Champions Retreat gets national notice

Columbia County's newest private golf club earned nationwide recognition last week.

In the January issue of Golf Digest, released Tuesday, Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans was ranked as the fourth best new private golf course in the nation.

"We've believed all along that we had the property, layout and golf courses that are incomparable to a typical 27-hole facility," Champions Retreat director of golf Brian Stock said. "All three of our nines are championship-caliber nines."

The 27-hole private golf club, which opened June 15, 2005, is the only facility of its kind, featuring three nine-hole courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player.

The club has a membership list 300 members strong. Stock said the national recognition is an honor to be shared by the entire community.

"More than impacting Champions Retreat, it's really something for Columbia County," Stock said. "We've got one of the best private golf courses in America, and it's right here."

Stock said all three courses at Champions Retreat are currently closed while the greens are being converted from Bermuda to bent grass.

He said the Player's Creek Course is scheduled to reopen Dec. 20.

"We feel like this is just another commitment toward excellence," Stock said.