I had the opportunity to play Old Union yesterday. My brother-in-law and I walked the course, and had the pleasure of having my father walk with us. He did not play, but was up for the "day in the park".
Our group's overall impression of the course was that of excitement. Being that my parent's have property less than 7 miles from the course, we are very, very pleased to have a course of this caliber so near. Plus who can beat $22 to walk? I would say that on a day like yesterday (78 degrees), the course was easily walked. We started on the back 9, so the actual flow of the course was changed. If starting on one (once the clubhouse is built), one would walk downhill to the first tee, and continue in the valley along a very interesting stretch of holes. The most memorable stretch would have to be 3-6.
3 is one heck of a par 5. Standing on the tee it sure looks like one is about to play all of the 615+/- yds. The landing area appears to be very narrow, and this is emphasized by left fairway bunker. There is wetland/heavy rough all along the left, and heavy woods along the right. The hole hugs the wetlands and wraps completely around the water. Playing down the left will drastically shorten the hole, and may make it reachable for long hitters. The tall vegetation hides the landing area short of the green, so the second shot appears to be much more difficult than it is. My brother-in-law had 235 to the green, but easily had only 180-200 to carry the vegetation. This hole looks much more difficult than it plays, however, if played too aggressively, it will quickly become a scar on any scorecard.
6th tee
looking back from the 3rd green. Notice the amt. of landing area, short of the green
The 4th hole is the #1 handicapped, and plays just a few yard shorter than the par 5 8th. This hole was directly up hill, and into a heavy wind. Not much there other than length, and prevailing wind to defend this hole (other than a lone fairway bunker). In addition the green is easily 3-4 clubs deep.
I believe the 5th tee may of been my favorite locations on the course. From the tee, one can see 2 additional holes (3,4), and a nice view of the surrounding topography. The 5th is short, challenging par 4. I hit 4 wood directly over the three short bunkers on the right, and had an excellent angle in to the raised green.
5th tee box
The 6th is a brutal par three from any of the back tees. From the tips, it can be extended to 300 yds! The blues were set up at 245 yds. Off the tee there is trouble all down the right but plenty of room left. This hole would make a great reach able par 4.
6th tee
My overall impressions of the course is that it is a beautiful setting, and offers challenging yet, fair test of golf. Many of the trouble my group hit into will be avoided next time we play. The course looks more difficult than it plays, and as previously mentioned, many of the hazards are hidden from view.
Walkable: I thought the course was not overly difficult to walk, of course the extreme length is a factor, but there is limited elevation change. Once the clubhouse is built, it will be downhill to #1 tee, then continue to play along the stream valley until 16 (waterfall hole), then a long uphill walk to 17 tee, and finally downhill back to the clubhouse after the 18th green. The walk could be shortened a bit if there were some pedestrian bridges over some of the streams, and waste areas, but this may be in violation of some of the environmental restrictions. Hopefully the course will advertise the walkablity, and offer pull cart rentals.
Length: Extremely long. Seems like over time the staff may find a good combination of tees to use. Black listed at 7667, Blues listed at 7082, Whites at 6332, Yellow at 5735, and Red at 4776. Seems like a big gap between tees (black-blue, blue-white, etc.) For me the blues were playable and enjoyable. I would have liked to play from a couple shorter tees. Mainly on the very long par 3s (187, 245, 227), long 4s (487, 458, 425), and brutal 5s (614, 625).
I can say i did play the best opening 9 holes (back 9) I have had in a while. I attest this to my extreme enjoyment to be playing a new course, in a beautiful setting, with my brother-in-law and father. This is a beautiful spot in the North Georgia mountains, which happens to have a wonderful and challenging golf course. Everyone should experience this course first hand to appreciate the overall feel of the course.