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

Atlanta has one of the strongest public golf scenes in the Southeast, with options ranging from classic city munis to championship-style layouts in the suburbs. Whether you live in town or you’re visiting and looking for a solid public round, you can find a course that fits your budget, skill level, and schedule within an hour of downtown.

Below is a practical guide to some of the best public golf courses in and around Atlanta, plus tips on when to play, how to book, and what locals usually look for when choosing where to tee it up.

Quick Comparison: Top Public Golf Options Around Atlanta

Use this at-a-glance guide to narrow down your choices:

What Makes a “Best” Public Golf Course in Atlanta?

Before naming specific courses, it helps to know what most Atlanta golfers care about:

• Accessibility from I‑285 or major highways (I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, GA‑400)
• Price vs. conditioning – Many locals look for the sweet spot where greens roll well without private-club pricing.
• Pace of play – Weekends in peak season can get crowded, especially inside the Perimeter.
• Practice facilities – Driving range, short-game area, and putting green matter for many regular players.
• Walkability vs. hilly layouts – Atlanta terrain varies a lot; some courses are easy to walk, others are cart-only.

The courses below are widely considered some of the strongest public options when you weigh these factors.

Top Public Courses Inside the Perimeter (ITP)

These are best if you’re staying intown or don’t want a long drive.

Bobby Jones Golf Course (Buckhead)

Location:
2205 Northside Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 355-1009

Bobby Jones is one of the most unique public courses in Atlanta. It’s a reversible 9-hole layout (the Magnolia and Azalea routings), designed so it plays like 18 different holes across two directions on different days.

Why locals like it:

• Central location just north of Midtown, minutes off I‑75.
• Strategic design with wide fairways but challenging greens and angles.
• Flexible formats: 9-hole, 18 via replay, and various teeing options.
• A large practice facility and the Georgia Golf House nearby, with putting/chipping greens and instruction options.

Good to know:

• Tee times can fill quickly after work and on weekends.
• Parking can be tight during peak times and events.
• It’s popular with walkers; carts are available but not mandatory.

Charlie Yates Golf Course (East Lake)

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

Located near East Lake, Charlie Yates is a shorter par-58 course that’s very approachable but still interesting.

What to expect:

• Short layout, mainly par 3s and 4s – ideal for beginners, juniors, and practice.
• Generally faster rounds than big 18-hole courses.
• Intown location, easy drive from Downtown, East Atlanta, Decatur, and Kirkwood.

Best for:

• Learning the game without the pressure of a long championship layout.
• Quick evening or early-morning rounds.
• Players who want to dial in irons and wedges.

North Fulton Golf Course at Chastain Park

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

Often just called Chastain, this is a classic city muni set inside Chastain Park.

Highlights:

• Tree-lined fairways with a traditional parkland feel.
• Walkable for those comfortable on mild hills.
• Neighborhood vibe, popular with Buckhead and Sandy Springs residents.

Things to keep in mind:

• Conditions can vary with weather and traffic, as with many busy munis.
• Weekend tee times can be competitive; midweek mornings are usually calmer.
• Parking is shared with other Chastain Park facilities, so allow a little extra time.

Standout Public Courses Just Outside the Perimeter

If you’re willing to drive 20–45 minutes from central Atlanta, your options expand significantly.

Cobblestone Golf Course (Acworth – Northwest)

Location:
4200 Nance Rd
Acworth, GA 30101
Phone: (770) 917-5152

On the shores of Lake Acworth, Cobblestone is often mentioned among the best-value public courses in the metro area.

Why it stands out:

• Scenic lakeside holes with memorable views.
• Varied layout: mix of demanding and forgiving holes, suitable for many handicaps.
• Generally strong greens and conditions for the price point.

Travel tip:
From downtown, take I‑75 North to Acworth; plan 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Weekday mornings or mid-afternoons are usually smoother.

Stone Mountain Golf Club (Two Courses – East)

Location (inside the park):
1145 Stonewall Jackson Dr
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Phone: (770) 465-3272

Stone Mountain offers two 18-hole public courses inside Stone Mountain Park:

• Stonemont – More traditional, tree-lined, and tighter off the tee.
• Lakemont – More resort-style with water features and elevation changes.

