The Launch Pad for the Georgia Golf Trail

Sr. BTW: Stonemont is Jones’ only golf course design in Georgia. FYI: Lakemont and Stonemont are two of the 20+ golf courses on the Georgia Golf Trail, which stretches from Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in north Georgia to Stone Creek Golf Club in south Georgia.

On your next trip to Georgia, whether it’s to watch the Masters in April, to play golf along the Georgia Golf Trail, or enjoy a family getaway, a great destination is the Stone Mountain State Park, located just east of Atlanta. Not only is Stone Mountain State Park a fun place to visit, but it has two championship 18-hole golf courses: Lakemont and Stonemont. Lakemont was designed by Georgia native John Lafoy while Stonemont was crafted by Robert Trent Jones,

“Stone Mountain appeals to both golfers and families, which makes it an ideal destination along the Georgia Golf Trail,” said Doug Hollandsworth, Founder, Georgia Golf Trail

But, there’s more to do at this state park than play golf.

Here, you can see the famous Stone Mountain Memorial Carving. It features the head shots of three Confederate Civil War Heroes: General Robert E. Lee, General Thomas J. ‘Stonewall’ Jackson, and former Confederate President Jefferson Davis. It can be called the ‘Mount Rushmore of the South.’

Make time to jump aboard

Summit Skyride. This highspeed Swiss cable car transports guests more than 825 feet above ground to the top of Stone Mountain. From the top, you can see the Atlanta skyline and the Appalachian Mountains, more up to 60 miles away. You can also walk to the top of Stone Mountain.

Families will enjoy riding the Scenic Railroad, discovering Stone Mountain Museum at Memorial Hall, visiting Geyser Towers, playing at Dinotorium, walking through Dinosaur Explore, and much more.

You’ll also hear the music generated by the Carillon, the 732-bell ‘musical machine,’ which sits across Stone Mountain Lake and was a gift to the park from Coca Cola following the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City.

And, this park has many festivals throughout the year such as Spring Fun Break, Summer at the Rock, Pumpkin Festival,

Highland Games, Stone Mountain Christmas, among others.

The Stone Mountain Golf Club features “One Lake. One Mountain. Two Incredible Courses.”

Water hazards are a common feature at Lakemont. Of the first 13 holes, water is present on eight of them. The course is not heavily bunkered, but its biggest defense mechanisms are the pine tree-lined fairways and Stone Mountain Lake. Some part of Stone Mountain is visible throughout the course. FYI: Lakemont’s final three holes – parthree 16th, par-four 17th, and the par-five 18th – have birdie potential.

Variety is the one word to describe Stonemont, a par-70 layout which opened in 1969. This golf course is fun to play, but it’s not conventional. It features gently rolling fairways which are flanked by Georgia pines with many dramatic views of Stone Mountain. The greens are well maintained and fair. FYI: Putts at Stonemont tend to break away from Stone Mountain.

After golf, eat at The Commons Restaurant, which is nestled alongside Stone Mountain Lake with views of nearby Stone Mountain. The menu provides many delicious Southern cuisine favorites.

As for overnight accommodations, there are three great options: The Inn at Stone Mountain Park, Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort or the Campgound.

The Inn at Stone Mountain Park features over-sized guest rooms, spacious verandas and an outdoor courtyard swimming pool.

The Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort has luxurious accommodations and spacious suites, plus indoor and outdoor heated pools. Perched alongside Stone Mountain Lake, the Campground has room for RVs, Pop-Up tents and Safari Tents. For more details about Stone Mountain State Park, access www.stonemountainpark.com or www.GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com.

The new Baron Stand Bag from Sun Mountain is a traditionally styled golf bag with rugged good looks and modern features. Baron offers unmatched durability paired with modern features like a velour-lined rangefinder pocket with magnetic closure. Baron Stand Bag comes in five distinctive colorways with a retail price of $319.99. For the retailer nearest you, visit www.sunmountain.com or call 800-227-9224.

Biion Footwear, designed and styled in Canada, introduces the new Trainer for adults and kids in a variety of colors and patterns. In the tradition of the iconic tennis trainer silhouette, the new global awardwinning Biion Trainer brings a sport-casual look to the course without jeopardizing performance.

Approved by orthopedic specialists, Biion’s design supports the inner footbed, allowing for the natural movement of your feet through every step (and swing).

PXG, the golf equipment and apparel company founded by American entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob Parsons, has expanded its on-course offerings to include game-changing golf balls. Fueled by a desire to solve a problem for consumers, the dreaded choice between distance and control, PXG developed PXG Xtreme Golf Balls to be the one ball that does it all.

PXG Xtreme Golf Balls feature an explosive three-piece construction colored red, white, and blue in honor of PXG’s American roots and a seamless 338 dimple pattern. The high coefficient of restitution (C.O.R.) polybutadiene core is designed for high-speed performance. A firm ionomer mantle layer further increases speed for maximum distance off the tee. The soft urethane outer cover maximizes spin for green-grabbing control.

The dimple pattern is engineered to deliver aerodynamic characteristics that maximize distance with the driver while producing a high trajectory with optimal spin with irons and wedges. As a result, the three-piece golf ball delivers quality, consistency, and performance with every shot, from every lie, for every golfer.

The new golf ball also presents a distinctive, enhanced alignment aid to help players easily line up their balls and sink more putts.

PXG Xtreme Golf Balls are now available through the company’s retail stores and hubs, over the phone with PXG Player Support, and on www.PXG.com. They will also be sold on Amazon.

A dual density, energy-return midsole works with the golfer, allowing for the natural movement of your feet through every step, and every swing. The massage nodes within every Biion shoe give your feet a therapeutic sensation with every step.

Biion’s HEXcell nano molecular EVA technology forms to your foot giving you a performing shoe with a precision fit. The lightweight, flexible EVA material keeps you light on your feet and comfortable before, during, and after your game, helping to reduce leg fatigue for greater performance on the long haul.

A spikeless HEXTRA-GRIP traction outsole in every Biion shoe provides an extremely low-profile performance, outstanding traction, strength, and stability in your swing.

Feet stay cool in Biion, with strategically placed ventilation holes throughout the shoe. The shoes are also resistant to mildew, bacteria and are antimicrobial, keeping you and your family healthy.

Website: BiionFootwear.com