Mountain (8 handicap) posted:
I played this course on Wednesday, April 15th and I had an out of town guest who met me at the course at 4:00 to play a round of 18 holes in a 2-3 club wind. It was a lovely afternoon for golf. My guest was very, very, impressed with the course. As a former Canongate member who got tired of 45 minute drives to play golf, the course was in great shape and you won't be disappointed that you paid to play there. The greens rolled smoothly and I simply cannot relate to the previous poster who said that he saw weeds all over the course and even the fairways and blah, blah, blah, blah!
I honestly didn't see any weeds on the course. Especially, in the fairways! This course is not like the Southland (weeds everywhere and with greens that roll like the rough). Perhaps, he saw some around the driving range or practice areas. But honestly, I did not see any on the fairways that would warrant me to take a negative pot shot at the course. I would if I had too.
Even if Dr. J is the owner. I really admired the guy growing up as a kid. I watched him play basketball many, many, times on t.v. But when it comes to me paying to play golf... all of that stuff goes out the window! I must tell it like it is.
For example: The golf pro at Orchard Hills is one of the finest gentlemen that you would ever meet. But the greens there are in terrible shape. I'm not sure if I'll go back there anytime this season. (Or maybe in the fall or if someone else gives us an update on here.)
Heritage/ Celebrity is one of the best secrets on this side of town and it holds it's own against any of the CanonGate courses or any of the other courses on the north, south, east, and west side of town.
At one time this was once one of the toughest semi-private/public courses in the state. The toughness is still there and the course hasn't gotten any easier. You will still struggle to find the fairways, hit the greens in regulation, and putt on of the quickest and the most undulating greens around town. Also, it is still one of those kinds of courses that demands for you to bring your "A" game or else the course will kick your butt!
So for what it's worth...keep it in the short stuff or you'll pay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
14
On April 15, 2009, Harry W of Atlanta (13 handicap) posted:
Had not played here in a couple of years. Used to be in great shape, but now the faiways have too many weeds and the greens are not in good shape.
Hope it was just the bad weather this year, beause I used to love to play this course.
15
On April 15, 2009, JR of Atlanta (9 handicap) posted:
What in God's earth has happened to this golf course. Does anyone know? This course used to be one of the premier courses in the ATL. Now...it has more weeds that a horse farm, and the poa has invaded the entire golf course. I actually stood next to a few wees around the first tee box that were up to my knees. It is nice they finally recognized that if you lower the price a little (from $80 to $65) you can attract more golfers.
I typically play this course 15 times in the season....but you'll get only one more chance in May, I hope you guys invest in the course a little more. Smokerise....here I come.
Played here a few times. Course is very challenging and really tests your course management skills. Not very long holes but requires accruate tee shots to have a chance at birdies. The overall experience was good but the price is way to high. There are other courses in the area that are much nicer and less expensive. Overall I enjoyed the play.
17
On March 20, 2009, Joey3GA of Atlanta (10 handicap) posted:
Played Thrusday, March 19th. I like the layout of the course, and it can be pretty challenging. We played the back tees, which made a couple of the par 3's over 240 yards. The greens were recently aerated, so there were some problems associated with the greens as to be expected. Rolling slow and bumpy, putts moving off line as they slow down because of the holes in the green. Fairways were in ok shape, but not the greatest. We played after 3pm, their twilight right now, so we go to play as many holes as we could fit in before sundown, which was a great bonus. But if you can only fit in 18, this course is a bit too expensive, especially for the condition it is in now. I like the course overall, it just needs to grow in for the season, then the price will be the only problem.
Played on Wed. 3/18/09 thanks to LMTT and dollar days. Tend to shy away from this course because we find it to be pricey. We played the Blue and White nines. The greens were not putting true do to presence of recent aeration holes. Our putts were bouncing and drifting off line. Yardage markers on tee boxes were hard to read. Fairways are dormant(some a little weedy)and the greens are elevated and tiered. The sand bunkers were long and clean but did not have sufficient rakes. Handles on several of the rakes were splintered and offered no support. The staff was very accommodating. The course will challenge all skill levels but it is important to play the recommended tees for your handicap. Would definitely play again, price depending.
19
On March 2, 2009, Vince of Atlanta (12 handicap) posted:
Challenging course. Shotmaker's course. Greens are in great condition. You must know your way around and place the ball correctly onto the green to have a chance at par. Anyone with a 12+ handicap will suffer from the white (old blue) tees---play the silver tees so that you have mostly iron shots to greens and a chance to score well here.
New carts, better maintenance and good service.
20
On February 18, 2009, Leigh of Atlanta posted:
Playing at Celebrity was an extremely enjoyable playing experience. The course itself was beautiful . . . and in great shape considering the time of year and that no overseeding had been done for the winter.
While a few of the holes were extremely difficult - maybe too much so - most of the holes forced you to play honest, quality golf. It is helpful to have someone who has played there before show you how to attack each hole - this was not obvious on some holes.
Overall the price was a bit higher - but you get what you pay for...in general public courses in Atlanta are not in anywhere near as nice of shape as this place. So I was glad to pay a few extra dollars.
Looking forward to playing there again!
21
On December 31, 2008, Joshua of Atlanta (4 handicap) posted:
Typically a bit overpriced but a great golf course. It has a very nice setup with a lot of undulation. The greens always roll true and very quick. This course is in phenomenal shape for the winter months, the best shape of any course I have played during this season.
22
On December 3, 2008, Saxby of Atlanta (10 handicap) posted:
The last reviewer's remark regarding playing the other nine is simply not true. I've played there many times both on Red Flag Specials and regular LMTT tee times and have always played the better 18. I've only been forced to play the other nine once because of a tournament taking up the better 18.
I must agree that it is generally overpriced, though.
23
On December 1, 2008, john of atlanta (8 handicap) posted:
Heritage is maybe $35.00 or less golf course not $60.00 and 70.00+. Lmtt golfer should know that management will send all lmtt golfer to their not so proud back 9 hole to play(no matter how slow the golf course).
24
On November 3, 2008, Barack of Chicago (14 handicap) posted:
Played the two traditional nines today and the course was in great condition. The greens putted like glass tabletops -- the fastest greens around. They've really improved the bunkers throughout the course but lack sufficient rakes. Both of my carts ran out of juice, luckily on 9 and 18.
This course is very difficult, so bring your finely tuned short game. The tricky undulated greens can have some really tough pin positions around knobs. Rarely a flat lie in the fairway so bring your iron game, too. Course is difficult but fair, a real challenge for most duffers and experts. A good score is very satisfying.
Nice range facilities, which are free with the round.
Enjoy this in-town gem .
Clubhouse staff are much more friendly and helpful than in the past. Merchandise could use improvement.
Nice bar/restaurant with view deck.
Good place to hold an event, if its difficulty doesn't fustrate Joe the Golfer.
Dr. J was my childhood idol. So it really saddens me to post this. My previous post was more optimistic than what I have to now report. 
