Alfred Tup Holmes Golf Course in Atlanta: History, Layout, Rates, and Local Tips

Alfred “Tup” Holmes Golf Course is one of Atlanta’s most historic public golf facilities and a favorite option for locals looking for an affordable, relaxed round close to the city center. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and want to play golf with real local character, this course is worth knowing.

Below is a practical guide to Alfred Tup Holmes Golf Course in Atlanta, Georgia—what it’s like to play, how to book, what it costs, how to get there, and why it matters in Atlanta’s history.

Where Alfred Tup Holmes Golf Course Is and How to Get There

Address (city-operated municipal course):
Alfred “Tup” Holmes Golf Course
2300 Wilson Drive SW
Atlanta, GA 30311

The course is in southwest Atlanta, near the intersection of I-20 and I-285, making it relatively easy to reach from most intown neighborhoods and nearby suburbs.

Getting there from common Atlanta areas

• From Downtown/Midtown:

  • Typically about 15–25 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
  • Head west on I-20 and exit near the Cascade Road / Hamilton E. Holmes area, then follow local roads south to Wilson Drive SW.

• From Buckhead:

  • Usually 25–35 minutes by car.
  • Take I-75/85 South to I-20 West, then proceed as above.

• From the Airport (Hartsfield-Jackson):

  • Often 20–30 minutes by car, traffic-dependent.
  • You can approach via I-285 North to I-20 East, then exit for local streets leading toward the course.

🚗 Parking:
The course has on-site parking adjacent to the clubhouse. Parking is typically straightforward on weekdays and early mornings; weekends and pleasant afternoons can be busier.

Why Alfred Tup Holmes Matters in Atlanta

Alfred Tup Holmes Golf Course is not just another municipal layout. It’s named after Alfred “Tup” Holmes, an Atlanta golfer whose legal fight played a major role in desegregating public golf courses in the city.

Historical significance in Atlanta

• Alfred “Tup” Holmes and his family challenged segregation-era policies that prevented Black golfers from playing at certain public courses in Atlanta.
• The legal case and community effort helped open public golf to all residents, reshaping access to the game in the city.
• The city later named this course after Holmes to recognize his impact on civil rights and recreational access in Atlanta.

For many Atlanta residents, this course represents both accessible golf and a meaningful chapter of local history.

Course Overview: Layout, Style, and Difficulty

Alfred Tup Holmes is an 18-hole, par-72 municipal golf course. It has a traditional parkland feel, with tree-lined fairways and a walkable layout.

What to expect on the course

• Course type: Public, city-owned municipal course.
• Overall feel:
  • Relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere.
  • Welcoming to beginners but still interesting for more experienced golfers.
• Terrain:
  • Gently rolling hills rather than extreme elevation changes.
  • Some holes have narrower driving corridors framed by mature trees.
• Greens & fairways:
  • Typical of Atlanta public golf: conditions can vary by season and weather, but it’s generally playable and maintained to a solid municipal standard.

Who this course is best for

• Beginner and casual golfers:
  • Reasonable difficulty, with room to miss on many holes.
  • Good place to learn course management and build confidence.
• Intermediate players:
  • Enough variety in hole design to make you think about club selection and angles.
  • A fair test without being overly punishing.
• Budget-conscious golfers:
  • One of Atlanta’s more affordable 18-hole options, especially for city residents and seniors.

Typical Green Fees, Carts, and Discounts

Exact rates can change over time, but Alfred Tup Holmes Golf Course is generally priced at the lower end of Atlanta’s public golf options, especially compared with some of the private or semi-private courses around town.

Below is a generalized overview of what you can expect, not guaranteed current pricing. Always confirm when you book.

Common fee structure (approximate categories)

Many Atlanta golfers find weekday mornings and twilight times to be the best balance of price and pace of play.

💡 Tip: If you live in Atlanta, ask when you check in whether there are resident, senior, or junior discounts and what proof of residence or age is needed.

Booking a Tee Time in Atlanta at Tup Holmes

Alfred Tup Holmes follows a typical municipal booking pattern:

• Advance tee times:
  • Tee times are typically required and can be booked in advance by phone or through the city’s preferred reservation system or partner.
• Walk-ons:
  • Some same-day availability may exist, especially on weekdays, but weekends often fill up. Call ahead if you’re flexible and want to see what’s open.

When it’s busiest

• Saturday and Sunday mornings: Peak demand (as with most Atlanta courses).
• Nice-weather afternoons in spring and fall: Can be busy but often more flexible than weekend mornings.
• Weekdays: Generally more open; great if you have a flexible schedule or are visiting.

Facilities and Amenities

Alfred Tup Holmes is a straightforward municipal course, so you’ll find the basics you need without a lot of extras.