What golfers appreciate:

• Playing inside a state park setting with views of Stone Mountain and the lake.
• Two distinct layouts at one facility, good for multi-round weekends.
• Full-service clubhouse and practice areas.

Important notes:

• There is usually a separate park entry or parking fee, in addition to your green fee.
• Access is easiest via US‑78 East from Atlanta.

Heritage Golf Links (Tucker – Northeast)

Location:
4445 Britt Rd
Tucker, GA 30084
Phone: (770) 493-4653

Heritage is known around Atlanta as a challenging layout with lots of water and significant elevation change.

Key features:

• Multiple nines that can be combined into different 18-hole routes.
• Large practice range and short-game areas.
• Good option for golfers looking to test every club in the bag.

Who it suits:

• Intermediate and advanced players who enjoy a tougher test.
• Intown golfers in Decatur, Tucker, and Northlake looking for a serious round without going far OTP (outside the Perimeter).

Bear’s Best Atlanta (Suwanee – North)

Location:
5342 Aldeburgh Dr
Suwanee, GA 30024
Phone: (678) 714-2582

Bear’s Best is a higher-end public course modeled as a collection of Jack Nicklaus–designed holes from other courses.

What to expect:

• Upscale conditions compared with many public options.
• A layout that rewards solid ball striking and course management.
• Full practice facilities and clubhouse.

Ideal for:

• A special occasion round or golf outing.
• Low- to mid-handicap players who want something closer to private-club feel without joining.

Plan around GA‑400 traffic; late mornings or early afternoons outside rush hour usually work best if you’re coming from town.

Scenic Destination Rounds Within an Hour

If you’re open to a slightly longer drive, these courses are popular for day trips and stay-and-play weekends.

Legacy on Lanier Golf Course (Lake Lanier Islands)

Location:
7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy
Buford, GA 30518
Phone: (678) 318-7861

On the shores of Lake Lanier, Legacy offers scenic lakeside holes, especially on the back nine.

Why Atlanta golfers make the trip:

• Several holes play directly along or over the lake.
• Resort environment; many people pair a round with an overnight stay or family activities at the islands.
• Cooler breezes in summer compared with intown rounds.

It’s typically reached via I‑85 North to I‑985 or GA‑400 depending on your starting point.

Cherokee Run Golf Club (Conyers – East)

Location:
1595 Centennial Olympic Pkwy NE
Conyers, GA 30013
Phone: (770) 785-7904

East of Atlanta, Cherokee Run is a wooded, championship-style layout with elevation, rock outcroppings, and long par 4s.

Highlights:

• Feels secluded despite being off I‑20.
• Demands length and accuracy, especially from the back tees.
• Often chosen for leagues and outings from the east side of the metro.

Travel via I‑20 East; budget roughly 35–40 minutes from downtown outside rush hour.

Budget-Friendly & Beginner-Friendly Public Options

Not every round needs to be a big, demanding 18. For new golfers, juniors, and casual players, these Atlanta-area public courses are often more comfortable.

City & County Munis

A few public courses commonly used for league play, value rounds, and learning include:

• John A. White Park Golf Course
  1432 Oakland Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
  Shorter, walkable layout on the southwest side; useful for beginners and quick rounds.

• Browns Mill Golf Course
  480 Cleveland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30354
  Traditional muni south of downtown; popular with locals for affordable play.

• Alfred “Tup” Holmes Golf Course
  2300 Wilson Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30311
  Historic city course with a straightforward layout suitable for a wide range of players.

These facilities are not usually in the same “destination” category as Cobblestone or Bear’s Best, but they are important parts of the everyday golf scene for Atlanta residents.

When Is the Best Time to Play Public Golf in Atlanta?

Atlanta’s climate allows for year-round golf, but conditions and crowds vary:

• Spring (March–May):
  Often the best overall combo of temperature and turf conditions. Courses can be busy, so book ahead.

