Golf Courses in the City of Atlanta: Where to Play, Practice, and Join a League

Atlanta has one of the strongest public golf scenes in the Southeast. Whether you live in-town, are visiting for a few days, or are just getting into the game, you have a wide range of city-run, semi‑private, and nearby suburban courses to choose from.

This guide focuses on golf courses in and very close to the City of Atlanta, with practical details to help you decide where to play, what to expect, and how to plan your round.

Quick Overview: Major Golf Options In and Around Atlanta

Below is a simplified look at some of the best-known golf facilities that are commonly used by Atlanta residents and visitors. Addresses and phone numbers are included where they help you take action.

For tee times, rates, and dress codes, checking each course by phone or online before you go is recommended, as policies and prices can change.

City of Atlanta Public Golf Courses

Several of the courses most Atlantans think of as “city courses” are either owned or closely managed in partnership with the City of Atlanta, making them key options for affordable, in-town golf.

Bobby Jones Golf Course (Buckhead / Northside)

Address: 2205 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 355‑1009

Bobby Jones is one of Atlanta’s most modern public golf facilities. It features:

• A reversible 9‑hole course (you can play different combinations for an 18‑hole experience)
• Large practice areas, including a driving range and dedicated short‑game areas
• A focus on juniors and beginners, including programs often connected with local youth golf initiatives
• A central location near Buckhead, Midtown, and West Midtown

What to expect:

• Layout: More open than some older tree-lined courses, with strategic bunkering and interesting green complexes.
• Playability: Friendly for newer golfers from the forward tees, but challenging enough from the back.
• Atmosphere: Modern clubhouse, active practice range, and steady local traffic.

This is one of the best choices if you’re staying near Midtown, Buckhead, or on the Westside and want a contemporary public golf experience.

Chastain Park Golf Course (North Fulton Golf Course)

Address: 216 W Wieuca Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
Phone: (404) 255‑0723

Located inside Chastain Park, this 18‑hole course is a favorite of many Buckhead and north Atlanta residents.

Key features:

• Tree‑lined fairways and significant elevation changes
• Scenic views of the surrounding park and neighborhood
• A classic, traditional parkland layout

What to expect:

• Difficulty: Moderate; some tight driving holes and sloped greens can test mid‑handicap players.
• Walkability: Walkable but hilly in places; many players opt for a cart in hot weather.
• Location perks: Easy to pair with other Chastain Park activities (walking trails, tennis, amphitheater events).

If you’re staying or living in North Atlanta and want a traditional 18‑hole experience surrounded by one of Atlanta’s largest city parks, Chastain is a strong pick.

Alfred “Tup” Holmes Golf Course (Southwest Atlanta)

Address: 2300 Wilson Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30311
Phone: (404) 753‑6158

Alfred “Tup” Holmes is not just a golf course; it’s a historic civil-rights site. It is named after Alfred Tup Holmes, who played a key role in challenging segregation in golf in Atlanta.

Highlights:

• 18‑hole public course in Southwest Atlanta
• Generally affordable green fees
• A layout with both open and tree-lined holes

What to expect:

• Atmosphere: Neighborhood feel, with many regulars from the surrounding community.
• Play style: Good for players who want a straightforward layout but are comfortable with some uneven lies and doglegs.
• Cultural significance: A meaningful place to play if you’re interested in the intersection of Atlanta history and golf.

Brown’s Mill Golf Course (South Atlanta)

Address: 480 Cleveland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30354
Phone: (404) 366‑3573

Brown’s Mill is located in South Atlanta, not far from the airport and major interstates.

Key features:

• 18‑hole public course with a reputation as one of the better value plays close to the city
• Fairly open layout, often considered accessible for higher handicaps
• Useful for practice rounds and casual play

What to expect:

• Difficulty: Generally forgiving off the tee, with some holes that reward straight driving.
• Crowds: Can be popular on weekends due to value pricing.
• Convenience: A practical choice if you live in South Atlanta or are staying near Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport and want to squeeze in a round.

