Atlanta is one of the South’s most underrated golf hubs. Whether you’re a local looking for a new weekend spot, a visitor squeezing in a round between meetings, or planning a buddies’ trip, there are excellent golf courses in and around Atlanta for every budget and skill level.
Below is a practical guide to the best golf courses in Atlanta, focusing on public and semi‑private options you can realistically book.
| Course / Area | Type | Vibe & Difficulty | Why Locals Like It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlie Yates Golf Course | Public | Short, walkable, fun | Great for beginners & tune‑ups |
| Chastain Park Golf Course | Public | Classic city muni, tree‑lined | Central location & walkable layout |
| Bobby Jones Golf Course | Public | Modern reversible 9, strategic | Innovative design, great practice options |
| North Fulton (Alpharetta/Roswell) | Mix (Public/Private) | More upscale, suburban | Polished layouts and facilities |
| Stone Mountain Golf Club | Public | Scenic, resort-style | Lake and mountain views |
| Heritage Golf Links (Tucker) | Public | Target-style, challenging | Strong test with multiple tees |
| Browns Mill Golf Course | Public | Affordable, straightforward | Budget-friendly, local feel |
| Wolf Creek (South Fulton) | Public | Long, hilly, demanding | Good for big hitters and strong players |
Before you pick a course, it helps to understand Atlanta’s golf geography:
Inside the Perimeter (ITP) – Courses closer to downtown and Midtown tend to be:
Outside the Perimeter (OTP) – North, east, and south suburbs:
Your best choice depends on whether you prioritize location and convenience or pure golf experience and scenery.
These are the go‑to public golf courses if you want to stay relatively close to the city center.
Type: Public
Location: Near Northside Dr NW & Northside Pkwy NW, just north of I‑75
Bobby Jones is one of the most unique public golf experiences in Atlanta. It’s built as a reversible 9‑hole course, so the routing can change, and a standard round is configured as 18 holes using different tees.
Why it stands out:
Best for:
Golfers who appreciate modern course design, flexible 9 or 18‑hole options, and easy access from Buckhead, Midtown, and the Westside.
Type: Public
Location: Chastain Park area, north Buckhead
Chastain Park (often called North Fulton Golf Course) is a classic city muni set in Atlanta’s largest park, with mature trees and rolling terrain.
Highlights:
Things to know:
Best for:
Intown players who want a traditional, tree‑lined parkland course without leaving the city.
Type: Public
Location: Adjacent to East Lake, east of Downtown
Charlie Yates is a short course that’s perfect for beginners, juniors, or anyone sharpening their wedges and irons.
Why locals like it:
Best for:
Type: Public
Location: Southeast of Downtown, near Browns Mill Rd SE
Browns Mill is one of Atlanta’s more budget‑friendly public options, with a straightforward layout and a local, no‑frills feel.
Highlights:
Best for:
Golfers looking for a value round without leaving the city, or those based on the south side who want something close to home.
Type: Public
Location: Near Camp Creek Pkwy in South Fulton, convenient to the airport
Wolf Creek is known for being long, hilly, and challenging, with dramatic elevation changes and several demanding tee shots.
What to expect:
Best for:
Mid‑ to low‑handicappers and long hitters, or groups that want a serious test within reasonable distance of the city and airport.
If you’re willing to drive 20–45 minutes, your options open up.
Type: Public / Resort
Location: Inside Stone Mountain Park, east of Atlanta
Stone Mountain Golf Club offers scenic rounds with lake and mountain views, set inside one of the Atlanta area’s most recognizable parks.
Why it’s popular:
Best for:
Visitors or locals looking for a scenic, resort‑style round and a full day out, rather than just a quick 18.
Type: Public
Location: Just northeast of I‑285 near Tucker
Heritage Golf Links is a target‑style course with water in play on many holes and a reputation for being demanding from the back tees.
Course character:
Best for:
Golfers who like shot‑making, strategy, and variety, and are comfortable with water hazards being a regular part of the round.
The north metro area (Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Cumming) is known for high‑quality golf, much of it private. However, there are also public and semi‑private courses that Atlantans often drive to for:
If you’re staying in the Perimeter business area, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, or Alpharetta, checking nearby public and semi‑private options can be worth the short drive versus playing downtown.
Atlanta has a deep roster of private clubs that host tournaments, business rounds, and long‑standing member games. While these may not be bookable like public courses, it’s useful to know how access often works:
Member‑only courses – Access is limited to members and their guests. If you’re invited, be sure to:
Corporate or network memberships – Some clubs allow limited play through:
Semi‑private setups – A portion of tee times may be open to the public, especially on weekdays or off‑peak hours, while still offering membership benefits to regulars.
If you move to Atlanta and want regular access to top‑tier private golf, it can be worth:
With so many options, focus on what matters most for your round.
The extra drive often means less congestion and more scenic layouts.
Match the course to your game:
Beginners / High‑handicappers
Intermediate / Recreational players
Low‑handicappers / Strong golfers
⛳ Tip: In Atlanta’s heat and humidity, playing too far back can turn any round into a grind. When in doubt, choose a more forward tee set.
Atlanta’s terrain is hilly and humid, especially in summer.
Best for walking:
Better with a cart:
If you’re visiting from a flatter or cooler climate, factor in heat, humidity, and elevation changes when deciding whether to walk.
Atlanta’s weather usually allows play year‑round, but demand patterns matter:
Booking a few days to a week in advance is often smart for public courses, especially if you need specific times or are playing with a group.
A few local considerations can make your round smoother:
Heat & hydration: Summer rounds can be very hot and humid. Bring:
Traffic timing: Plan drive time realistically:
Weather swings: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in warmer months. Courses may:
Dress codes: Public courses are usually relaxed but still expect:
If you’re still undecided, here’s a simple way to narrow it down:
Staying in Midtown or Downtown and want one round:
Try Bobby Jones or Chastain Park.
New to the game or bringing kids:
Start at Charlie Yates for a shorter, more forgiving experience.
On a budget and live on the south side:
Look at Browns Mill or Wolf Creek (choosing tees wisely).
Want a “golf day” with scenery and a getaway feel:
Head to Stone Mountain Golf Club or a well‑rated suburban course northeast or north of the city.
By focusing on where you’re staying, how much time you have, and your comfort level on the course, you can easily find a best‑fit golf course in Atlanta for your next round.
