ptmcgolf,
I thought Georgia was full of Southern Yellow Pine, which is tougher than hell and cheap.
If you go the Woodmizer route with Oak, remember you are going to be dealing with wet wood, and the shrinkage issues. Any edge detail will change as the wood dries.
If you can get it sawn, stick it, and let it dry for a season, you would have a much better chance of success.
Stuart