Get an exclusive inside look here at the Private Chateau Elan Legends Golf Course. This is a replica golf course featuring some of the most iconic holes in all of golf.
Golf and wine lovers: There is a resort near Atlanta, GA that features 45 holes of resort-style golf and a full-production winery. With 3,500 acres of wine and golf, it’s sure to keep enthusiasts of both busy.
Chateau Elan consists of a luxury golf resort, winery – the first winery in the region since Prohibition – tennis and equestrian centers, conference facilities, a European-style health spa, and a residential subdivision.
The Founders of Château Elan
Don and Nancy Panoz founded Chateau Elan. During Don’s time at Greenbrier Military Academy, the couple met. While Nancy cared for the couple’s five children, Don studied business at Duquesne University and operated two drug stores in Pittsburgh after his tour of duty ended. As a result, Don formed Mylan Laboratories, which became a leader in the pharmaceutical delivery industry.
Development of the Winery
The Panoz family moved to Ireland in 1969 and founded Elan Corporation, which holds more than 100 worldwide patents, including one for nicotine patches. Muscadine wine, produced from Muscadine grapes indigenous to Gainesville, GA, became a favorite during visits to the Elan research lab. It was only natural for them to pursue a career in fine wines next! Instilling the same standards and discipline that made them so successful in the pharmaceutical industry has made Chateau Elan and its award-winning vineyards one of the most coveted wineries in the world.
As well as an award-winning winery – with hundreds of national and international awards under its belt – it also offers 45 holes of golf. Experience Georgia golf at its best, from serene valley lakes to rolling Georgia hills. Among the two championship 18-hole layouts, The Woodlands is considered the most challenging and scenic. The Woodlands offers breathtaking views of the north Georgia foothills as you play your way around. A few holes are surrounded by towering trees, while other holes play along several sparkling lakes. Be prepared for some blind shots, since there are plenty of elevation changes and rolling terrain. The Woodlands course measures 6,725 yards from the back tees and has a slope rating of 135. Men can enjoy the Green tees’ 6,355 yards (71.1/132) and ladies will find the Burgundy tees (4,850/69.5/129) a good test of their skills. All levels of golfers can enjoy the Woodlands course thanks to its four sets of tees.
Château – The 8th Hole
Number 8 is a par 5 that plays 508 yards from the green tees and is one of the most memorable holes on the course. Due to the large lake in front of the green, it’s a three-shot hole, unless you’re a monster off the tee. On this dogleg right, you can only get on in two by playing down the right side of the fairway off the tee. As a result, your shot will also be open to the fairway on the other side of the lake. In most cases, players will layup in front of the lake, resulting in a 150-yard downhill route to the green. Many will come in from the left, so beware of the two large bunkers on the left-hand side. Incredibly, this is handicapped as the fifth toughest hole.
A lake and two creeks wind their way around the Chateau Course, which covers an area of 170 acres. From the tee, the contours of the fairways are created by thick Bermuda rough. On several holes, water comes into play, which is not surprising since the Woodlands Course is designed more openly. Throughout the layout, there are 87 bunkers strategically positioned to hinder what you thought was a great shot. From the back tees, Chateau measures 7,030 yards with a slope of 137 and a course rating of 74. A slightly less challenging option is the White tees (5,900/69.2/124). The Burgundy tees are ideal for ladies (5,132/70/120). Everyone can find a yardage they are comfortable with with four sets of tees.
Château – Hole 14
Among the holes on the Chateau Course, the 14th is one of the most beautiful and challenging. On the right of the green, the waterfall on the pond adds to the aesthetics. Two well-hit shots are required to get on in regulation from the white tees, which play 400 yards and slightly uphill. In order to avoid the water hazard, golfers often use the lone bunker on the right back side of the green.
Par-3 Course
The property also includes a par-3 course. Several holes feature water hazards and sand traps, and holes range in length from 73 – 153 yards for men. Due to the small size of the greens, accuracy is crucial. On the 9th hole, almost all of the shot is over water with a sand trap in front left. Easily walkable in less than two hours, the course is open to everyone.
Château Elan’s Practice Facilities
The public can also take advantage of some pretty impressive practice facilities at Chateau Elan. Daylight hours are available for use of the full-length driving range. At the Wee Links Practice Facility, there are plenty of targets for you to learn your distances, as well as a multi-tiered pitching station, practice bunkers, a Bentgrass green, and two Eagle Bermuda greens. Golf balls are all you need for the practice area at Wee Links!
Luxury Accommodations
The Chateau Elan is known for its luxurious accommodations, including the Inn’s rooms and suites or golf villas on the Chateau Course’s 15th fairway. Most hotels do not offer rooms as large as those at Château Élan. On top of the pillowtop mattress is embroidered white linen bedding that is exquisite. The silver patina of the nightstand and desk contrasts well with the dark walnut wood.
Guests will find the following standard amenities in their rooms: mini-fridges, hair dryers, coffee makers, irons, ironing boards, and free WiFi. Bathtubs and separate showers are included in well-appointed bathrooms. You’ll find a work desk with voice mail and data ports if you need to do some work. During your free time, slip into a robe, kick back, and watch the 40-inch flat-screen television.
