Bobby Jones Golf Course in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
Bobby Jones Golf Course is one of Atlanta’s most unique public golf destinations, blending history, modern design, and a very local neighborhood feel. Whether you live nearby, are visiting from out of town, or just want to understand what makes this course different, this guide walks you through how it works, what to expect, and how to make the most of a round here.
Where Bobby Jones Golf Course Is and How to Get There
Location:
Bobby Jones Golf Course
384 Woodward Way NW
Atlanta, GA 30305
The course sits in Atlanta’s Buckhead area, bordering the Peachtree Creek greenway and not far from Peachtree Road.
Getting There
By car:
- From Midtown: Usually 10–15 minutes via Peachtree St/Peachtree Rd, depending on traffic.
- From Downtown: About 15–20 minutes via I-75/85 and Northside Dr or Peachtree Rd.
- From Westside/Upper Westside: Often under 15 minutes via Northside Dr or Howell Mill.
Parking:
There is on-site parking near the clubhouse. On busier weekends and tournament days, spaces can fill up, so arriving a little early is helpful.By MARTA (plus rideshare/walk):
There is no MARTA station right at the course. Many golfers take MARTA to Arts Center or Lindbergh Center and then use a rideshare to reach the course.
What Makes Bobby Jones Golf Course Different?
This is not a typical 18-hole layout. The course was redesigned as a reversible, 9-hole course and is widely known in Atlanta for:
- Reversible routing (it can be played in two different directions on different days)
- A focus on walking, with a more compact layout than many suburban courses
- A strong junior and adaptive golf presence
- Being closely tied to Atlanta golf history and the legacy of Bobby Jones, the legendary amateur golfer who grew up in Atlanta
Reversible 9-Hole Design
Instead of a standard 18 holes, the course uses:
- 9 greens
- 2 distinct routings (often referred to as different “loops” or directions)
On any given day, staff can tell you which routing is in play and how the holes set up. Many Atlanta golfers appreciate that:
- You can play 9 or 18 by looping the course twice
- The course feels different depending on the routing, giving it variety without needing 18 distinct holes
For locals, this makes it a convenient place for:
- After-work rounds
- Quick 9-hole walks
- Practice-focused play rather than an all-day commitment
Course Feel, Difficulty, and Who It Suits
Overall Style
Bobby Jones Golf Course tends to be:
- Playable for beginners and high-handicappers
- Strategic enough to stay interesting for experienced golfers
- More about shot placement and short game than pure length and power
The design features:
- Wide fairways in many areas
- Contoured greens that can challenge putting and chipping
- Elevation changes and some tighter approach angles
Who Will Enjoy This Course Most?
You may find Bobby Jones especially appealing if you:
- Live in Intown Atlanta and want a central public option
- Prefer to walk instead of ride in a cart
- Want a course where juniors, newer players, and experienced golfers can all find a comfortable level of challenge
- Appreciate courses with a community-focused atmosphere and active practice areas
Golfers used to long, championship-style layouts might find it shorter, but still engaging because of the design and green complexes.
Tee Times, Rates, and Booking Tips
Policies and prices can change, so it’s always a good idea to confirm directly with the course. That said, here’s how it typically works for many Atlanta golfers using Bobby Jones:
Tee Times
- Booking:
Many players book online or by phone through the course’s main pro shop. - Advance reservations:
Atlanta residents often book several days to a week ahead for weekend mornings, especially during peak golf seasons (spring and fall). - Walk-ons:
On some weekday afternoons, walk-on play can be easier, but availability varies with weather and season.
General Patterns in Pricing
Exact numbers change, but common patterns include:
- Different rates for:
- Morning vs. afternoon
- Weekday vs. weekend
- 9 holes vs. 18 (two loops)
- Separate pricing for:
- Walking vs. riding (if carts are allowed at the time you play)
- Range use and practice facilities
- Juniors and sometimes seniors
If you live in Atlanta and plan to play often, it can be worth asking the pro shop about:
- Resident-friendly rates or pass options
- Junior and family rates if you’re bringing kids
Layout at a Glance
While routing and specific hole order can change because the course is reversible, you can think of Bobby Jones Golf Course this way:
| Feature | What to Expect at Bobby Jones (Atlanta) |
|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 9 holes (often played as 9 or 18 via two loops) |
| Style | Reversible routing, walkable, modern “links-inspired” |
| Difficulty | Moderate; playable for most skill levels |
| Best for | Intown golfers, walkers, juniors, quick rounds |
| Typical Round Length | ~2 hours for 9; ~4 hours for 18 (varies with pace/traffic) |
| Location Type | Urban, inside the city with neighborhood surroundings |
Practice Facilities and Learning Options
For many Atlanta golfers, Bobby Jones is as much a practice and learning hub as it is a place to play a full round.