Typical amenities include:

• Clubhouse/check-in area
  • Where you pay green fees, get cart keys, and ask about course policies.
• Golf carts
  • Available to rent; walking is generally allowed for those who prefer it.
• Practice putting green
  • Often available to warm up your touch before the round.
• Basic pro shop counter or retail area
  • Usually sells essentials like balls, tees, gloves, and some apparel.

Food and beverage offerings may be more limited than at high-end courses, so many locals:

• Grab a snack or drink before arriving, or
• Rely on basic offerings available at the course (if provided) such as packaged snacks or soft drinks.

Course Character: Holes, Strategy, and Pace of Play

Every round at Alfred Tup Holmes will feel a bit different depending on the weather, time of day, and group in front of you. Still, there are common patterns Atlanta golfers mention.

Strategy and playability

• Off the tee:
  • Several holes reward keeping the ball in the fairway; tree lines can block approach shots if you stray too far right or left.
  • Big drivers can take advantage of a few more open holes, but control usually matters more than raw distance.
• Approach shots:
  • Greens are of modest size by modern standards, so you’re rewarded for accurate irons.
  • Elevated or sloped greens on some holes require attention to where you land the ball.
• Around the greens:
  • Short-game skills help a lot, as chipping and pitching from just off the green is common for all skill levels.

Pace of play

• Morning weekday rounds often move faster, appealing to Atlanta residents who can play before work or during flexible hours.
• Weekend afternoons can slow down, especially during peak seasons like late spring and early fall, when the weather is ideal.

⏱️ Local tip: If you want a faster round, aim for:

• Early morning tee times, or
• Mid-week rounds, especially Tuesday–Thursday.

Playing Conditions Through the Atlanta Seasons

Atlanta’s climate shapes the experience at Alfred Tup Holmes in predictable ways.

Spring (March–May)

• One of the best times to play: mild temperatures and greening turf.
• Early spring can still be a bit soft underfoot after rain, so bring appropriate footwear.

Summer (June–August)

• Hot and humid, especially mid-day.
• Morning and late-afternoon tee times are more comfortable.
• Hydration and sun protection are important: hat, sunscreen, and water.

Fall (September–November)

• Many locals’ favorite golf season: cooler but still pleasant.
• Course conditions can be especially enjoyable, with firm fairways and comfortable temperatures.

Winter (December–February)

• Playable many days thanks to Atlanta’s relatively mild winters, but conditions can be cooler and sometimes damp.
• Expect more variation in turf firmness and green speed, with shorter daylight hours.

Dress Code and Course Etiquette

While Alfred Tup Holmes is a municipal course and generally more relaxed than private clubs, some basic standards usually apply:

Common dress expectations

• Men: Collared golf shirt or neat athletic shirt; golf shorts or pants.
• Women: Golf shirts, tops, or other modest athletic wear; golf skirts, shorts, or pants.
• Typically no swimwear, cut-off jeans, or very revealing clothing.

General etiquette

• Arrive early: Aim to be at the course at least 20–30 minutes before your tee time.
• Respect the course:
  • Repair ball marks on greens.
  • Fill or replace divots when possible.
  • Rake bunkers after use.
• Pace of play:
  • Keep up with the group ahead.
  • Be ready to hit when it’s your turn.
  • Let faster groups play through when appropriate.

These habits help keep rounds enjoyable for everyone, especially at a popular municipal facility.

Who Runs the Course and Where to Get Official Info

Alfred Tup Holmes Golf Course is part of the City of Atlanta’s public golf system. Management can shift between direct city operation and contracted operators, but it remains a municipal facility serving the public.

For the most accurate, up-to-date details on:

• Current green fees and cart rates
• Tee time booking options
• Operating hours and seasonal adjustments
• Course maintenance schedules (like aeration dates or closures)

you can:

• Call the clubhouse directly (the phone number is typically listed in city recreation or golf resources), or
• Check the City of Atlanta’s parks and recreation or golf course information channels.

If you’re planning a group outing, league play, or a small event, the clubhouse is usually the best place to start the conversation.

Tips for Atlanta Golfers Visiting Alfred Tup Holmes

To get the most out of your round at this historic southwest Atlanta course:

• Plan around traffic:
  • Factor in I-20 and I-285 congestion, especially if you’re coming from Midtown, Buckhead, or the airport area during rush hours.
• Choose your time of day wisely:
  • Early morning for cooler temps and faster rounds.
  • Late afternoon/twilight for value pricing and a more relaxed pace.
• Check weather and ground conditions:
  • After heavy rain, fairways and rough can play softer, which changes roll and distance.
• Bring cash/card flexibility:
  • While most municipal courses accept major cards, having a backup option can be helpful for snacks or incidental purchases.
• Walk if you enjoy it:
  • The course’s relatively gentle terrain makes it one of the more walkable 18-hole options in Atlanta.

For Atlanta residents, Alfred Tup Holmes offers a combination of history, affordability, and accessibility that’s hard to match. For visitors, it provides a genuine taste of local golf culture and a meaningful connection to the city’s civil rights legacy—all within a short drive of downtown.