North Fulton Golf in Atlanta: Where to Play, What to Expect, and How to Plan Your Round
Looking for North Fulton golf in Atlanta usually means one of two things:
you’re either talking about North Fulton Golf Course specifically, or you’re looking for public and semi‑private golf options in the North Fulton area (Buckhead up through Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Milton).
This guide covers both:
- The North Fulton Golf Course at Chastain Park
- Other popular golf options in Atlanta’s North Fulton corridor
- Typical fees, tee-time tips, traffic considerations, and local know‑how that matter if you live in or are visiting Atlanta.
North Fulton Golf Course at Chastain Park
Course overview
North Fulton Golf Course is one of Atlanta’s most played municipal courses.
It sits inside Chastain Park in Buckhead and feels more like a neighborhood park course than a remote golf resort.
Key facts:
- Type: Public, city-owned course
- Holes: 18
- Style: Parkland, tree‑lined, moderate elevation changes
- Typical difficulty: Friendly for beginners, challenging enough from the back tees for experienced players
The course weaves through established neighborhoods and park areas, so you get a classic Atlanta feel: big trees, rolling hills, and a mix of tighter driving holes and more open fairways.
Location and contact
North Fulton Golf Course
216 W Wieuca Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30342
Phone: 404‑255‑0723 (pro shop / tee times)
It’s just north of Buckhead Village, in Chastain Park, convenient to residents of North Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and Brookhaven, and an easy drive from Midtown outside of rush hour.
What to Expect When You Play North Fulton Golf Course
Layout and on-course experience
Golfers often describe North Fulton as walkable, scenic, and straightforward, with a few holes that can catch you off guard if you’re not paying attention.
Typical traits:
- Tree-lined fairways: Miss too far left or right and you’re punching out.
- Moderate elevation: A few uphill and downhill approaches; yardage can play longer or shorter than the card.
- Smaller greens than many suburban courses, so accuracy with wedges and short irons matters.
- Mixed par 4s: Some very reachable with a good drive, others requiring strategy rather than pure distance.
If you’re a newer golfer in Atlanta, it’s a friendly place to learn, especially on weekday afternoons or slower weekend times. If you’re more advanced, you can work on iron play and shaping shots off the tee.
Amenities and services
North Fulton Golf Course typically offers:
- Pro shop with balls, gloves, basic apparel, and incidentals
- Driving range or practice area (availability and size can vary; call ahead if range time is essential to you)
- Putting green and short-game practice areas
- Cart rentals and pull carts (walking is common, especially in cooler months)
- Snack and beverage options (simple grab‑and‑go style)
For something more substantial before or after your round, many golfers head to nearby Roswell Road or Chastain Park area restaurants.
Tee Times, Prices, and When to Play
Booking tee times
For North Fulton Golf Course in Atlanta:
- Reserve tee times in advance, especially:
- Weekend mornings
- Spring and fall (peak golf seasons in Atlanta)
- You can typically book:
- By calling the pro shop
- Through city‑managed tee time systems or widely used online tee-time platforms
Same‑day or walk‑up play is sometimes available on weekday mornings and early afternoons, but it’s not something to rely on during busy seasons.
Typical pricing patterns
Exact rates change over time, but public golf in Atlanta, especially at city-run courses like North Fulton, usually follows this pattern:
- Lower rates on weekdays
- Higher rates on weekends and holidays
- Twilight discounts later in the day
- Separate walking and riding rates
If you live in Atlanta and plan to play often, it’s worth asking the pro shop about:
- Local or resident rate structures
- Multi‑round or frequent‑player programs (if available)
These can make golfing in North Fulton more affordable over time.
Best times to play (Atlanta-specific)
In the Atlanta climate, here’s how the experience shifts through the year:
- Spring (March–May):
- Very popular; book earlier.
- Courses can be softer from rain, but temperatures are comfortable.
- Summer (June–August):
- Hot and humid; consider early morning or twilight rounds.
- Hydration is important; many Atlanta golfers carry extra water and light sun protection.
- Fall (September–November):
- Often the best golf weather in Atlanta—comfortable temps, less humidity.
- Another peak season; reserve ahead for North Fulton and other North Fulton-area courses.
- Winter (December–February):
- Playable most days; occasional cold snaps and rain.
- Lower crowds and often lower pricing, but you may face dormant grass and softer conditions.
Getting There and Dealing With Atlanta Traffic
Driving to North Fulton Golf Course
Because North Fulton Golf Course is inside the I‑285 perimeter, access is relatively straightforward:
- From Midtown or Downtown Atlanta:
- Drive north via I‑75 or GA‑400, then cut across through Buckhead.
- From Sandy Springs / North Fulton suburbs:
- Usually a southbound trip via Roswell Road, Lake Forest Drive, or nearby surface streets.
Traffic timing tips 🚗
Atlanta traffic can significantly affect your tee time:
- Avoid peak rush hour (roughly 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 4:00–6:30 p.m. on weekdays) when traveling by interstate or main corridors.
- If you have a 7:30–8:00 a.m. tee time on a weekday, plan extra time if you’re coming from outside the immediate Buckhead area.
