The question of California greens in Georgia really depends on the local environment and proper selection of materials. There is nothing especially sacrosanct about the USGA "perched water table" method of constructing greens with the expensive gravel base, but the use of the California has its unique problems that have to be analyzed ahead of time.
The main difference between the two construction methods is the gravel layer in the USGA green that creates the perched water table. But the all-sand base in the California method presents questions of material selection and amendment for root-zone health and proper drainage patterns, especially particle size and density.
Here are some great resources to help with the analysis:
USGA Construction Specs:
http://www.usga.org/green/coned/index.html
USGA study of subsurface drainage patterns:
http://usga.com/green/record/99/july_aug/subsurface_drainage.html
Univ Calif Div Ag & Nat Resources Pub 21448:
http://www.sandfinder.com/california%20greens.htm
Thomas McBroom course design -- comments on USGA vs Cal greens:
http://www.thomasmcbroom.com/course.tees.html
Ceramic Particles amendment:
http://www.findarticles.com/m0BSK/3_9/62871257/p1/article.jhtml
Turf Diagnostics & Design -- Sand Technology:
http://www.turfdiag.com/sandtech.html
Golf Course Mgmt (GCM) comparison -- USGA vs Cal Greens:
http://www.gcsaa.org/gcm/1998/feb98/02talk.html
GCM-- Cal green construction guide:
http://www.gcsaa.org/gcm/1999/dec99/12cali.html
GCM-- Ohio State comparison:
http://www.gcsaa.org/gcm/2000/may00/05charge.html
Hummel & Co. -- hybrid Cal greens in Myrtle Beach:
http://www.turfdoctor.com/article03.html
Univ Missouri-Columbia Turfgrass Research Center Study:
http://agebb.missouri.edu/turf/report99/amendments.htm
The Myrtle Beach experience may well be very instructive for your situation.
Cheers!
Geoff Mangum
The PuttingZone
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