For many GCSU students, finding a place to golf in Milledgeville is becoming increasingly difficult as Little Fishing Creek Golf Course reduces operations during ongoing reconstruction.
With the city’s only public course limited, and nearby options like Reynolds on Lake Oconee primarily private, student golfers are left wondering where to play. As interest in golf continues to grow on campus, students want more affordable and accessible public options.
“Having only one course near campus really slows play and limits availability,” said David Burgrovsky, a junior finance major. “Another course nearby would be nice.”
Inconsistent tee times and backed-up tee boxes can be frustrating for students like Burgrovsky, who have limited availability due to school schedules and other activities.
In addition to limited access, students like Caden Carney, a junior business management major, questioned whether the course was worth the price even before construction began.
“I thought it was overpriced for not being a very efficient course,” Carney said.
While Little Fishing Creek has shown improvements in recent years, some students said the reconstruction comes at a time when the course was becoming more enjoyable.
“Little Fishing Creek has come a long way leading up to its reconstruction. The fairways used to be much worse, and the greens were not up to par,” Burgrovsky said. “Recently, the course has been much more pleasant to play, especially the back nine.”
Despite these challenges, interest in golf on campus continues to grow, with more students picking up the sport recreationally. As participation increases, the lack of local options has become more noticeable, leading students to look beyond Milledgeville.
“I’ve been to Lake Jonesco a couple of times with friends, and the course is really nice,” said Izzy Lacey, a sophomore finance major. “It’s a little out of the way, but I think the commute is worth it.”
Lake Jonesco Golf Course is a public 18-hole course 16 miles east of Milledgeville. Students like Lacey see it as a strong alternative while Little Fishing Creek undergoes construction.
“The drive does add extra time and gas, which can determine how often you get to play,” Lacey said. “I go occasionally, but I do believe we need another course in Milledgeville.”
For casual players, the inconvenience may discourage frequent trips, while more dedicated golfers are willing to travel to continue playing.
Nearby courses such as Reynolds Lake Oconee offer high-quality experiences, but their private status puts them out of reach for most students. A round at Reynolds on Lake Oconee as a guest costs around $300. As a result, students are exploring courses outside Milledgeville that fit their budgets and schedules.
Students also expressed interest in playing a private club – Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee – is a course 27 miles away from Milledgeville.
As reconstruction continues, students remain uncertain about how long limited access at Little Fishing Creek will last and what changes will come once the project is complete.