• Summer (June–August):
  Hot and humid, especially mid-afternoon. Many locals prefer:

  • Early morning tee times (first few hours of daylight)
  • Twilight rounds for lower rates and cooler temps

• Fall (September–November):
  Another prime season. Cooler temps, overseeding on some courses, and good fairway conditions.

• Winter (December–February):
  Playable most days, with occasional cold snaps and rain. Rates can be more budget-friendly and crowds lighter, but expect dormant Bermuda grass and potentially softer conditions.

Practical Tips for Booking and Playing Public Golf in Atlanta

A few Atlanta-specific details can make your round smoother and more enjoyable.

1. Plan Around Traffic

Atlanta traffic can add 20–40 minutes to your drive, especially:

• Weekday mornings (roughly 7–9 a.m.)
• Weekday late afternoons/early evenings (roughly 4–7 p.m.)
• Around major interchanges like I‑75/85 Downtown Connector and I‑285

📝 Tip: When booking online or by phone, look at not just the tee time but your likely drive time. Many locals aim for:

• Mid-morning weekday rounds, or
• Early weekend tee times before roads and courses fill up.

2. Use Online Booking and Call Ahead

Most public courses around Atlanta:

• Offer online tee sheets, especially for weekends.
• Allow booking several days to a week in advance.
• May have different rates depending on resident status, time of day, walking vs. riding, and day of the week.

Calling the pro shop directly is useful if you:

• Want to know current course conditions (aeration, cart path only, etc.).
• Need clarity on pace of play expectations for that day.
• Are bringing a group and need to arrange multiple tee times.

3. Consider Walking vs. Riding

Atlanta’s terrain is rolling, and not every course is comfortable on foot.

Generally:

• Better for walking: Bobby Jones, Charlie Yates, Chastain (if you’re reasonably fit), many shorter munis.
• More cart-friendly: Heritage, Stone Mountain, Cherokee Run, Bear’s Best, and many resort layouts due to elevation and distance between holes.

If walking is important to you, ask the pro shop:

• “Is this course walkable for 18?”
• “Are there any long gaps between greens and tees I should know about?”

4. Pack for Heat and Pop-Up Storms

From late spring through early fall, Atlanta often has:

• High humidity and heat, particularly midday.
• Afternoon thunderstorms, sometimes brief but intense.

Helpful items:

• Light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, hat, and plenty of water.
• A small umbrella or rain jacket in summer.
• A towel and extra glove if you’re playing in peak heat.

Courses may temporarily suspend play for lightning; check the course’s weather policy if you’re on a tight schedule.

5. Leagues, Lessons, and Practice

Most of the better-known public courses have:

• Leagues and weekly games for men, women, and seniors.
• Instruction programs for juniors and adults.
• Range passes or discount range plans if you’re practicing regularly.

If you’re new to the area or to golf:

• Ask the pro shop about beginner-friendly leagues or clinics.
• Look into courses like Charlie Yates, Bobby Jones, and city munis for accessible starting points.

How to Choose the Right Atlanta Public Course for You

To narrow it down quickly, think about:

• Location:

  • Staying in Midtown/Buckhead? Start with Bobby Jones or Chastain.
  • Near Decatur or East Atlanta? Try Charlie Yates, Heritage, or Stone Mountain.
  • Living OTP north? Look at Cobblestone, Bear’s Best, and Legacy on Lanier.

• Skill level:

  • Beginners: Charlie Yates, John A. White, Tup Holmes, Browns Mill.
  • Intermediate: Bobby Jones, Chastain, Stone Mountain, Cobblestone.
  • Advanced: Heritage, Bear’s Best, Cherokee Run, Legacy on Lanier.

• Budget vs. “treat yourself”:

  • Budget-conscious: City and county munis, weekday or twilight times.
  • Higher-end public: Bear’s Best, Legacy on Lanier, Stone Mountain, well-timed Cobblestone rounds.

By matching your location, budget, and skill level to the courses listed above, you can reliably find some of the best public golf experiences Atlanta has to offer, whether you’re sneaking out for nine after work or planning a full weekend of 18s around the metro.