Golfers will enjoy the 2- and 3-bedroom villas at Chateau Elan. On the Chateau Course, there are a variety of golf villa configurations located along the 15th fairway. Open floor plans feature kitchens and living rooms with LED fireplaces and large screen TVs in each villa. Guests can rent villas on a nightly basis or as part of a Wine Villa Package or a Villa Golf Package. In addition to overnight accommodations, golfers can play unlimited rounds at Chateau, Woodlands, and Par 3, as well as use of driving range and golf carts.
Château Elan Membership Price
A full membership at Château Elan will cost you $35,000 ($30,000 of which is refundable), which allows a member free access to the Legends and Woodlands courses, and discounted green fees for just $20.
Another option is a monthly dues member fee of $325 with an additional food and beverage requirement of $75 per month.
Château Elan also has special get-away events, such as for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, a “Snowed-Inn” Getaway, and quite a few others. Prices for these vary, depending on the season.
Additional Accommodations At Château Elan
Additionally, Chateau Elan features a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness room with free weight dumbbells, treadmills, elliptical trainers, and stairmasters, in addition to their award-winning golf courses.
Tennis programs at the Chateau Elan Racquet Club in Braselton, Georgia, are among the best in the region. Four lighted pickleball courts, three lighted hard courts, and two lighted clay courts are available. The club can match you with someone of the same skill level or you can bring a playing partner.
Dining At Its Finest!
Guests can enjoy award-winning cuisine at Chateau Elan’s six different dining venues. Whether you’re looking for regional Southern or All-American cuisine, Mediterranean or Irish food, or healthful spa cuisine, Chateau Elan has something for everyone.
Within the glass-topped atrium of the Inn is the Versailles Restaurant. A breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet is available seven days a week at the Versailles Restaurant, as well as a set menu featuring regional favorites and char-grilled steaks.
With a completely updated menu and a focus on artisanal libations, Marc Bar & Restaurant offers a southern-inspired bar and chophouse experience. With a curated list of wines, champagnes, beers, and cocktails, they offer something for every palate. There are hand-selected premium aged steaks, southern-inspired dishes, as well as desserts to share or savor on your own.
An authentic Irish pub can be found at Chateau Elan’s Paddy’s Irish Pub. The furniture and fixtures in Château Élan were handmade in Ireland, then shipped there and reassembled. Featuring live music and traditional Irish food, Paddy’s is a spirited pub.
The newly renovated Château Élan Golf Clubhouse contains Sarazen’s Bar & Grille, an All-American restaurant featuring burgers, sandwiches, and salads. In addition to their large variety of spirits and handcrafted cocktails, you can also find your favorite post-golf libations here. With sweeping views of the 18th green, enjoy it on the covered porch under the open sky. Besides offering breakfast and lunch, Sarazen’s has a bunch of big screen televisions so you can watch your favorite team play.
The Château Elan Spa
The Château Elan spa has a dining venue as well. A beautiful, sunny dining room overlooks a lake and gazebo at the Château Élan Spa, where Spa Chef Christina Dolby prepares gourmet breakfasts and lunches using only the freshest ingredients. Each day, afternoon tea is served along with low-calorie desserts. The spa’s seasonal menu is a must-try if you are visiting.
The Le Soleil Pool Bar is a great place to unwind after soaking up some rays by the resort’s main pool. In addition to refreshing sandwiches, salads, and snacks, they offer poolside cocktails. Summer weekends are filled with live music and drink specials.
Whether staying at Chateau Elan overnight or just visiting for the day, the Spa is a peaceful sanctuary and the perfect escape. Your body, mind, and soul will be refreshed and rejuvenated with multi-sensory treatments offered by their talented staff of massage therapists. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an afternoon with friends, or a day of luxurious pampering, Chateau Elan’s world-class spa is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Château Elan Certified Conference Center
Only Château Élan has a working winery and vineyard and is a certified Conference Center. There are 30 meeting rooms, four ballrooms, 12 conference rooms, one boardroom, and a tiered auditorium with stage and fixed seating within the 40,000 sq. ft. conference center. Several outdoor settings are available, including a 16th-century French Château offering creative backdrops for meetings, banquets, and receptions.
A Total of 63 Holes Among Four Courses
With 45 holes of championship golf, Château Élan offers beauty and variety unmatched by other golf resorts. The Woodlands course has rolling Georgia hills, while the Château course has serene valley lakes. There is something unique about each course.
The Woodlands Course
Denis Griffiths designed the Woodlands Course, which opened in 1996. Among the three championship layouts, this is considered by many to be the most picturesque. Located on an amazing piece of North Georgia Real Estate surrounded by amazing Georgia Luxury Homes, this breathtaking 6,735 yard, par 72 course offers panoramic views of sparkling lakes and tree-lined holes.
The Château Course
This beautiful 7,030 yard, par 71 course with contoured fairways, three lakes, and two meandering streams opened in July 1989. The championship layout was designed by renowned course architect Denis Griffiths and immediately recognized as one of Georgia’s top courses. In addition to lush Bermuda fairways and bentgrass greens, 87 bunkers add character and challenge to the 18 holes.
