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A Message posted on July 23, 2009 by 'Tarik' was removed by a course representative for the following reason: Contained personal attack
On June 20, 2009, Tex of Atlanta (14 handicap) posted:
Played 6/19, great value for this caliber of course!
Clubhouse and staff are exceptional, each and everytime I've been here. The head pro treats anyone and everyone like a member. The practice area was kept up well, although short shots are hard to see due to the slope.
The carts are very nice, the tee sheet with tips is very important due to the nature of the course. The time between groups was perfect. We completed a HOT round of golf in just under 4 hours, never waited, never had anyone hit into us, or have to play through.
Never saw a cart girl, but they do have a good food/drink service for the turn if you need it. Coolers of water were ice cold, and at almost every 3rd hole, or more. Had ice cold towels on every 3rd tee box to cool down in the 98* weather, as well.
Green were in great shape, and rolled pretty true and fast(close to a 10 if I had to guess). The fairways were nice, some tight lies and bare spots, and you could see they were treating a weed problem in the fairways and rough in some areas as well. Only saw a handful of greens that had any burning, or sandy spots near the fringes.
Tee boxes were nice, just needed cleaned up a bit, as were the bunkers. Some fluffy, others so hard the ball popped out!
Overall, GREAT value of a course. Very tough course, and it's not for the wild swings from the tee boxes. Great course management is needed, and specific shots to be made for a good score. Great challenge, but it mixes it up nicely.
I would add this to my rotation of courses, and like it each time I've played it.
I played this course on a weekday and essentially had the entire course to myself. The course was in wonderful condition, fairways and greens were rolling great. You must know your game well in order to be successful here, as you will have to know where to place your shots. Be prepared for lots of hills!! The practice area needs to be redone, as you cannot see shots less than 125 yards. However, they do make up for it with free range balls. All in all, this is a must play course!!
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On May 31, 2009, DrPeterV of Atlanta (24 handicap) posted:
I played this course in early May and thought it was fun, challenging, and scenic. There are a few holes that I thought were a bit too cute, such as one of the long par fours that it more or less totally blind, even after a solid drive. Course knowledge is a huge advantage with this course, so I think I will enjoy it more when I play again (and I do plan to play again). This is a fun course in that there is a LOT of elevation. Bring lots of golf balls, because this course is narrow, and there are little if any parallel holes. The rough is surrounded by woods, so you are generally going to lose a ball if you don't have control of your shot. I think I went through nine balls!!! The signature hole of the course is beautiful, and it will look even better when it grows in a bit more (landscaping is still young.
One criticism is that the fairways are in pretty rough shape. Greens were great through.
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On May 8, 2009, mkd of atlanta (6 handicap) posted:
Played May 2nd and was the first group out. I've played the course a number of times and local knowledge is key. You need to know where to hit otherwise you can lose the ball. I don't consider any of the holes gimicky but you certainly can't hit driver everytime. I consider gimicky when on a par 4 you hit a 5 iron for your second when you hit a 9 iron off the tee, that's gimicky. Smokerise is not. There are specific layup points for all the par 5s and there are specific sides of the fairway you have to hit off certain tees. To me that's a good test of golf. If I wanted to bomb my driver down 70 yard wide fairways everytime, I'd go play a resort course each week!! I thought the course was in great shape including the fairways. This is a tough course because it's tight. They give you a cheat sheet before you head off to the first tee. Read it and follow the guidelines and you will enjoy Smokerise. Don't follow it and you'll get frustrated.
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On May 6, 2009, Shaggy of Atlanta (2 handicap) posted:
Get out and play this course while you can. It is a great value for the condition that it is. I would put the condition of this course up with any other out there on LMTT.
Greens are PERFECT! Fairways are PERFECT! Must play!
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On April 29, 2009, JR of Sandy Springs (9 handicap) posted:
Have wanted to play this course for years being that it was an exclusive private track. Pretty good layout, although holes 1 and 10 are very gimmicky, tight, tough holes to start out on. Most every hole has a drop-off on one side or the other of the fairway....miss even a little, and your ball is unplayable. Not a big fan of unfair golf holes. Pretty scenery out here, but the course condition, as indicated in previous posts, left a lot to be desired. Poa was everywhere...except on the greens. Greens were a little slow from the March aerification. $50 rate is pretty good out there. Seems like a lot of courses are struggling with weeds this year, most likely due to the economy, and lack of golfers wanting to spend money.
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On April 22, 2009, wiz of Atlanta (10 handicap) posted:
Played Friday and virtually had the course to ourselves. Fairways have some kind of turf damage to them but all in all pretty good. Greens were VERY slow, almost like playing bermuda. Not up to snuff for Smokerise.
One note, bring your wallet if you're planning on lunch and some $4.25 beers!! No cart service either.
