This southern retreat is Johnson Wagner’s favorite golf destination

Being a pro usually helps get the invite to some of the most outstanding golf courses around the world. Three-time PGA Tour winner Johnson Wagner is no exception.

On this week’s episode of GOLF’s Subpar, co-hosts Colt Knost and Drew Stolz asked Wagner what his favorites were, and it was a new Georgia design that topped the list.

“I got back from Ohoopee [Match Club] and then flew down to Seminole for the pro-member the next day. And yeah, Ohoopee is my — I can’t believe it, but I think it’s my new No. 1 place in the world,” Wagner said. “I just think they’re killing it and they’ve kind of set the trend. If you’re going to build a place now that’s a destination club, what are you going to do to make it better than that place?”

Ohoopee Match Club opened in 2018 about 75 miles west of Savannah, Ga., in Cobbtown and has been a bucket-list spot for many ever since. Although it may remain on the bucket list for most, as the reclusive private escape made our 11 toughest tee times in America list last fall.

The Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner design is no typical club, as it’s called the Match Club for a reason. Match play is encouraged so much so that par isn’t even listed on the scorecard.

Stolz recalled a visit when his group was left alone by the bartenders, but still allowed to make themselves whatever drinks they wanted on their own.

“The business model is a home run,” Wagner said. “So you go and you pay the daily rate, lunch to lunch, and everything’s included except for your caddie.

“How can you make it better than Ohoopee? I don’t think many people will.”

For some of his other top getaways, he mentioned Chicago Golf Club, Pine Valley and a trip when he flew privately during the early part of the pandemic to Cypress Point.

“I’ve got some friends that are members at some really good spots,” Wagner said.

Really? You don’t say.

For more from Wagner, including his take on the PGA Tour’s schedule changes and more, check out the full podcast below.