GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Chattahoochee Golf Club is set to undergo a new round of improvements in 2026.
The City of Gainesville made the announcement earlier this week that the course will close from April 2026 through September 2026, excluding the driving range and related facilities, to implement a laundry list of action items targeted at modernizing aging infrastructure, improving playability and enhancing the course aesthetics.
CGC Director of Golf Rodger Hogan said they are designed to strengthen the overall golfer experience.
"After identifying and communicating opportunities for improvement with key stakeholders — City leadership, CGC staff and the CGC Advisory Committee — and discussing a plan of action, the City came to a collective decision to pursue all of these upgrades at once instead of through a phased approach over several years," Hogan said. "We felt our customers would prefer a five-month hiatus over a five-year period where the golf course is in a constant state of construction."
Hogan said the course’s popularity in the area was another factor.
“Chattahoochee Golf Club continues to grow in popularity by the day, evidenced by record rounds,” he said. "Buckling down to complete these action items sooner rather than later will not only benefit our customers in the long run, but quickly restore the Chattahoochee Golf Club's position as a desirable host course for tournament and championship play.
"Additionally, many organizations, like the NCAA, announce host site selections years in advance, and we want to be able to continue to accommodate them, other professional, collegiate and amateur entities, as well as private groups and charities by having a clear picture of course availability from fall 2026 on."
Funding for the project is the next priority.
"With the current bond obligations ending at the end of 2025, the City will explore a new bond to cover most, if not all, of these renovation costs," Hogan said.
While the course and putting greens will be unavailable for play, the following will remain open to the public during the renovation process: driving range, teaching facility, clubhouse (including full-service pro shop and club repair) and Chattahoochee Grill. Chattahoochee Grill will be open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Monday for lunch and 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday for lunch and dinner.
Upon completion, renovation plans will:
Modernize aging infrastructure to include:
- replacing the 27-year-old irrigation system on most holes (all but No. 15, No. 16, and No. 17 that were addressed in 2021)
- replacing the irrigation system on both putting greens and the driving range
- extending the hole No. 12 cart path to the end of the green, eliminating the current turn
- extending the hole No. 16 cart path from the black tee on hole No. 17 to behind the 16th green
Improve playability, to include:
- renovating most bunkers on the course (all but those at holes No. 15, No. 16, and No. 17 )
- removing the fairway bunker on hole No. 2, the back-right bunker on whole No. 4 and creating a chipping area
- reshaping the 10th, 11th and 14th fairways
- removing or repositioning the front right bunker on hole No. 11
Beautify and approved course design, to include:
- reshaping, expanding and regrassing all Par 3 tees
- smoothing out and regrassing all fairways
- resolving wet areas in front of the first, third, fourth, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 14th greens