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On April 15, 2009, The Grinder of Duluth GA (0 handicap) posted:
* This message has been edited by a course representative *
Smoke Rise has always been a favorite of mine. If you are looking for a challenging golf course, an unbelieveable staff, and some of the best views in GA, then I would reccomend Smoke Rise. This is a SHOT MAKERS Course, but each hole is fun at every turn. The greens are in good shape, and rolling "True". I brought a threesome with me, and my guest as well as myself were treated like royalty. I met the head golf pro there, I believe his name was Kevin, and his assistant golf professional Donald. They both made us feel welcome. Unlike playing at other private course where you feel uncomfortable upon entering, from begining to end they really made us feel like we were new members. We were handed some information on the hole layouts, as well as a tip sheet that the head pro designed for new players. Donald let us know that if we would like lunch that they had a chef, and he would prepare lunch if we would like. If you get a chance I would definatly give this place two thumbs up, and will now add Smoke Rise to my favorites. And NO I am not the Tour Player.
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On March 9, 2009, Speedking of Atlanta (9 handicap) posted:
Played Smoke Rise for the first time on Sunday, 3/8 and had a great experience. First our twosome was able to tee off 10 minutes early and with 3 foursomes ahead of us I expected to have to wait a lot...wrong...those "member" groups moved at a pace that was very comfortable for us as we finished in just under 4 hours. The course is VERY hilly with lots of waste areas to hit over and lots of downhill and up hill shots to greens. Even with the "tip sheet" they supply and my Sky Caddy, there are 5 or 6 holes that I will play differently. The greens are mostly large with lots of waves and tilt. If you are above the hole you better make the putt or you will have 10-12 feet coming back. There were a couple of beautiful holes as one par four over water. This course requires a lot of accuracy off the tee so if you are higher than a 10 handicap you might benefit from the shorter tees. I can't wait to play again once it greens up as it is one of the nicer tracks within 30 minutes of my house. They have an okay practice area and range balls are included. A good deal at $55 on the weekend.
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On March 2, 2009, Golfalot of Atlanta posted:
No complaints here...! LMTT members don't miss out on this opportunity to play a private course that has an excellent layout. If you like flat courses STAY AWAY! My buddies and I like hitting to and from different elevations so we were enjoying every single hole. It's not cheap by Atlanta golf course standards, but then you get what you pay for. We paid $60 for Sunday play and it was well worth it. The tee time comes with range balls and a tip-sheet that's an absolute must to score here. The only thing that could have made this an even better experience would have been GPS carts. You'll need your A game, but you'll enjoy the course regardless. My advice don't try playing the course from the tips first time out.
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On February 24, 2009, Joey3GA of Atlanta (10 handicap) posted:
Played during the week in the early morning. The head pro couldn't have been nicer. Range balls are included in the price which is always helpful, but we had to hit off the mats which I don't like. The course is difficult, but fun. Requires a lot of shot-making, and has some distance from the back tees. Sand was some of the best I have played out of in a long time, very fluffy. The course is in great condition. Only a couple of greens have spots that are still growing in, and should not be in play unless you have wayward shots. We did have to pay $55 for a round during the week, so it's not in the price range I try to stay in, but we figured we would give it a try. The high cost during the week is really my own complaint.
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On February 15, 2009, Greg posted:
Greens-Bentgrass: They were rolling realy fast!A++++ I could have used a skycaddie on this course because it was difficult to know what clubs to use on most holes. This course was made for shot shapers and shot makers (i.e. low handicappers).
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A Message posted on January 23, 2009 by '' was removed by a course representative for the following reason: Course Manager request
DOGLEG RIGHT-DOGLEG LEFT!UPHILL-DOWNHILL!LONG HOLES-SHORT HOLES!BLIND SHOTS!RISK AND REWARDS!THIS COURSE HAS IT ALL!PLAYED IT ON TUES.12/23/08.IT WAS COLD AND RELATIVELY WINDY.MOST OF THE TEE BOXES WERE IN GOOD SHAPE,A FEW WERE OVER HIT.THE FAIRWAYS ARE FIRM AND ROLLING,BORDERED BY DEEP RAVINES AND HELPFUL HILLS.YOU WILL HAVE CREEKS AND RAVINES TO NEGOTIATE.SHOT MANAGEMENT IS CRUCIAL.THE GREENS: HELD APPROACH SHOTS,PUTTED FAST AND TRUE.THEY HAD TIERS AND SLOPES.A FEW GREENS HAD SOME ROUGH SANDY PATCHES BY THE FRINGE.THE PIN PLACEMENT PREVENTED YOU FROM PUTTING THROUGH THAT.THE LAYOUT IS CHALLENGING,HAS MANY ELEVATION CHANGES AND APPROACH SHOTS TO GREENS ARE VISUALLY INTIMIDATING.STONE MOUNTAIN PROVIDES A SCENIC BACKGROUND ON SOME HOLES.IT IS A COURSE YOU HAVE TO PLAY TWICE!IT IS IN GREAT WINTER CONDITION!HATS OFF TO THE CLUBHOUSE ATTENDANT WHO WAS VERY FRIENDLY AND ACCOMMODATING TO OUR FRIENDS WHO HAD TO LEAVE AFTER A FEW HOLES DUE TO A FAMILY EMERGENCY.THANKS AGAIN!!
