Yates Golf Course in Atlanta: What It Is, Where It Is, and What to Expect

If you search for “Yates Golf Course Atlanta”, you’ll quickly notice something confusing: there isn’t a well-known, public 18‑hole course in the city that officially goes by that exact name.

However, the phrase “Yates golf course” tends to come up in a few Atlanta‑specific contexts:

• As a mistyped or misremembered name for existing Atlanta courses
• In reference to military or government‑related golf facilities in the broader region
• As a local or historical nickname that doesn’t always appear in official directories

This guide walks through how golf works in and around Atlanta, Georgia, what people are usually looking for when they say “Yates Golf Course,” and how to find the right course, practice facility, or tee time for your needs.

Is There a “Yates Golf Course” in Atlanta?

As of the latest widely available public information:

• There is no major public golf course in the City of Atlanta officially named Yates Golf Course.
• Golfers using this name are often referring to another local course or a facility tied to a specific institution (like a base, college, or private property) that doesn’t show up clearly in common golf directories or apps.

If you heard about Yates Golf Course from:

• A friend or coworker – they may be talking about a different course in Atlanta and just misnamed it.
• Older locals or long‑time golfers – it might be a legacy name, league nickname, or an old course that has since closed, been renamed, or redeveloped.
• A tournament flyer, league schedule, or organization – it could be shorthand for an event held at a different, properly named course.

Because of that, the most practical approach in Atlanta is to:

1. Clarify the source: Ask the person or group who mentioned “Yates” for a street address or the full course name.
2. Match it against known courses: Use the list of well‑known Atlanta golf facilities (below) to see what they might actually mean.
3. Check maps with “golf near me” using your Atlanta address or ZIP code and cross‑check the results with what you were told.

Popular Public Golf Options in and Around Atlanta

If you were simply looking for a place to play golf in Atlanta and ran into the term “Yates Golf Course,” here are some well‑known public options that locals commonly use instead.

City of Atlanta–Area Public Courses

These courses are regularly used by Atlanta residents and visitors and are good starting points if you’re trying to book a tee time or get some practice.

*Descriptions are general and may change over time; always verify current conditions and offerings directly with the course.

Charlie Yates Golf Course: The Likely “Yates” You’re Hearing About

While there is no major public facility called simply “Yates Golf Course,” Charlie Yates Golf Course is a well‑known Atlanta public golf course that many locals just call “Yates.”

Where It Is

• Located in the East Lake area on Atlanta’s east side
• Generally east of Downtown Atlanta, near the East Lake Golf Club, which hosts major professional events

Because East Lake is a recognized golf neighborhood, “Yates” can come up in conversation when people are talking about practice rounds, beginner‑friendly golf, or affordable play near the more exclusive East Lake Golf Club.

What to Expect at a Course Like Charlie Yates

While specific details should be confirmed directly with the facility, courses in this style typically offer:

• Shorter, more approachable layout than a full 18‑hole championship course
• Driving range and practice greens (depending on current operations)
• Rental clubs and carts (availability varies, call ahead)
• Beginner‑friendly atmosphere, including juniors and newer golfers
• League play and outings for local groups, schools, or businesses

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, especially on the east side, this type of “Yates” facility is often used for:

• Quick rounds after work
• Learning the game without the pressure of a long, difficult course
• Practice sessions to warm up before a bigger golf trip

How to Confirm You’ve Got the Right “Yates” Course

Because “Yates Golf Course Atlanta” isn’t a formal facility name, take these steps to be sure you end up at the right place:

1. Get Basic Details from the Source

If someone tells you, “We’re playing at Yates,” ask:

• “Is that Charlie Yates Golf Course near East Lake?”
• “What’s the street address or nearest intersection?”
• “Is it the course by East Lake or somewhere else?”

Most Atlanta golfers familiar with the area will immediately clarify.

2. Use Map Searches with Neighborhoods

When searching on your phone or GPS, try combining:

• “Yates golf” with “East Lake Atlanta”
• Or simply search by the full, known name: “Charlie Yates Golf Course”

This will usually surface the correct course if that is what they meant.

