Best Country Clubs in Atlanta: Where to Play, Dine, and Connect

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.

What Makes a “Top” Country Club in Atlanta?

When Atlantans talk about the best country clubs, they’re usually weighing a few key factors:

• Golf quality: Course design, conditions, difficulty, and pace of play
• Location & commute: In-town vs. northern suburbs vs. south side
• Amenities: Tennis, pickleball, fitness, pools, dining, junior programs
• Club culture: Family-friendly vs. golf-first vs. business networking
• Facilities & upkeep: Locker rooms, practice facilities, clubhouse
• Membership structure: Initiation fee, monthly dues, waitlists, guest policies

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.

Snapshot: Notable Atlanta-Area Country Clubs

This table gives a simplified overview of some well-known Atlanta-area country clubs and what they’re generally known for.

*This is general reputation-style information, not a ranking or endorsement.

In-Town & Near-In-Town Country Clubs

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.

Druid Hills Golf Club

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:

• Classic parkland-style golf course with a long local history
• Close to intown neighborhoods like Morningside, Virginia-Highland, and Decatur
• Strong junior golf, tennis, and swim programs
• Social events throughout the year that appeal to families and young professionals

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.

Ansley Golf Club

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:

• Midtown location is highly convenient if you live or work near the city center
• Settindown Creek course in Roswell offers a more expansive, championship-style golf experience
• Known for strong junior programming, active member events, and a social scene that appeals to both families and young professionals

Ansley is often discussed by people who want a true in-town club but still want access to serious golf at the Roswell campus.

Cherokee Town & Country Club

Area:

• Town Club: Buckhead (Peachtree Road area)
• Country Club: Sandy Springs (off Northside Drive / I-285 area)

Typical draw: Long-time Atlanta families, business leaders, and serious racquet-sports players

Known strengths:

• Two distinct campuses—city and country—with a wide range of amenities
• High-level tennis and racquet sports programs, including pickleball
• Multiple dining venues, fitness, and aquatics
• Strong reputation for club operations and upkeep

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.

Peachtree Golf Club

Area: Brookhaven / North Atlanta, near Peachtree Road and Peachtree-Dunwoody area
Typical draw: Highly dedicated golfers seeking a pure golf experience

What stands out:

• Designed in part by Bobby Jones, it’s often considered one of Atlanta’s top golf courses
• More golf-focused than family-club-focused, with a strong emphasis on course quality and tradition
• Very limited and selective membership relative to more family-oriented clubs

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.

Piedmont Driving Club

Area:

• Clubhouse: Near Piedmont Park / Midtown, close to downtown
• Golf course: South of the city, separate property

Typical draw: Long-established Atlanta families, professionals, and those wanting a blend of social and golf

Key aspects:

• Historic city club atmosphere near Midtown and downtown
• Separate golf course facility offering a high-quality golf experience
• Often valued for fine dining, events, and social connectivity among long-time Atlantans

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.

Northern Suburbs: Golf-Rich Corridor (Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Roswell)

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.

Atlanta Athletic Club

Area: Johns Creek, northeast of the Perimeter
Typical draw: Serious golfers, competitive juniors, and active families

Why it’s frequently mentioned among the best:

• Known for championship-level golf and hosting high-profile tournaments
• Extensive tennis, pickleball, and aquatics programs
• Large fitness facilities and robust junior and family activities
• Well developed practice facilities for golfers

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.

Rivermont Golf Club

Area: Johns Creek
Typical draw: Golfers looking for a member-focused golf club with a strong course and community

Highlights:

• Reputation for a well-maintained, challenging golf course
• Emphasis on golf-first membership with a more relaxed, golfer-centric culture
• Appeals to players who want solid golf and camaraderie without needing a huge social or aquatics complex

This is often on the radar of serious local golfers who want to play and practice frequently and appreciate a community feel.

The Golf Club of Georgia

Area: Alpharetta, west of GA‑400
Typical draw: Golfers who prioritize course quality and practice facilities

Key strengths:

• Multiple championship-level courses (often regarded highly in the region)
• Strong practice infrastructure and modern clubhouse setup
• Oriented toward the golf experience with associated dining and social spaces

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.

Country Club of the South

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:

• Golf course set within a gated, master-planned community
• Swim, tennis, clubhouse, and junior programming integrated with neighborhood life
• Often attractive to families who prefer living and playing inside the same community

If you’re relocating to North Fulton and considering gated communities, this club is frequently part of the home search.

East Atlanta & Historic Golf: East Lake Golf Club

Area: East Lake neighborhood, east of downtown Atlanta
Typical draw: Golf purists, corporate hospitality, and those drawn to golf history

Why it stands out:

• Home course of the Tour Championship in the PGA Tour calendar
• Deep historic ties to Bobby Jones and the development of golf in Atlanta
• Course conditions and setup often align with championship-level standards

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.

