Atlanta Country Club: What to Know About This East Cobb Golf & Social Club
If you live in metro Atlanta and are curious about Atlanta Country Club, you’re usually asking about one of two things:
- The private golf and social club itself, or
- The Atlanta Country Club neighborhood and surrounding area in East Cobb.
This guide walks through both, focusing on what’s most useful if you live in Atlanta, are thinking about joining a club, or are considering the area for a move or a visit.
Where Is Atlanta Country Club?
Atlanta Country Club is located in Marietta’s East Cobb area, just north of the Chattahoochee River and east of I-75. Even though the club is not inside the City of Atlanta limits, it’s considered part of metro Atlanta and is a popular destination for Atlantans who want:
- A private golf club
- A tennis and swim community
- A quiet, upscale residential neighborhood with access to top Cobb County schools
The club’s location generally serves residents from:
- East Cobb
- Sandy Springs
- Vinings
- Buckhead
- Intown Atlanta willing to drive a bit for golf and amenities
Overview: What Is Atlanta Country Club Known For?
Atlanta Country Club is typically associated with:
- A championship-caliber 18‑hole golf course
- A long history connected to professional golf events
- Private membership with golf, tennis, swim, dining, and social events
- A surrounding Atlanta Country Club neighborhood of single-family homes, many on or near the golf course
- Convenient but quiet access to Johnson Ferry Road, Columns Drive, and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Residents across Atlanta often view this club as one of the more established traditional country clubs in the metro area.
Membership at Atlanta Country Club
As with most private clubs in metro Atlanta, details can change, but the general structure is similar to other private country clubs in the area.
Common Types of Membership
While exact categories are set by the club, Atlantans typically encounter memberships such as:
Full Golf Membership
- Access to the golf course and golf practice facilities
- Access to tennis courts, swimming pool, clubhouse dining, and social events
- Priority tee times compared to non-golf or limited members
Social or Clubhouse Membership
- Focused on dining, social events, and often pool and tennis
- May have limited or no regular golf access
Junior / Young Professional Membership
- Designed for younger members or families, often with adjusted initiation or dues compared to full golf
To get current membership categories, initiation fees, and dues, you’ll need to contact the club directly, as these details are not typically published in a stable way and can change year to year.
Typical Membership Process in Atlanta
At a traditional metro Atlanta country club like this, you can expect:
Initial Inquiry
- Call or email the membership office.
- Request current information on membership types, costs, and waitlists (if any).
Tour of the Club
- A guided tour of the golf course, practice facilities, tennis complex, pool, and clubhouse.
- Opportunity to see the locker rooms, dining areas, and event spaces.
Application & References
- Completion of a membership application.
- Many longstanding Atlanta clubs ask for current member sponsors or references.
Committee Review
- A membership committee or board reviews applications.
- There may be a brief meet‑and‑greet or interview in some cases.
Approval & Onboarding
- New members receive orientation, club rules, and details on guest policies, dress code, and booking procedures.
If you’re in Atlanta and new to private clubs, it’s common to ask friends, neighbors, or coworkers if they know current members who can introduce you.
Golf at Atlanta Country Club
The Course and Layout
The Atlanta Country Club golf course is generally recognized as:
- 18 holes, private, with a traditional parkland style layout
- Rolling terrain with elevation changes
- Numerous mature trees and natural water features
- Scenic stretches along the Chattahoochee River valley area
Many Atlanta golfers consider it challenging but fair, with a mix of:
- Narrower tree‑lined fairways
- Strategic bunkering
- Greens that reward precision and course management
Because it is a private club, only members and their guests can play, except for occasional invited events.
Practice Facilities
Members typically have access to:
- Driving range
- Short game / chipping area
- Practice putting greens
These facilities are often a key reason Atlanta golfers choose country club membership over relying on public courses alone.
Tournaments & Leagues
Like many private clubs in the region, Atlanta Country Club often offers:
- Member‑guest tournaments
- Member‑member events
- Club championships
- Ladies’ and men’s leagues
- Junior golf programs (in season)
These formats are common across Atlanta clubs and help new members meet people and build a regular playing group.
Beyond Golf: Amenities & Lifestyle
For many Atlantans, the appeal of a country club is as much about community and family activities as it is about the golf course.
Tennis & Pickleball
You can generally expect:
- Multiple hard tennis courts, often with league play for men, women, and juniors
- Access to local ALTA (Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association) and USTA leagues, which are very active in the Atlanta area
- Some clubs in the area are beginning to offer pickleball, either on dedicated courts or blended lines on tennis courts
If racquet sports matter to you, it’s smart to:
- Ask about court surfaces and lighting
- Confirm whether pickleball is currently offered
- Check how easy it is to reserve courts during peak after‑work and weekend times
Swimming & Family Activities
The club pool is typically a seasonal focal point, especially for East Cobb families. Common offerings include:
- Recreational swimming during warm months
- Swim teams or lessons, often connecting with local youth swim leagues
- Poolside social events, cookouts, and holiday gatherings (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, etc.)
