Gainesville Country Club, CLOSED 2022

Guest (cart included), played on Tuesday, July 2017 at 10:48 PM

Since its opening in 1963, the mission of Gainesville Country Club has always been the same: To offer its members a lifestyle that includes high-quality recreational facilities, member services and social opportunities in an open, friendly and family-oriented environment.

The golf course is a special part of the equation here at Gainesville Country Club. It was originally designed by architect George Cobb and opened in 1963. In 1992, Mark McCumber and Associates rebuilt the greens and brought them up to USGA standards. Playing anywhere between 5,163 and 6,866 yards, the course is well suited for anyone from beginner to touring professional.

While there are many outstanding holes, my favorite is the first hole, a dogleg right, par 4, that plays 399 yards from the White Tees. Number one portrays the challenge of the course and brings several elements into play: elevation changes - which are prevalent here - water and sand. You"ll need to avoid the trees on the right side of the fairway off the tee if you"re going to get off to a good start. Favoring the left side gives you a good approach to the green which sits well below the fairway. Your approach shot is played downhill, over water to a large green, well bunkered on the left. This very challenging and scenic opening hole sets the stage for what"s in store!

Most of the members I spoke with favored Number 16, a short par 4 that plays slightly uphill to a well contoured green surrounded by bunkers. Most players will need to fly the ball onto the putting surface. The green features a lot of undulation and can be tricky depending on pin placement.

One of the more interesting features of the course is the monster moss-draped oak tree that sits between #16 green and #17 tee. Some of the members told me the tree is over 200 years old and has been hit at least twice by lightning. Its massive branches stretch down into the ground, making for some incredible photo opportunities.

Presentation is everything and the food at Gainesville Country Club is not only exceptional, it looks great when it arrives at the table. Little touches such as shaved Parmesan cheese on the French fries add a nice touch. The food is so outstanding, I saw a table of 18 women in the dining room and not one was eating a salad! Pretty impressive! The head waiter Phillip has been there for years and practically knows every patron by name. If you're unsure of what to order, he%u2019s a great help and will never steer you wrong.

Gainesville Country Club is pulling out all the stops when it comes to attracting new members. The grand opening of the new clubhouse is set for May 17th and beginning that day for a limited time, GCC is offering a "Summer Preview Experience" that will let non-club members see firsthand all that this private club has to offer on an "a la carte" basis with limited restrictions. The program will run from April 24th - October 15th and prospective members will have access to all club social events, dining services, the pool facilities and tennis as well as complimentary Junior Golf and Tennis programs. This is a great opportunity for those who are thinking about joining a private club to experience Gainesville Country Club.