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On December 17, 2008, IrishSamurai of Alpharetta (9 handicap) posted:
Played this course for the first time on Tuesday December 16th. Clubhouse attendant/starter was very friendly and accomodating (might have been the best starter/clubhouse attendant in Georgia and my partner and I have played all the courses).
As for the course layout, bring your "billy goat" hiking boots as the course layout is rigorous. On some holes, we weren't sure if we were playing golf or taking a mountain climbing course, and there are many nice views of Stone Mountain from a few tee boxes.
The fairways were well kept. A few greens were a bit worn and sandy (probably from last year's drought), but overall the course is in really good shape.
Overall, the course has a fun layout with challenge arising in the multiple doglegs on par 4's and 5's. For $55, it is well worth the price for a 18 handicap or below ... anyone over a 18 handicap is probably not going to enjoy a round at Smoke Rise, simply because the course is probably too much for their game.
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On November 7, 2008, Mike of Snellville (16 handicap) posted:
* This message has been edited by a course representative *
Played the course on Sunday 10/26 at 12:50. We were told that our tee time was pushed back due to LMTT players that slowed everything down earlier in the day. No problem, we hit free range balls until it was time to tee off. We had a great time for the 1st 3 holes and then it came to a stop. One par 5 took 40 min to play! When we got to 10 they were letting members hit in front of us. After 5 hrs we left and had only played 14 holes! We did however have an outing that day as well,and play was a little slower than normal. We have 10 minute tee times,and usually run on pace. We do have the ability to send out a marshall if needed, or if informed by golfers. 40 min? Since this is the first complaint we have heard about this we will check into it. We really try to keep the pace of play moving, and it is our goal to treat all of our guest with the upmost respect.
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On October 25, 2008, Matt of Atlanta (7 handicap) posted:
This is a course that you must play twice, for the first time it may beat you up. This is very much a "shotmakers" course, where knowing where to place the ball is paramount. Greens were fast, but true. I played when the wind was blowing hard, and was into the wind on the 588 yard par 5. Long hitters do not have an advantage on this course. Staff was great, they acted like they wanted my business, which differs from other private courses where I have played as a guest. I am playing again!!
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On October 20, 2008, Mark of Lilburn (15 handicap) posted:
Arrived for our 8:10 tee time only to be told we were moved to 8:30 "to accomodate our members". Ended up teeing off at 8:10 anyway, I guess because the members didn't show. Course was in good shape. Elevation changes and blind shots require playing this course more than once. Facilities are first class and staff seemed friendly but we need to know our tee time is solid.
Got to play Smoke Rise today (Tour Tuesday!) It has to be the toughest course I've ever played. Par 4's and 5's were mostly uphill, the par 3's mostly downhill and over water. Sharp doglegs will make a big hitter think twice about teeing off with a driver. You've got to be very cautious on the par 4's and go all out on the 5's, especially the 600 yarder... Clubhouse is very nice, range balls are complementary and the staff is super helpful. Will definitely try to play here again.
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On October 12, 2008, grudd of Buford (14 handicap) posted:
Since that course began making limited tee times available, I have been anxious to play it. I have played alot of golf and Smokerise is one of the most challenging courses I have ever played. The course has non-stop forced carries,blind shots and elevation changes which make club selection paramount. On top of that, we played on a relatively windy day. I would not recommend this layout to a high handicapper because they will hate golf. The staff was incredibly nice and they make it no secret that they want to increase their membership. All and all, I loved the course and want to go back while I can.
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On October 11, 2008, anthojc of Atlanta (18 handicap) posted:
* This message has been edited by a course representative *
Thsi course is a great layout and has recently opened to the public. The only problem I had with this course was the condition of the greens. 8 of 18 greens were very sandy and had bare spots. It seems as these spots rarely see sunlight due to the amount of shade around the greens. Nice course other than that. Price was a little high for the conditions.Probably a reason for them opening to the public.
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On October 6, 2008, mike of snellville (9 handicap) posted:
Hey Scott I know it hurt for you to think your way throught out the course.It's easy to hit wild open fairway if you have to think your way around the course go play some of the other mickey mouse around here,this course is not for you.If I'm a real 8 handicap I would love to play this course.
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On October 6, 2008, wilcoxk (8 handicap) posted:
Wow. A lot of elevation changes and blind shots await you at Smoke Rise. Course was in good condition, a few of the greens had some heat damage but overall not that bad. Need to play a few times to really get a feel for where to land the ball and have it not run into trouble. Leave the driver at home, not needed on the majority of holes and not necessary on the holes that have length.
Played 6/19, great value for this caliber of course!