Charlie Yates Golf Course (East Lake / East Atlanta)

Address: 10 Lakeside Village Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30317
Phone: (404) 373‑4655

Charlie Yates is a 9‑hole public course near the historic East Lake neighborhood.

Highlights:

• Shorter course, suitable for beginners, juniors, and casual rounds
• Typically quicker to play than a full 18
• Proximity to East Lake Golf Club adds to the area’s golf history feel

What to expect:

• Length: Modest; good for working on your iron play and wedges.
• Time: Ideal if you only have 1.5–2 hours.
• Location: Convenient to East Atlanta, Kirkwood, Oakhurst, and Decatur-area residents.

Private and Semi‑Private Courses Inside the City

While this guide focuses on accessible play, it helps to know what else is in the city limits.

East Lake Golf Club

Address: 2575 Alston Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30317
Phone: (404) 373‑5722

East Lake is a private club and home of the PGA TOUR Championship. It is known for:

• High-level championship golf
• Deep historical ties to Bobby Jones and Atlanta golf
• Extensive community impact in the East Lake neighborhood

For most golfers, East Lake is not an everyday option, but it shapes the local golf culture. Many Atlantans follow the TOUR Championship each year and use it as inspiration to work on their own games at nearby public spots like Charlie Yates or Bobby Jones.

Cross Creek Golf Club

Address: 1221 Cross Creek Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
Phone: (404) 351‑7650

Cross Creek is a semi‑private course inside a gated condominium community in West Buckhead.

Key features:

• A par‑62 layout with a mix of par‑3s and par‑4s
• Narrow in spots, rewarding accuracy over distance
• Often available to the public for tee times while also serving residents and members

If you’re staying or living in West Buckhead and want a shorter, strategic course, Cross Creek can be a practical in‑town option.

How to Choose an Atlanta Course Based on Your Needs

If You’re a Beginner or Getting Back Into Golf

Solid Atlanta‑area options:

• Charlie Yates Golf Course – shorter 9‑hole layout
• Bobby Jones Golf Course – modern design, practice facilities, and a range-friendly setup
• Brown’s Mill – value-focused and generally more forgiving

Look for:

• Shorter total yardage
• A driving range or practice area on site
• Reasonable pace of play and a relaxed atmosphere

If You’re an Intermediate or Low‑Handicap Golfer

Places that tend to offer more challenge:

• Chastain Park (North Fulton) Golf Course – elevation, tree‑lined fairways
• Bobby Jones Golf Course – strategic greens and multiple teeing options
• Alfred “Tup” Holmes – traditional parkland challenge with some tighter lines

What matters:

• Course conditions: Ask about greens and fairways when you book.
• Layout variety: Courses that make you hit different clubs off the tee and into greens.
• Pace of play: Early morning tee times often help serious players avoid slow rounds.

If You’re Short on Time ⏱

Consider:

• Charlie Yates Golf Course – 9 holes
• Bobby Jones Golf Course – 9‑hole loops or flexible tee times
• Any course where you can arrange a twilight or 9‑hole round after work

Tell the pro shop when booking that you plan to play 9 holes; many Atlanta courses accommodate this, especially on weekdays.

Typical Costs and What to Expect

Exact prices change over time, but Atlanta golfers commonly encounter:

• Weekday vs. weekend rates: Weekend mornings are usually the most expensive and busiest.
• Resident vs. non‑resident pricing: Some public courses may differentiate between local and out‑of‑area rates.
• Cart fees vs. walking: Walking is often allowed; fees for riding carts are added on top of green fees.
• Twilight discounts: Afternoon or evening tee times can reduce cost and help you avoid midday heat in summer.

To avoid surprises:

1. Call ahead and ask:
   • Green fee for your day/time
   • Cart fee (if you want one)
   • Replay or 9‑hole rates
2. Confirm:
   • Dress code
   • Whether metal spikes are allowed (many courses require soft spikes only)
   • Any scheduled maintenance (like aeration of greens)

Getting Around: Transportation Tips for Atlanta Golfers

Atlanta traffic and layout affect how easy it is to reach each course.

