Atlanta has one of the strongest private club scenes in the Southeast. Whether you care most about golf, tennis, swimming, social events, or a mix of everything, there are several standout country clubs in and around the city that locals rely on for community and recreation.
This guide focuses on country clubs in the Atlanta area—what they’re known for, how they differ, and what you should consider if you live in Atlanta, are moving here, or spend a lot of time in the city.
When Atlantans talk about the best country clubs, they’re usually weighing a few key factors:
Because Atlanta is spread out, where you live and work is often just as important as the prestige of the club. A 20-minute drive in the off-hours can easily become 45+ minutes in rush hour, so many residents choose a club close to home or along their daily commute.
This table gives a simplified overview of some well-known Atlanta-area country clubs and what they’re generally known for.
| Country Club / Area | General Location / Access | Known For* |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Athletic Club | Johns Creek (Northeast of Atlanta) | Championship golf, strong tennis & aquatics |
| East Lake Golf Club | East Atlanta / East Lake | Historic course, major tournaments, tradition |
| Druid Hills Golf Club | Near Emory / Druid Hills | Classic in-town course, strong family culture |
| Cherokee Town & Country Club | Buckhead & Sandy Springs (two campuses) | High-end amenities, extensive racquet sports |
| Ansley Golf Club | Midtown & Roswell (two campuses) | In-town convenience, family programming |
| Peachtree Golf Club | Brookhaven / North Atlanta | Exclusive, elite golf-focused environment |
| The Piedmont Driving Club | Midtown / Downtown & Southside (golf course) | Historic social club with premier golf |
| Rivermont Golf Club | Johns Creek | Strong golf value, member-focused atmosphere |
| The Golf Club of Georgia | Alpharetta | High-level golf, modern facilities |
| Country Club of the South | Johns Creek / Alpharetta corridor | Gated community club, family & golf mix |
*This is general reputation-style information, not a ranking or endorsement.
If you live in neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Druid Hills, Brookhaven, or Decatur, these clubs are particularly relevant because of their location and commuting patterns.
Area: Druid Hills / near Emory University, east of Midtown
Typical draw: Families, professionals working in-town or near Emory, long-time Atlanta residents
What Atlantans like about it:
If you live in or near Druid Hills, this club is often part of the conversation, especially for families who want one primary place for golf, pool, and social life without driving to the far suburbs.
Area: Main campus in Midtown near Ansley Park; second campus (Settindown Creek) in Roswell
Typical draw: Midtown/Buckhead residents seeking in-town convenience plus great golf
Key features:
Ansley is often discussed by people who want a true in-town club but still want access to serious golf at the Roswell campus.
Area:
Typical draw: Long-time Atlanta families, business leaders, and serious racquet-sports players
Known strengths:
Many Atlantans view Cherokee as one of the city’s more prestigious private club options, particularly for families settled in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and nearby North Fulton.
Area: Brookhaven / North Atlanta, near Peachtree Road and Peachtree-Dunwoody area
Typical draw: Highly dedicated golfers seeking a pure golf experience
What stands out:
If your priority is elite-level golf and you’re less focused on pools, youth programs, or large social calendars, Peachtree Golf Club is often part of the conversation among serious Atlanta golfers.
Area:
Typical draw: Long-established Atlanta families, professionals, and those wanting a blend of social and golf
Key aspects:
If you work downtown or spend much of your time in Midtown or the business districts, Piedmont Driving Club may be worth exploring for social and golf access.
A large share of Atlanta’s country clubs are clustered in the north and northeast suburbs, where there’s more land for large courses and communities. These clubs are especially relevant for residents of Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Roswell, Duluth, and Cumming, and sometimes for I‑85 or GA‑400 commuters.
Area: Johns Creek, northeast of the Perimeter
Typical draw: Serious golfers, competitive juniors, and active families
Why it’s frequently mentioned among the best:
If you live in Johns Creek, Duluth, or Peachtree Corners, Atlanta Athletic Club offers a strong blend of top-tier golf with a comprehensive family and athletics environment.
Area: Johns Creek
Typical draw: Golfers looking for a member-focused golf club with a strong course and community
Highlights:
This is often on the radar of serious local golfers who want to play and practice frequently and appreciate a community feel.
Area: Alpharetta, west of GA‑400
Typical draw: Golfers who prioritize course quality and practice facilities
Key strengths:
If you’re in Alpharetta, Milton, or Cumming, this club is a prominent option, especially if you want serious golf without a full “country club” social footprint.
Area: Johns Creek / Alpharetta corridor, inside a gated residential community
Typical draw: Families living in or near the community who want neighborhood-based amenities
What it offers:
If you’re relocating to North Fulton and considering gated communities, this club is frequently part of the home search.
Area: East Lake neighborhood, east of downtown Atlanta
Typical draw: Golf purists, corporate hospitality, and those drawn to golf history
Why it stands out:
East Lake is not a typical “family country club” with pools and kid activities at the center. It’s more often associated with serious golf, tradition, and corporate/hosted play. If you value history and big-tournament environments, it’s one of the most iconic golf addresses in the city.
Because Atlanta is spread out and club cultures differ, the “best” club depends heavily on your priorities. Here are the main factors Atlantans usually weigh.
In metro Atlanta, drive time can make or break your membership. Consider:
If you realistically won’t drive 45–60 minutes each way during peak hours, narrow your search to clubs that are within 20–30 minutes door-to-door in regular traffic.
Ask yourself:
In general:
If you have children or plan to, look closely at:
Many Atlanta families see their club as a central hub of their kids’ social life, especially in the summer, so junior programming can be a major deciding factor.
Atlanta has a large USTA and ALTA (Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association) presence, so racquet sports are a big part of many clubs.
If that matters to you, compare:
Clubs like Atlanta Athletic Club and Cherokee Town & Country Club are often noted for strong tennis and racquet programs.
Most private clubs in Atlanta offer tiers such as:
Because initiation fees and dues change over time, contact each club directly for current information. Ask:
Every club has its own feel. When you tour, pay attention to:
It often helps to visit more than once, at different times of day and different days of the week, to see how the club functions when it’s quiet and when it’s busy.
Here’s a straightforward way to narrow your options and take action:
Map your daily life
List top 3–5 clubs in that radius
Call membership offices
Ask about:
Schedule tours and, if possible, a round or meal
During your visit, focus on:
Talk to current members
If you can, ask people you know in Atlanta about:
Compare total value, not just prestige
For many Atlanta residents, the “best” club is the one they actually use the most and where their family feels most at home, rather than the one with the biggest name.
If you’re relocating and haven’t chosen a neighborhood yet, it can help to:
By focusing on your daily routine, your family’s needs, and the kind of community you want, you can narrow Atlanta’s many country club options to the handful that truly fit your life.
