Best Golf Courses in Atlanta: Where to Play Around the City

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.

Quick Overview: Top Atlanta Golf Courses by Type

How Atlanta Golf Is Laid Out

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:

  • Shorter on land but big on tree‑lined fairways and tight driving corridors.
  • More convenient if you’re staying in the city or don’t want to fight traffic.

• Outside the Perimeter (OTP) – North, east, and south suburbs:

  • More spacious, modern layouts with bigger practice areas.
  • Often better if you want a full “golf day” with fewer city distractions.

Your best choice depends on whether you prioritize location and convenience or pure golf experience and scenery.

Best Public Golf Courses Inside Atlanta

These are the go‑to public golf courses if you want to stay relatively close to the city center.

Bobby Jones Golf Course (Buckhead / Northside)

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:

• Strategic design focused on angles, not just length.
• Large, interesting green complexes that reward smart approaches.
• Strong practice facilities, including a range and short‑game areas.
• Good option if you want to play 9 holes after work or around a busy schedule.

Best for:
Golfers who appreciate modern course design, flexible 9 or 18‑hole options, and easy access from Buckhead, Midtown, and the Westside.

Chastain Park Golf Course (North Buckhead)

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:

• Walkable layout with a mix of short and mid‑length par 4s.
• Very central for intown neighborhoods like Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Midtown.
• Feels like a “real Atlanta course” with a neighborhood park vibe.

Things to know:

• Tee times can be popular on weekends and after work.
• Conditions vary with weather and traffic, as with many city courses.

Best for:
Intown players who want a traditional, tree‑lined parkland course without leaving the city.

Charlie Yates Golf Course (East Lake Area)

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:

• Shorter holes and fewer forced carries make it very beginner‑friendly.
• Reasonable pace of play; you can often finish a round in less time than a full 18 at a bigger course.
• Convenient to East Atlanta, Kirkwood, Decatur, and Downtown.

Best for:

• New golfers wanting a less intimidating place to start.
• Experienced players looking to work on scoring clubs in real on‑course situations.

Browns Mill Golf Course (South Atlanta)

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:

• Typically affordable green fees compared with many in-town courses.
• Good for players in South Atlanta, East Point, and College Park who don’t want a long drive north for golf.
• Layout is playable for a wide range of abilities.

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.

Wolf Creek Golf Course (Southwest of Downtown)

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:

• Big‑course feel with a lot of visual drama off the tee.
• Great option if you’re staying near Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport or living in the Camp Creek / South Fulton area.
• Plays tougher than the scorecard might suggest if you choose the wrong tees.

Best for:
Mid‑ to low‑handicappers and long hitters, or groups that want a serious test within reasonable distance of the city and airport.

Best Public & Resort‑Style Courses Near Atlanta (OTP)

If you’re willing to drive 20–45 minutes, your options open up.

Stone Mountain Golf Club (Stone Mountain)

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:

• Feels like a day trip without being too far from the city.
• Scenic holes along the water and natural rock features.
• Good choice if your group or family wants other activities in Stone Mountain Park while some play golf.

Best for:
Visitors or locals looking for a scenic, resort‑style round and a full day out, rather than just a quick 18.

Heritage Golf Links (Tucker / Northeast Atlanta)

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:

• Plenty of risk‑reward shots and forced carries.
• Multiple tee options make it playable for different skill levels, as long as you pick wisely.
• Convenient to Tucker, Norcross, Doraville, and the northeast I‑285 corridor.

Best for:
Golfers who like shot‑making, strategy, and variety, and are comfortable with water hazards being a regular part of the round.

Northside & Suburban Clubs (General Guidance)

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:

• More polished conditions than typical in‑town munis.
• Larger practice facilities and clubhouses.
• More modern layouts suited to today’s equipment distances.

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.

Private & Semi‑Private Golf in the Atlanta Area

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:

  • Ask your host about dress code and pace‑of‑play expectations.
  • Arrive early to take advantage of practice facilities.

• Corporate or network memberships – Some clubs allow limited play through:

  • Corporate agreements with local companies.
  • Membership networks that provide reciprocal privileges.

• 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:

• Talking with colleagues and neighbors about where they play.
• Visiting clubs near where you live (North Fulton, East Cobb, Gwinnett, etc.) to compare initiation fees, monthly dues, and family policies.

How to Choose the Right Atlanta Course for You

With so many options, focus on what matters most for your round.

1. Convenience vs. Course Quality

• If you’re short on time, prioritize ITP options:
  • Bobby Jones
  • Chastain Park
  • Charlie Yates
• If you have a full day, look OTP:
  • Stone Mountain Golf Club
  • Heritage Golf Links
  • Other suburban public courses

The extra drive often means less congestion and more scenic layouts.

2. Skill Level & Challenge

Match the course to your game:

• Beginners / High‑handicappers

  • Charlie Yates (shorter and friendlier)
  • Browns Mill (straightforward layout)
  • Playing forward tees at most courses

• Intermediate / Recreational players

  • Chastain Park
  • Bobby Jones (using sensible tees)
  • Heritage Golf Links from middle tees

• Low‑handicappers / Strong golfers

  • Wolf Creek (back tees are demanding)
  • Heritage Golf Links (tips or one up)
  • Longer suburban courses north and east of the city

⛳ 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.

3. Walking vs. Riding

Atlanta’s terrain is hilly and humid, especially in summer.

• Best for walking:

  • Charlie Yates
  • Chastain Park (if you’re comfortable with hills)
  • Bobby Jones (especially for 9 holes)

• Better with a cart:

  • Wolf Creek
  • Many suburban and resort‑style layouts with longer green‑to‑tee walks

If you’re visiting from a flatter or cooler climate, factor in heat, humidity, and elevation changes when deciding whether to walk.

4. Tee Time Strategy in Atlanta

Atlanta’s weather usually allows play year‑round, but demand patterns matter:

• Weekends: Prime morning tee times book quickly, especially at in‑town munis.
• Summer afternoons: Hot and often less crowded; can be good for deals and quicker rounds.
• Shoulder seasons (spring/fall): Very popular, with comfortable temperatures and strong demand.

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.

Practical Tips for Playing Golf in Atlanta

A few local considerations can make your round smoother:

• Heat & hydration: Summer rounds can be very hot and humid. Bring:

  • Plenty of water or electrolyte drinks
  • Sunscreen, hat, and light, breathable clothing

• Traffic timing: Plan drive time realistically:

  • Morning and afternoon rush hours on I‑75, I‑85, GA‑400, and I‑285 can be significant.
  • Give yourself a buffer so you can arrive early to warm up instead of rushing to the first tee.

• Weather swings: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in warmer months. Courses may:

  • Sound horns for lightning delays.
  • Temporarily close carts on paths only after heavy rain.

• Dress codes: Public courses are usually relaxed but still expect:

  • Golf‑appropriate shirts and shorts/pants.
  • Golf shoes or athletic shoes (avoid metal spikes).

Choosing the Best Golf Course in Atlanta for Your Situation

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.