• By car:
  Most golfers drive. Courses like Bobby Jones, Chastain, Tup Holmes, and Brown’s Mill are all reachable from downtown via major interstates (I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, and I‑285). Allow extra time during rush hours.

• By MARTA:
  Direct MARTA access to courses is limited. Some courses are within a short rideshare of nearby MARTA rail stations, but few are an easy walk from a station. If you don’t have a car, a MARTA + rideshare combination is often the most practical.

• From the airport (Hartsfield‑Jackson):
  Brown’s Mill is generally the closest public option. With light traffic, some visitors can fit in a round before or after flights, but always allow extra time for travel and returning a rental car.

Leagues, Lessons, and Junior Golf in Atlanta

Leagues and Regular Play Groups

Many Atlanta courses host:

• Men’s and women’s leagues
• Senior morning leagues
• After‑work 9‑hole groups

If you’re looking for regular play:

• Call the pro shop at your preferred course and ask about:
  • Weekly leagues
  • Handicap or scoring systems they use
  • Open spots for new participants

This is one of the fastest ways for newcomers to Atlanta to meet other golfers.

Lessons and Coaching

Most public courses in Atlanta either:

• Have onsite teaching professionals, or
• Partner with local instructors who use their practice facilities.

When you call, you can ask:

• “Do you have a PGA professional or teaching pro available for lessons?”
• Rates for:
  • Individual sessions
  • Group clinics
  • Beginner packages

Facilities like Bobby Jones and Charlie Yates are commonly used for lessons because of their practice areas and beginner‑friendly layouts.

Junior Golf and Youth Programs

Atlanta typically offers:

• Junior camps in spring and summer
• After‑school programs during the school year
• Beginner clinics on weekends

Courses with strong junior connections often include:

• Bobby Jones Golf Course
• Charlie Yates Golf Course
• Larger public complexes that work with youth and community organizations

Parents can call the pro shop and ask about:

• Minimum age requirements
• Loaner clubs for kids
• Program schedules during school breaks

Seasonal Considerations for Golf in Atlanta

Atlanta’s climate allows for year‑round golf, but conditions change through the year.

• Spring (March–May):

  • Popular season; mild temperatures and blooming trees.
  • Courses can be busier on weekends; booking in advance helps.

• Summer (June–August):

  • Hot and humid; morning or twilight tee times are usually more comfortable.
  • Hydration is essential; most courses have water jugs or sell drinks at the clubhouse.

• Fall (September–November):

  • Many golfers consider this prime season: cooler air, good course conditions.
  • Leaf fall can occasionally make ball‑finding tricky in tree-heavy areas.

• Winter (December–February):

  • Cooler but often playable; some days can reach golf‑friendly temperatures.
  • Courses may run off‑season rates; fairways can be dormant but still playable.

Practical Tips for Playing Golf in Atlanta

• Book ahead on weekends:
  Popular city courses can fill quickly on Saturday and Sunday mornings, especially in spring and fall.

• Ask about pace of play:
  If you’re on a tight schedule, call and ask when the course is least crowded. Early mornings or mid‑afternoons on weekdays are often best.

• Prepare for hills:
  Many Atlanta courses feature elevation changes. If you plan to walk, bring comfortable shoes and consider a push cart.

• Check parking and access:

  • Courses like Cross Creek are inside gated communities, so ask at the gatehouse where to park and how to access the pro shop.
  • Urban courses can have busy nearby streets; build in time for navigating local traffic.

• Mind the heat in summer:
  Lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and plenty of water are important for mid‑day rounds.

If you live in Atlanta, you can build a full golf routine without ever leaving the city—rotating among public choices like Bobby Jones, Chastain Park, Tup Holmes, Brown’s Mill, and Charlie Yates, and supplementing with lessons or leagues as you go. Visitors will find that these same courses offer a clear snapshot of how golf looks and feels inside the City of Atlanta.