PGA Tour

Sky Valley, Georgia

A Second-Home Destination

Very few places in the world can

claim to be ‘all things to all people at all times,’ but Sky Valley, Georgia is in the running to be one of those special places on the planet. The greater Sky Valley area -- the home of the Sky Valley Country Club, a member of the Georgia Golf Trail -- is truly as appealing for non-golfers as it is for golfers, especially if you like hiking, fishing, boating, camping, whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, bird watching, and zip lining. Located in Rabun County, Georgia, Sky Valley (visitskyvalleyga.com) also has a strong reputation of producing locally grown food which is why this area is called the Farm-to-Table Capital of Georgia. A winery and vineyards are also in this area of North Georgia. So, when you visit Sky Valley, come with an appetite. You won’t be disappointed. Many people who visit Sky Valley actually decide that they like the area so much, they quickly realize they are better off actually buying a home rather than paying a rental or lodging fee every time they visit this area of North Georgia, which is a stone’s throw from the North Carolina border. When a for sale sign appears in the front yard of somebody’s home at Sky Valley, it doesn’t stay there very long. “Many of our homes in Sky Valley are sold before listings are printed due to word-of-mouth and many people anxious to obtain homes quickly in Sky Valley,” said Ed Steil, President of Sky Valley’s Property Owners Association. By being a part of the Georgia Golf Trail, the appeal of playing golf at the Sky Valley CC is what attracts many people to the area, but it’s the welcoming atmosphere at Sky Valley which keeps people coming back, often as permanent residents. “Sky Valley is like ‘heaven on earth’ and we in Georgia are lucky to have such an outstanding destination for golfers in our state and for those visiting from the nearby surrounding states,” said Doug Hollandsworth, founder, Georgia Golf Trail. “Again, many people enjoy visiting this area so much that they realize it’s a better idea

to actually buy a home and become a member of the community.” The Sky Valley Country Club’s (www.skyvalleycountryclub.com or 706-746-5302) tee-to-green course conditions are exemplary. Redesigned in 2007 by Bill Bergin, Sky Valley CC’s length from the back tees of this par-72 layout -- 6,900 yards from the tips – is tempered by the high elevation, which is 3,500 feet above sea level. The high elevation makes Sky Valley the highest and coolest city in Georgia, which makes it very appealing in the hot summer months. And, when not playing golf, many Sky Valley residents are also playing croquet, tennis and bocce ball. Many members of the Sky Valley CC refer to their time spent at the club as like being at summer camp! The Sky Valley Country Club sits in a valley which is totally surrounded by mountains. You can check out current conditions by accessing Sky Valley’s 24-hour webcam: https://www.resortcams. com/webcams/sky-valley-ga/. It’s fair to say that however long you stay at Sky Valley, it’s never going to be long enough since there’s always something else to do. That’s why people return there often and are buying homes in the area. For more information about Sky Valley, Georgia, access visitskyvalleyga. com. For more information about the Sky Valley CC and other courses along the Georgia Golf Trail, access www.GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com.