Driving Range and Short Game Areas
The facility generally offers:
- Driving range with multiple hitting bays
- Short game practice space for chipping and pitching
- Putting greens that reflect the kind of breaks and speeds you’ll face on the course
These facilities are useful if you:
- Work or live in Midtown, Buckhead, or Westside and want a quick practice session after work
- Are coming back to golf and need a place to rebuild your swing and short game
- Have juniors or beginners who aren’t quite ready for a full round
Range balls and practice fees are usually paid separately from green fees.
Lessons and Coaching
Bobby Jones Golf Course is commonly associated with:
- Individual golf lessons for adults
- Junior instruction and camps
- Programs for players at all skill levels, from true beginners to more advanced amateurs
If you’re in Atlanta and looking for lessons:
- You can call the pro shop and ask about available instructors, lesson formats, and current pricing.
- Some golfers use Bobby Jones as their “home base” for coaching and practice, even if they play 18-hole rounds at other metro Atlanta courses.
The Cupp Golf Academy and Junior Golf
The Cupp Golf Academy, located at Bobby Jones Golf Course, emphasizes:
- Junior development
- Skill building for all levels
- Long-term player improvement
For Atlanta parents and guardians, this can be helpful if you want:
- A structured junior program within city limits
- Coaching that’s convenient to neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, Ansley Park, Westside, and Brookwood
- Opportunities for kids to grow from beginner to competitive junior within one program
Again, details (schedules, costs, age ranges) can change, so checking directly with the academy or pro shop is the best way to get up-to-date information.
Facilities Beyond the Course
Part of the appeal of Bobby Jones Golf Course is the overall setting, not just the holes themselves.
Clubhouse and Amenities
On site, you can usually expect:
- Pro shop with balls, gloves, and basic gear
- Check-in area for tee times, range access, and questions
- Restrooms and golfer services
Food and beverage offerings can vary, but many golfers enjoy:
- Grabbing a bite or a drink before or after a round
- Using the clubhouse as a casual meetup spot with playing partners
Nearby Parks and Trails
The course is adjacent to Atlanta Memorial Park and the Peachtree Creek corridor, so the surrounding area often attracts:
- Walkers and runners
- Dog walkers
- Families using playgrounds or open green space
This gives Bobby Jones a more community-based feel than many stand-alone suburban golf facilities.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Bobby Jones Golf Course has become known in Atlanta for being welcoming to a wide range of players, including:
- Juniors and beginners
- Women golfers
- Adaptive golfers and those using specialized equipment
The design and programming are often set up to:
- Lower some of the intimidation people feel at more traditional private clubs
- Offer entry-level access to the game while still challenging experienced players
If you or someone you’re bringing has specific accessibility needs, staff at the course can typically explain:
- Cart and mobility options
- Best times or formats to make a round more comfortable and manageable
Tips for Atlanta Golfers Planning a Visit
A few practical pointers tailored to Atlanta conditions and local routines:
Check the routing before you go.
Because the course is reversible, ask which direction is being played that day and how that affects tee shots and yardages.Plan around traffic.
Morning or late-afternoon tee times can overlap with Peachtree Road and I-75 traffic. Build in extra time, especially on weekdays.Consider the weather.
- In summer, heat and humidity can be intense; walking the course is enjoyable but can be taxing midday.
- In winter, conditions can be cool and damp, but many Atlanta golfers appreciate that Bobby Jones stays playable much of the year.
Decide if you’re walking or riding.
Many locals walk Bobby Jones because it’s relatively compact and designed for it. If you prefer a cart or need one for mobility, confirm availability with the pro shop.Use the range before you commit to 18.
If you haven’t played in a while, you can start with:- A range session + 9 holes to ease back in
- Or a short game practice session to adjust to the green speeds before you play
Bring juniors or new golfers here first.
Bobby Jones can be a softer on-ramp to Atlanta golf compared with longer, more punishing layouts, especially for kids or friends just learning the game.
How Bobby Jones Fits Into the Atlanta Golf Scene
Within the wider Atlanta golf ecosystem, Bobby Jones Golf Course offers:
- A central, public option inside the city
- A distinct, reversible design that stands out from typical metro layouts
- A strong community and developmental focus, especially around junior and adaptive golf
- Convenient access for residents of Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, Westside, and surrounding intown neighborhoods
If you live in or are visiting Atlanta and want a golf experience that is:
- Easy to reach without a long drive to the suburbs
- Welcoming to different ages and skill levels
- Designed around walking, strategy, and practice
then Bobby Jones Golf Course is one of the primary places to put on your list. Checking in with the pro shop for current tee times, routing, and rates will give you everything you need to schedule a round or practice session that fits your day in Atlanta.
