ADAIRSVILLE, Ga. -- Barnsley Gardens Resort is the 2008 recipient of the Georgia Golf Course Owners Association (GGCOA) "Course of the Year" award. It is the second year in a row that a resort course has received this prestigious honor. The Par-72, 7,350-yard, Jim Fazio-designed course, known as The General, was judged on the following criteria: quality of the course, quality of management, significant contribution to the game of golf, significant contribution to its community, and membership in the GGCOA.

Barnsley Gardens Resort is highly praised and respected for its golf program. As a preeminent Southeastern golf destination, The General is no stranger to awards, even though it has only been in play since 1999. This latest achievement caps a list of honors including a 4.5 Star Rating by Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play," "Ranking 5th in Georgia" by Golf Week (2007), "Top 20 in the State" by Golf Digest, and an "Extraordinary" rating by the Zagat Survey of America's Top Golf Courses (2007/2008).

Combining championship-caliber play with spectacular panoramas all nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The General offers stunning views of mountain peaks and emerald green fairways reminiscent of the courses of Scotland. Jim Fazio designed the course to blend into the natural surroundings, personally selecting the 378 acres that the course occupies. Strategic hazards and dramatic tee shots descending to soft greens draw visitors from all over the world and offer challenges for golfers of all skill levels. Its stunning vistas and exciting play make it one of the Southeast's most sought-after courses.

Located just 60 miles north of Atlanta, this serene retreat offers an unrivaled combination of relaxation and world-class amenities. When not on the links, tennis, horseback riding, 12 miles of scenic hiking trails, lawn games, fly-fishing, canoeing and kayaking, paintball and more await guests looking for an escape that feels more like an intimate residence than a resort. After a day on the links, The Spa at Barnsley Gardens nourishes and pampers with an impressive range of state-of-the-art services including massages, body wraps and facials that blend modern and ancient techniques with the purest products for a quality spa experience. Accommodations at the resort include rooms, suites and cottages decorated in a refined country style, accompanied by handpicked reproductions and traditional estate items.

To learn more about Barnsley Gardens Resort or to make a reservation, please call 877-773-2447 or visit www.barnsleyresort.com. To schedule a tee time, please contact the Pro Shop at 770-773-2555.

In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains just 60 miles north of Atlanta, Barnsley Gardens Resort welcomes guests into a storybook romantic setting of incomparable service. Encompassing 1,400 landscaped acres, the historic Barnsley Gardens offers a unique getaway experience. Originally built as an opulent estate in the 19th century, the grounds have been transformed into a world-class resort. All guests are lodged in private rooms, suites or cottages, all luxuriously appointed with a mix of old-world charm and modern convenience.

Whether looking for a relaxing weekend, strategic meeting or an elegant wedding, guests will discover a retreat of privacy and perfection. Amenities include gourmet dining, immaculate gardens, historic ruins, a European-style spa, and exciting recreational choices such as world-class golf, Orvis wingshooting and fly-fishing schools, and horseback riding along scenic trails. www.barnsleyresort.com.

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