When
I started playing golf back in the 90's I used to roll over to Bobby Jones Golf
Club to learn the game. A totally public
municipal golf course (aka "Dog Track"), Bobby Jones was fun but far from a bougie experience; on the contrary, it was an everyman's course
with chewed up fairways, lots of clover and crabgrass, and insanely slow, flat greens. The "clubhouse?" A trailer serving hot dogs and cans of Bud.
Not much of a tribute to one of Atlanta's favorite sons and the father of
modern golf.
But
after a multi-million-dollar redo, Bobby Jones is reborn as a gorgeous 9-hole challenge
with a fabulous new clubhouse called the Murray Golf House that will house the first-ever
home for the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame and also a brand-new restaurant, Boone's.
Named
for Augusta businessman, Boone Knox, Boone's is a relaxed country club experience
serving "new American" bites that you don't have to have a big-time membership
to enjoy. Chef Matt Jones is a young
star who traveled Europe apprenticing for Michelin-starred chefs in Germany
and Italy, and fine dining spots in Spain, south Asia and Argentina. Jones
has arranged a sophisticated but easy to love menu that looks fancy but just
tastes great.
Grab
a spot on the terrace and take in what is arguably one of the top 5 restaurant
views in the city—a panoramic view of the golf course with buildings on the
horizon. It's very tranquil and very unusual. Then nosh on salads, or a classic burger, a
gulf shrimp roll, "GA Grown" beef meatballs, NC Rainbow trout and Springer
Mountain Farms chicken. Every dish has a
little gourmet twist but nothing too crazy, just enough to simultaneously please both
the foodies and folks just looking to chow down on something hearty after golf.
And
if you want a little libation before or after your round, besides craft beers
and great wines, Boone's cocktails are really special—try the Bobby Jones and
the Grand Slam served in special glassware with Bobby Jones quotes.
Boone's
is a great hidden gem and part of the overall charitable mission of the Bobby
Jones Foundation. Whether you are a hack,
a scratch golfer or just someone who appreciates some solid food and drinks
with a view, Boone's will make you feel like it's "your" club.
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