For Atlanta families considering membership, the pool scene can be just as important as the golf and tennis amenities.
Clubhouse & Dining
The clubhouse usually includes:
- One or more dining rooms for casual and upscale meals
- Bar or lounge areas where members gather after golf or tennis
- Private event spaces for:
- Receptions
- Rehearsal dinners
- Business meetings
- Club‑sponsored events and holiday parties
Dining options at Atlanta‑area country clubs tend to focus on:
- Casual family dining
- Golf‑side or poolside menus
- Special member‑only events, such as wine dinners or themed nights
The Atlanta Country Club Neighborhood
Even if you’re not looking to join the club, you might be interested in the Atlanta Country Club neighborhood, one of the established residential areas in East Cobb.
Location & Character
The neighborhood is generally located:
- Off Atlanta Country Club Drive SE and connecting streets
- Near Johnson Ferry Road, Columns Drive, and the Chattahoochee River
- Within close driving distance of:
- The Avenues at East Cobb
- Paper Mill Road shops and restaurants
- Johnson Ferry / Roswell Road (GA‑120) corridor
Key characteristics:
- Single-family homes, many custom‑built
- Architecture ranging from traditional brick to updated contemporary
- Some homes have golf course frontage or views, which is a major draw
Schools & Services (Cobb County)
Families often choose this area for Cobb County public schools and established community services. Depending on the specific address and zoning, homes may feed into well‑regarded East Cobb schools.
Nearby services within a short drive include:
- Cobb County libraries
- Grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical practices
- Multiple places of worship and community centers
If schools are important, verify current school zoning with Cobb County School District, as attendance zones can change over time.
Getting to Atlanta Country Club from Around Atlanta
While the club is in Marietta (East Cobb), many members and visitors come from across metro Atlanta. Here is a general orientation:
| Starting Area | Common Route (General) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buckhead | GA‑400 N → I‑285 W → Riverside Dr / Johnson Ferry Rd | Scenic drive near the Chattahoochee River |
| Midtown / Downtown | I‑75 N → I‑285 E/W → Riverside Dr or Johnson Ferry Rd | Traffic can be heavy at peak rush hours |
| Sandy Springs | Riverside Dr or Johnson Ferry Rd toward East Cobb | Direct access across the river |
| Vinings / Smyrna | I‑285 E → Riverside Dr / Johnson Ferry Rd | Often quicker outside peak rush hours |
| Roswell | Johnson Ferry Rd S toward East Cobb | Can be busy but direct |
Atlanta traffic patterns change during rush hours, so many members plan tee times and social events around those windows.
What Atlantans Typically Consider Before Joining
If you’re comparing Atlanta Country Club to other private clubs around metro Atlanta, here are things people commonly weigh:
Drive time from home or work
- Consistent drive times often matter more than distance on a map.
Type of membership
- Are you joining mainly for golf, or for family pool and social activities?
Course difficulty & style
- Some golfers prefer a traditional, tree‑lined course like this over open or modern layouts.
Club culture
- The age mix, family presence, and social event calendar can affect how well the club fits your lifestyle.
Guest policies
- How often you can bring guests, and what fees apply.
Waitlists & costs
- Many metro Atlanta clubs have used waitlists during busier periods.
- Fees change, so getting up‑to‑date information directly from the membership office is essential.
How to Learn More or Take Next Steps
If you’re in Atlanta and want concrete next steps:
Call the club’s main office or membership department
- Ask for current membership categories, initiation fees, monthly dues, and any waitlist details.
Schedule a visit
- Touring the golf course, clubhouse, pool, and tennis facilities will give you a clearer sense of fit.
Talk to East Cobb residents
- If you are considering moving into the Atlanta Country Club neighborhood, speak with local real estate agents who specialize in East Cobb. They can help explain:
- Recent home prices
- Property tax considerations in Cobb County
- School zoning specifics
- If you are considering moving into the Atlanta Country Club neighborhood, speak with local real estate agents who specialize in East Cobb. They can help explain:
Compare with other Atlanta‑area clubs
- If you live elsewhere in the metro, it might be helpful to visit a few clubs to compare location, amenities, and culture.
Key Takeaways for Atlanta Residents and Visitors
- Atlanta Country Club is a private golf and social club in the East Cobb / Marietta area, closely tied to an upscale surrounding neighborhood.
- It offers golf, tennis, swimming, dining, and social events, with membership required for ongoing access.
- The Atlanta Country Club neighborhood is a well‑known residential area in Cobb County with access to established schools and services.
- For accurate details on membership costs, availability, and amenities, Atlantans should contact the club directly and, if needed, work with local real estate and community resources.