You want to play Augusta National but have been denied? Then you´d better take action. That is exactly what business man Weldon Wyatt did when his Augusta National membership application was rejected – at least that´s what rumor says.
Weldon Wyatt, who has made a fortune as the nation’s leading developer of Walmart stores, set out to create his own personal playground just a few miles away. “Bigger, better and more beautiful than the iconic Augusta National” that was his dream. The business tycoon asked Augusta National stalwart Jack Stephens, whom he would recommend to design his course. Tom Fazio, one of the luminaries of golf course architecture, was on the top of the list. Fazio likes to leave everything as natural as he can and has the ability to move things around, making everything look natural. In addition, no living designer has more credits on Golf Digest‘s list of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses and Golfweek’s collection of America’s Best than Fazio.
If playing beautifully designed Sage Valley is unforgettable, so, too, was Wyatt’s first shot off the tee. The course that looks and feels much like Augusta National was opened on September 11, 2011 – despite of the national emergency caused by the terror attacks.
Sage Valley´s attention to professionalism, detail and service is second to none and you can feel Wyatt´s passion to strive for the ultimate experience in golf everywhere on-property. Even the maintenance people stop and wave. Perfectly manicured fairways, a drainage system under the undulated greens and thousands of colorful azaleas and dogwood trees add to the experience. The Caddies in white jumpsuits are perfectly trained and certainly enhance the golfing pleasure. Club employees caucus twice a week to discuss ways to improve your time even more.
“The thing that makes Sage different, I believe, is the way Sage treats people when they’re here. And we hear that consistently. It’s making them feel at home. The caddies here are different. The caddy program here, I’d put up against any place in the world.” Wyatt was quoted in the Augusta Magazine.
“From the moment you pull through the gates, until you leave, you feel like you have died and gone to golf course heaven, not to mention that the food is free at the half-way house, playing golf really doesn’t get any better than Sage Valley” raves Aaron Carson, a discriminating golfer who had the chance to play this ultra-exclusive course.
It is kind of unique to have two high-caliber golf courses just within 15 minutes of each other and people in Augusta have certainly drawn comparisons between Augusta National and Sage Valley. But even though the latter one provides an ultra-exclusive golfing experience and has hosted the planet’s most recognized celebrities, athletes and world leaders, it can and never will rival its famous neighboring course built by Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie 83 years ago. You simply cannot replace historic value and mystique.
If you, however, should ever get the opportunity to tee-it up at Sage Valley, don´t miss it!
Evelyn´s Travel Insights 