US Grand Prix - Sporting - United States (March 2024)

Old Hudson Plantation is a premier historic shooting and event venue located in the piney woods of Sparta, Georgia. Nestled on an estate that has been in the Bush family since 1779, the plantation has evolved from a quiet lineage property into a professional-grade hub for shotgun sports and guided hunting. It is specifically designed to provide a high-quality experience for diverse visitors, ranging from competitive athletes participating in national tournaments to families and corporate groups seeking a traditional Southern retreat.

The facility is renowned for its three distinct sporting clays courses that leverage the rolling terrain and mature pines of the Georgia Piedmont. The "Woods Course" features 12 stations tailored for beginners, while the "Red Course" offers 15 stations with expansive views and moderate technical challenges. For elite shooters, the "White Course" provides a "super sporting" experience, famously utilizing repurposed firetrucks—including one with an extended ladder—to launch targets from dramatic heights, simulating high-angle bird flights.

Technical excellence is a hallmark of the plantation, which utilizes the electronic Promatic Card System for automated scorekeeping and target release, ensuring a seamless, self-paced experience for all guests. In addition to its extensive clay courses, the range includes two 5-stand fields, dual skeet and trap fields, and a dedicated pistol range. The site also functions as a working game bird hatchery, supporting guided buggy quail hunts and pheasant tower shoots during the peak season from October through March.

Old Hudson Plantation maintains a prestigious competitive profile as a sanctioned host for the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA), organizing nearly a dozen major registered events annually. Significant fixtures include the American Grand Prix & Caesar Guerini Cup, the GA FITASC Championship, and the Annual Beretta Classic. The club is also home to the Lake Oconee Shooting Team (LOST), reflecting its deep commitment to local youth sports and community development.

Hospitality is integrated directly into the sporting experience through offerings like the Thursday night "Shoot and Eat" gatherings, where participants share family-style Southern meals after a round on the course. For group events, the plantation provides two large covered pavilions, professional on-site catering, and 30 camper hookups for those traveling with RVs. Certified instruction and specialized target guidance are always available to help shooters of all levels refine their technique and safety protocols.

Competitive Specialization & Events

• NSCA Sanctioned Venue: Host of 8–9 registered tournaments per year, including the Caesar Guerini Cup and Beretta Classic.

• Diverse Disciplines: Full-service layouts for Sporting Clays, FITASC, Skeet, Trap, and 5-Stand.

• Signature Events: Weekly "Shoot and Eat" socials and competitive multi-gauge tournaments.

Infrastructure & Technical Features

• Elevated Target Platforms: Unique ladder-firetruck launchers on the White Course for high-vertical targets.

• Electronic Management: Promatic card system for automated, staff-free target release.

• On-site Amenities: Pro Shop with gear and ammunition ($9–$15/box), two event pavilions, and 30 camper hookups.

Service Pricing Snapshot

• Sporting Clays: $0.55 per clay (Non-Member) / $0.45 per clay (Member).

• Skeet & Trap: $0.48 per clay (Non-Member) / $0.36 per clay (Member).

• Equipment & Guidance: Gun rentals at $30 and professional instructor guidance starting at $50/hour.

• Annual Membership: $250 per year with discounted targets and accessory rates.

Operating Hours

• Mon – Sun: 08:30 am – 06:00 pm

• Holidays: Generally open