Golf course preview Saturday
By Kathy Jefcoats



Golfers can get a sneak peek Saturday at what may be the best sporting bargain in the metro Atlanta area.

Canongate at Heron Bay, an 18-hole championship course, opens next month but officials invite the curious to come out Saturday to check out the greens. Canongate Clubs marketing director Ken Guerra said he thinks the public will be pleased with the results of the new course.


"This is a most unique course," he said. "It will be known as one of the best in the area. It will really be an asset to Henry County and just one more reason for people to come here."

With entry fees at metro Atlanta golf courses in the tens of thousands, membership at Canongate is expected to fill quickly. The entry fee for an associate or full golf membership is $750 with monthly dues for associates at $99 and $186 for full membership.

"We have a limited number of memberships," said Guerra. "Once it's filled up, it's closed. This is an incredible offer because Canongate believes membership should be affordable."

Although the course is located inside Heron Bay development on Ga. Highway 155 South, members do not have to be residents. Membership also includes the privilege of golfing at one of 12 other courses, including one at Pinecrest at Hilton Head, S.C.



Course architect Jeff Burton designed the Heron Bay course, the fifth one he created for Canongate.

"It's an extremely fair course," he said. "There's no hidden trouble."

The course stretches out more than 7,200 from the back tees and backs up against the 1,100-acre Cole Reservoir.

Head golf pro Justin Japour described the course as "enjoyable."

"There are no blind spots," said Japour. "No trip-ups. If there is trouble there, you can see it. It's enjoyable."

Japour will be joined Saturday by local golf pro Steve Gilley. They will offer a complimentary golf clinic and swing tips on the driving range. A skills contest awards players who get closest to the pin, has the longest drive and wins a short game challenge. Drawings for prizes including a membership entry fee will also be held.

Golfers can test state of the art equipment from Taylor Made, Nike, Ping and Titleist.

The sneak preview will be held 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. and RSVP can be made at 770-527-4537. Almost 300 people have already given notice of attendance. Catering will be provided by PJ's Café, located on the square in downtown McDonough.