The Creek Golf Course at Hard Labor Creek State Park

The Creek at Hard Labor Creek State Park is Denis Griffiths's 2005 state-park design in Social Circle, Georgia, 45 miles east of Atlanta off I-20. Griffiths built what is widely regarded as the most difficult course on the Georgia State Parks Trail despite a modest 6,612-yard par-72 layout. The course's reputation rests on awkward tee-shot angles, significant elevation changes, and a strong collection of par-4s that punish misfires. The par-4 1st is an immediate statement of intent, voted the 'hardest starting hole in Georgia' by local golfers. Griffiths integrated Hard Labor Creek and surrounding wetlands into the routing without leaning on forced-carry tricks; the course defends itself through positional demands off the tee rather than water carries. Greens are firm and often perched above their approaches, with bunkering placed to reject conservative play. The course was named the #1 Resort Course in Georgia by Georgia Fairways in 2005 (its opening year) and was subsequently selected as the '4th sweetest deal in USA' by Golf Digest's Frugal Golfer (2010). Golf Advisor placed it at #14 on the Top 25 Most Improved U.S. Golf Courses in 2024. At state-park pricing for a Griffiths design, it's the serious round on the Georgia State Parks Trail.