World-Renowned Golf Course Designer Purchases Blairsville's Newest Premier Golf Course, Old Union

Sept. 10, 2008 - PRLog -- World-renowned golf course designer, Denis Griffiths has purchased Blairsville’s newest premier golf course, Old Union at Owen Glen. Old Union’s location tucked away in the Ivy Log Valley offers a very secluded, serene golf experience. Griffiths has designed approximately 100 golf courses internationally, including in England, Spain, South Africa, Japan and many other countries. Recently Griffiths became the only American to have ever designed a course in St. Andrews and he brings that Scottish experience to Old Union, which has an obvious Scottish flair. The course is scheduled to open for play in summer 2009.

“Purchasing the Old Union course is a fantastic opportunity to not only design a new golf course, but it also allows the luxury of working in the beautiful North Georgia area,” said Griffiths. “This course will offer something for every golfer and I think it will be a great addition to the active, outdoor lifestyle that Union County encourages.”

Griffiths has been designing courses for 38 years and the mountain setting, whether it be in Colorado or North Georgia, is his favorite type of geography. His philosophy is to design the best course with minimum natural disturbance. Old Union weaves beautifully through the natural meadows, creeks and woods. A valley location offers the relatively flat land that is preferred for designing golf courses and also provides the rare opportunity to play the course on foot or by cart. The course features several natural water features including Ivy Log Creek which meanders perfectly throughout the course and adds to the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Old Union is an 18-hole par 72 course designed with every golfer in mind. From the beginners to the pros everyone will enjoy their round of golf at Old Union. The 7,500 yard course will test the best of players with the consummate challenge serious golfers are expecting, while providing the practice that beginners need. Old Union includes a comprehensive practice range that caters to golfers of all skills, especially to beginning and young golfers. The core golf course of the Owen Glen community is especially unique in today’s development market offering breathtaking views throughout the entire 235-acres with a minimum of golf front homes to make it more of a pure golf experience.

Along with the beautiful course, Griffiths has also purchased the amenities at Owen Glen. A first-class clubhouse will feature a pro shop, grille, fitness center and meeting room. It will provide the perfect gathering spot for residents of Owen Glen to get together with their friends and family. A community pool and tennis will also be available. While all residents do not have to purchase a golf membership, they will all be social members which allow them access to the pool, fitness center, meeting room and tennis. Garland Reynolds is designing the clubhouse and construction is scheduled to begin in early 2009. In addition, Ivy Log Creek provides residents with the opportunity to take part in a popular local activity, trout fishing.

Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, residents at Owen Glen will enjoy a relaxing,
laidback lifestyle that can only be found in a mountain community. Union County boasts an
array of local shops and restaurants that offer a unique opportunity to residents and tourists. The area is perfect for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Lake Nottely is a 4,400 acre lake with more than 100 miles of shoreline and is the ideal setting for trout fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking and camping. For those looking to stay on dry land, the mountains provide unlimited adventures for hikers and mountain bikers of all ages. The Appalachian Trail is accessible at several points within Union County offering endless opportunities for day hikers as well as those hiking from Georgia to Maine.

Owen Glen, developed by Ivy Log Development, will feature one- to three-acre home sites. A mix of estate home sites, including some golf course sites, will be released in Phase One. Sales of the initial 26 home sites began in early September and incentives such as a one year golf membership will be included. Home sites at Owen Glen are priced from the $70,000s. For more information on Owen Glen, call 770-659-2942 or visit www.OwenGlen.com.