- On weekends, travel is usually easier, but popular brunch hours in Buckhead can still slow things down near major intersections.
Aim to arrive 30–45 minutes before your time, especially if you want to warm up or check out the practice facilities.
Other Notable Golf Options in the North Fulton Area
When people say “North Fulton golf” in Atlanta, they’re often thinking about a broader area that includes:
- Sandy Springs
- Roswell
- Alpharetta
- Johns Creek
- Milton
These communities, just north of the city, offer a mix of public, semi‑private, and private golf courses. Many locals alternate between North Fulton Golf Course at Chastain and courses farther north.
Below is a simple overview to help you understand how the area is laid out.
Quick view: North Fulton golf landscape (public/semi‑private focus)
| Area | Typical Course Types | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Buckhead / Chastain (inside I‑285) | Public (North Fulton), some private clubs | Central to the city, classic parkland feel |
| Sandy Springs | Public & semi‑private nearby | Easy access from GA‑400, popular for residents |
| Roswell | Mix of public, semi‑private, private | Established neighborhoods, mature layouts |
| Alpharetta | Semi‑private & public | Modern designs, many residential communities |
| Johns Creek / Milton | Mostly private with some public | Upscale communities, championship-style courses |
Public and semi‑public options north of the city
While North Fulton Golf Course is a go‑to inside the perimeter, golfers living in North Fulton County often drive a bit farther north for variety. Across Roswell, Alpharetta, and surrounding communities, you’ll find:
- Municipal or county‑affiliated courses
- Daily‑fee courses that are open to the public
- Semi‑private clubs that allow non‑member play at certain times
Common traits of these suburban North Fulton‑area courses:
- Often longer and more spread out than older in‑town layouts
- More water features and bunkering
- Practice facilities that sometimes include full driving ranges, short‑game areas, and structured lesson programs
If you’re staying in Alpharetta, Roswell, or Johns Creek, it can make sense to mix one round at North Fulton Golf Course (for the in‑town Atlanta feel) with one or more rounds at a suburban course for contrast.
North Fulton Golf for Different Types of Golfers
For beginners and casual golfers
North Fulton Golf Course is often a first “real” 18‑hole course for Atlanta beginners because:
- It’s public and affordable relative to many private clubs.
- The layout is challenging but not punishing.
- Staff are used to hosting a mix of skill levels.
Tips for newer players:
- Avoid peak weekend mornings until you’re comfortable keeping pace.
- Ask the pro shop which tees are best for your current distance.
- Plan to walk the course if you’re able—it’s a manageable walk and can feel less intimidating than driving in a cart all day.
For experienced golfers
If you’re a lower handicap or more seasoned player:
- Use North Fulton Golf Course as a place to:
- Work on precision and course management on a classic, tree‑lined layout.
- Practice shaping shots and threading tight fairways.
- Then explore longer or more demanding courses farther north in the broader North Fulton region when you want modern designs and possibly tougher setups.
Practical Tips for Playing Golf in North Fulton (Atlanta)
Here are some local, Atlanta-specific pointers that can make your North Fulton golf experience smoother:
Heat and humidity planning
- In summer, schedule early morning or late afternoon tee times.
- Light, breathable clothing and extra water help make the round more comfortable.
Storm awareness
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in warmer months.
- If your tee time is in the afternoon, keep an eye on the day’s forecast and be ready for possible lightning delays.
Course conditions
- Many Atlanta courses, including North Fulton, may be softer after heavy rain; bring an extra towel and consider how this affects roll‑out and approach shots.
- In winter, grass can go dormant and surfaces may play firmer and faster around the greens.
Pace of play
- Weekend rounds at popular public courses can be longer.
- If you prefer a quicker round, consider:
- Weekday mornings or mid‑afternoons
- Twilight rounds, accepting you might not finish all 18 holes in the winter months when sunset is early
Parking and access
- At North Fulton Golf Course, allow a few extra minutes to park and check in, especially during busy times in Chastain Park, when there may be events or heavy park use.
How to Choose Where to Play in North Fulton
When deciding where to play golf in the North Fulton part of Atlanta, consider:
Your location
- Staying in Midtown/Buckhead? North Fulton Golf Course is convenient.
- Staying in Alpharetta, Roswell, or Johns Creek? Weigh public and semi‑private options closer to you.
Your budget
- City courses like North Fulton generally offer more affordable rounds.
- Semi‑private and higher‑end public courses farther north may cost more but offer different amenities and course styles.
Your skill level and preferences
- Beginners: North Fulton Golf Course and other accessible public layouts are often more comfortable.
- Experienced players: Mix North Fulton with longer, modern courses in the larger North Fulton corridor.
Transportation
- If you don’t have a car, choose courses closer to MARTA access or central neighborhoods, then use rideshare from there.
- If you’re driving, plan around Atlanta traffic windows to avoid rushed arrivals.
By focusing on North Fulton Golf Course in Chastain Park for an in‑town round, and exploring North Fulton County’s broader golf scene for additional variety, you can build a golf routine or trip that fits the way people actually live, work, and move around Atlanta, Georgia.