3. Confirm With Your League or Event Organizer

If you’re playing in:

• A company outing
• A junior golf program
• A local league or charity tournament

Ask the organizer to send:

• The full course name
• The address
• The tee time window and any check‑in instructions

Most organizers in Atlanta are used to this exact confusion and will give you precise details.

Tips for Choosing the Right Atlanta Golf Course (If You’re Flexible)

If your goal is simply to play golf somewhere in Atlanta, and you aren’t tied to a specific “Yates” location, use these criteria to narrow down a course that actually fits your needs.

1. Consider Your Side of Town

Atlanta traffic can be heavy, so location matters. Rough guidelines:

• Intown / Eastside:

  • Likely choices: Charlie Yates (East Lake area), Candler Park
  • Good if you’re staying Downtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Kirkwood, or Decatur.

• Northside (Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Chastain area):

  • Likely choices: Bobby Jones, North Fulton

• South & West Atlanta:

  • Likely choices: Brown’s Mill, Alfred “Tup” Holmes

2. Match the Course to Your Skill Level

• Beginners & casual players

  • Shorter or executive‑style layouts (such as Charlie Yates) are often more forgiving.
  • Look for practice facilities and less intimidating yardages.

• Intermediate to advanced golfers

  • Full‑length municipal courses like North Fulton, Brown’s Mill, or Tup Holmes may be more suitable.
  • Ask about course difficulty, slope, and typical pace of play when you call.

3. Decide If You Want to Walk or Ride

Many Atlanta golfers:

• Walk 9 holes at shorter intown courses after work
• Ride 18 holes at larger, spread‑out layouts on weekends

When you call a course, you can ask:

• “Is your course comfortable to walk?”
• “Do you have cart paths only restrictions after rain?”
• “Are pull carts available to rent?”

4. Check Tee Time and Price Ranges

Before heading out:

• Use phone reservations or online tee sheets (if available)
• Ask about:
  • Morning vs. twilight rates
  • Resident vs. non‑resident pricing if it’s a municipal facility
  • Junior, senior, or military discounts, which are common at many public Atlanta courses

Practical Questions Atlanta Golfers Often Ask

Can I Take Beginners or Kids to a “Yates”‑Type Course?

Yes, executive‑style or shorter public courses in Atlanta are often used for:

• Family outings
• Junior golf programs
• New golfers learning the basics

If you’re bringing children or brand‑new players:

• Ask about dress code expectations (collared shirts are often preferred).
• Confirm whether riding along without playing is allowed for non‑golfing family members.
• Ask if they have rental clubs or if you need to bring your own.

What About Practice-Only Options?

Many Atlantans just want a driving range or putting green:

• Facilities linked to “Yates”‑style courses in East Lake often include range and practice areas, though availability can change.
• Larger courses like Bobby Jones and others may offer robust practice complexes, short‑game areas, and putting greens.

Always verify:

• Ball pricing
• Hours for the range (sometimes different from the course)
• Whether lights are available for evening practice

How Visitors to Atlanta Should Approach the “Yates” Question

If you’re visiting Atlanta and came across “Yates Golf Course” in your travel planning:

1. Assume it likely refers to Charlie Yates Golf Course in the East Lake area unless told otherwise.
2. Confirm by:
   • Asking your hotel concierge to double‑check the exact course name and address.
   • Calling the course directly once you have a possible match.
3. Use your lodging address to decide whether it’s the most convenient course or if another public option is closer and easier to reach.

Key Takeaways for “Yates Golf Course Atlanta”

• There is no widely recognized public course in Atlanta formally named “Yates Golf Course”.
• Many people using that name are actually referring to Charlie Yates Golf Course in the East Lake area or using a shorthand nickname.
• If someone invites you to “Yates”:
  • Ask for the full name and address,
  • Confirm the neighborhood (often East Lake), and
  • Double‑check tee times and any entry or parking instructions.
• If you’re simply looking to play golf in Atlanta, you have multiple public options across intown, north, south, east, and west Atlanta, with layouts ranging from beginner‑friendly to more challenging.

By clarifying the name and matching it to the well‑known courses in and around Atlanta, Georgia, you can confidently find the right place to play—whether “Yates” was the intended destination or just a confusing nickname along the way.