How to Choose the Best Country Club in Atlanta for You

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.

1. Commute and Location

In metro Atlanta, drive time can make or break your membership. Consider:

• Where you live (intown vs. North Fulton vs. other suburbs)
• Where you work and when you’ll likely visit (before work, after work, weekends)
• Access to major roads like I‑75, I‑85, GA‑400, I‑285, and Peachtree Road

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.

2. Golf vs. All-Around Amenities

Ask yourself:

• Do you primarily want a golf membership with the best possible course?
• Or do you want a full family environment with pool, summertime activities, camps, tennis, and social events?

In general:

• Golf-centric clubs (for example, Peachtree Golf Club, The Golf Club of Georgia, Rivermont) focus heavily on course quality and practice facilities.
• Full-service country clubs (for example, Atlanta Athletic Club, Ansley, Cherokee, Druid Hills) combine golf with tennis, aquatics, fitness, dining, and kids’ programming.

3. Family & Junior Programming

If you have children or plan to, look closely at:

• Swim teams and summer pool programming
• Junior golf and tennis clinics, leagues, and coaching
• Holiday events, camps, and teen programs
• Safety, supervision, and whether the club actually has a critical mass of kids in your children’s age range

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.

4. Tennis, Pickleball, and Fitness

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:

• Number and type of tennis courts (hard, clay, indoor)
• Availability and growth of pickleball courts
• Level of league play, coaching, and clinics
• Fitness center size, group classes, and training options

Clubs like Atlanta Athletic Club and Cherokee Town & Country Club are often noted for strong tennis and racquet programs.

5. Membership Types, Costs, and Waitlists

Most private clubs in Atlanta offer tiers such as:

• Full (golf) membership
• Social / house membership (dining, events, maybe pool/fitness, but limited or no golf)
• Junior or young professional membership (reduced rates up to a certain age)
• Sometimes corporate memberships for businesses

Because initiation fees and dues change over time, contact each club directly for current information. Ask:

• Is there a waitlist for the membership type you want?
• Are there minimum spending requirements in dining or other areas?
• What are the guest policies and fees?
• How do cart fees, locker fees, and assessments work?

6. Culture and Atmosphere

Every club has its own feel. When you tour, pay attention to:

• How staff and members interact
• Whether the vibe is formal or relaxed
• Whether there are people in your life stage (singles, young families, retirees)
• How busy spaces like the bar, grill, pool, and practice areas feel at typical times

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.

Practical Steps to Explore Country Clubs in Atlanta

Here’s a straightforward way to narrow your options and take action:

1. Map your daily life

   • Pin your home, work, and kids’ schools/activities.
   • Draw a realistic radius (time-based, not just miles) where you’re willing to drive.

2. List top 3–5 clubs in that radius

   • Include at least one “stretch” option and one “value” or golf-first option.

3. Call membership offices
   Ask about:

   • Membership categories and current initiation / dues ranges
   • Waitlist status and approximate time to join
   • Access to trial visits, tours, or guest rounds (if allowed)

4. Schedule tours and, if possible, a round or meal
   During your visit, focus on:

   • Course conditions and practice facilities
   • Locker rooms, fitness center, dining spaces
   • Family spaces (kids’ rooms, pool setup, junior areas)

5. Talk to current members
   If you can, ask people you know in Atlanta about:

   • Day-to-day experience with crowding, tee time access, and staff
   • How the club handled recent improvements or renovations
   • Whether they feel the club fits their lifestyle and budget

6. 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 New to Atlanta or Still Deciding Where to Live

If you’re relocating and haven’t chosen a neighborhood yet, it can help to:

• Decide whether you prefer intown living (Midtown, Buckhead, Druid Hills, Virginia-Highland, Brookhaven) or the suburbs (Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell, Sandy Springs).
• Shortlist clubs that fit that lifestyle—e.g., Ansley, Cherokee, Druid Hills for intown/Buckhead, versus Atlanta Athletic Club, Country Club of the South, Golf Club of Georgia for North Fulton.
• Factor club proximity into your home search, especially if golf or club life will be central to your routine.

Key Takeaways for Finding the Best Country Club in Atlanta

• Location and commute time are often the deciding factors in metro Atlanta.
• The best club for you depends on whether you’re golf-first or want a full family and social environment.
• Atlanta offers a spectrum of options, from historic, elite golf clubs to family-focused country clubs with robust junior programs, tennis, and aquatics.
• Before joining, visit in person, talk to members, and confirm current membership costs, categories, and waitlists directly with each club.

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.