Denis Griffiths

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort - Legends

Braselton, GA

A truly unique collaboration, Chateau Elan's Legends course was born from the vision of three of golf's most iconic figures: Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead, and Kathy Whitworth. Architect Denis Griffiths skillfully integrated their favorite holes from around the world into a cohesive and challenging layout. The design philosophy pays homage to the classic courses of the early 20th century, with each hole possessing a distinct and memorable character. A notable feature is the S-shaped bunker guarding the 3rd green, a tribute to Sarazen. Set amidst the rolling hills and mature forests of North Georgia, the course offers a tranquil and picturesque setting. The former home of the Sarazen World Open, The Legends provides a rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of giants and experience a course shaped by the legends of the game themselves.

Kearney Hill Golf Links

Lexington, KY

Kearney Hill Golf Links, designed by Brian Silva and opened in 1989, is a distinctive 18-hole, par-72 links-style course located in Lexington, Kentucky. Silva, known for his traditional design approach, crafted Kearney Hill to evoke the classic feel of Scottish and Irish links courses, a rarity in the American Midwest. The course features wide-open fairways, large, undulating greens, and strategically placed pot bunkers, all set against a backdrop of rolling bluegrass hills. The absence of trees on many holes emphasizes the links character, relying on wind and natural contours for challenge. While a specific signature hole is not prominently featured, the entire layout provides a strategic and authentic links experience. Kearney Hill's unique design and challenging conditions make it a highly regarded and enjoyable course for those seeking a taste of traditional links golf.

Brasstown Valley Resort Golf Course

Young Harris, GA

Carved into the stunning North Georgia mountains, Brasstown Valley Resort Golf Course offers a captivating Scottish links-style experience that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. Designed by acclaimed architect Denis Griffiths, the course masterfully contours the existing terrain, weaving through pristine wildlife preserves, serene ponds, and flowing streams. Water comes into play on ten holes, demanding precision and strategic shot-making, while the well-bunkered layout adds to the challenge. The course provides a championship golf experience accessible to all skill levels, thanks to its five sets of tees. Players will find themselves immersed in a visually spectacular landscape, with panoramic mountain vistas framing each hole. While every hole presents its own charm, the par-3 14th, often cited as a signature hole, exemplifies the course's beauty and strategic design. Recognized by both Golf Digest and Leading Golf Courses of America, Brasstown Valley promises an engaging and memorable round. This course is ideally suited for destination golfers seeking a scenic and challenging mountain retreat, as well as locals desiring a consistently well-maintained and rewarding golf outing.

Wolf Creek Golf Resort

St. George, UT

Denis Griffiths' red rock public layout — dramatic elevation changes and Pine Valley Mountain views in St. George.

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort (Chateau)

Braselton, GA

A Tom Fazio redesign of a 1929 classic by H.S. Colt and Charles Alison, the Seaside Course at Sea Island is a world-renowned links-style layout that has hosted numerous PGA Tour events. Fazio's design philosophy was to create a course that was both challenging for the best players in the world and enjoyable for resort guests. The course winds its way through the marshes and dunes of St. Simons Island, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The signature hole is the par-4 13th, a dogleg left that plays along the marsh to a well-guarded green. A round at Seaside is a chance to experience a true links test in a breathtaking coastal setting.

The Frog at The Georgian

Villa Rica, GA

Atchafalaya Golf Course

Patterson, LA

Listed on bestpublicgolfcourses.com

Hermitage Golf Course (President's Reserve)

Old Hickory, TN

Juniper Hills Golf Course, a beloved 18-hole municipal course in Frankfort, Kentucky, opened its fairways on May 1, 1957. While the architect is unknown, the course has earned a reputation as one of Kentucky's most popular golfing destinations, known for its challenging layout and tricky greens. The course features active golfing associations for all ages and skill levels, fostering a vibrant local golf community. The annual Governor's Open, which debuted in 1965, attracts top golf professionals and amateurs, showcasing the course's competitive spirit. One of its most memorable features is the daunting 1st tee, renowned as one of the toughest opening shots globally, with a giant tree obscuring the fairway and a small pond guarding the approach to a two-level green. The 2nd hole also presents a significant challenge with a tight fairway and an intimidating out-of-bounds fence. Juniper Hills offers a rewarding experience for golfers seeking a challenging yet engaging round amidst a strong community atmosphere.

Chateau Elan Golf Club: Woodlands Course

Braselton, GA

The Woodlands Course at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort is a Denis Griffiths design offering rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and tree-lined holes on a 6,735-yard, par-72 layout. Set within the award-winning Chateau Elan resort 40 miles northeast of Atlanta, the Woodlands Course complements the resort's flagship Chateau Course and provides a more relaxed resort golf experience. Chateau Elan is one of Georgia's premier golf destinations.

Crossings Golf Club at Ooltewah

Ooltewah, TN

Crossings Golf Club at Ooltewah is a Denis Griffiths design in Ooltewah, Tennessee, one of the top public courses in the Chattanooga area. The 6,800-yard, par-72 layout winds through the natural Tennessee Valley terrain with scenic views of the surrounding mountains. A popular destination for Chattanooga-area golfers seeking a quality public golf experience at an exceptional value.

Southerness Golf Club

Stockbridge, GA

Fox Hollow Golf Course

Denver, CO

Pole Creek Golf Club

Tabernash, CO

Pole Creek Golf Club, a 27-hole public facility in Tabernash, Colorado, is a highly acclaimed design by Denis Griffiths. Griffiths' philosophy is showcased in a course that meanders through lush fields of native wildflowers, features drastic elevation changes, and boasts vast bent greens, all while incorporating water challenges from two ponds and five lakes. The Ridge 9 course is particularly notable for its significant elevation changes, reaching the highest point on the course at 8812 feet, offering panoramic views. The 9th hole on The Ridge, a 556-yard downhill par-5 with a 140-foot drop into the Pole Creek Valley, is considered a signature hole and one of the best in the region. The course has received numerous awards, including Golf Digest's 'Best New Public Golf Course in North America' in 1985, and continues to be recognized for its beautiful and challenging mountain golf experience.

StoneCrest Golf Course

Prestonsburg, KY