Stone Mountain Golf Club: A Local’s Guide to Golf at Atlanta’s Granite Icon

Stone Mountain is one of metro Atlanta’s most recognizable landmarks—and Stone Mountain Golf Club is how many locals and visitors experience it up close. If you’re looking for golf in the Atlanta area with dramatic views, varied layouts, and easy access from the city, this is one of the first places people consider.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to Stone Mountain Golf Club: what to expect, how to plan a visit, and how it fits into the broader golf scene around the city.

Where Stone Mountain Golf Club Fits into the Atlanta Golf Scene

Stone Mountain Golf Club sits inside Stone Mountain Park, about 20–30 minutes east of downtown Atlanta (traffic depending). It’s close enough for:

• After-work rounds if you live in Intown neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Decatur, or East Atlanta.
• Weekend golf outings for families staying around Midtown, Buckhead, or near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Stay-and-play trips since there are lodging and park activities on-site and nearby.

If you’re comparing courses around Atlanta, Stone Mountain stands out for:

• Scenic granite and lake views that feel different from in-town courses.
• Two full 18-hole courses on the same property.
• A more “destination-style” experience, thanks to the surrounding park, trails, and lake.

Location, Contact, and Access

Stone Mountain Golf Club
(inside Stone Mountain Park)
1145 Stonewall Jackson Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Main phone (park and golf information): (770) 498-5690
Golf operations are typically coordinated through Stone Mountain Park and its on-site resort partners.

Because the course is inside a gated park, factor in:

• Park entrance fee or parking pass (often charged per vehicle at the main gate).
• Extra time at the checkpoint, especially on busy weekends or holidays.

Many Atlanta golfers plan to arrive 20–30 minutes earlier than a standard tee time to account for traffic on US-78 and the park entrance process.

The Courses: Stonemont and Lakemont

Stone Mountain Golf Club is known for having two 18-hole championship courses:

Stonemont Course

Style: Classic, tree-lined, traditional layout

Key things Atlanta golfers notice:

• More traditional challenge – narrower fairways, demanding tee shots, and small-ish greens.
• Less water, more shot-making – compared to Lakemont, this course asks more from your long game and accuracy.
• Popular with lower-handicap players who want a more “pure” golf test rather than a resort-style track.

Common local feedback: Stonemont is the course people choose when they want to test themselves or get ready for competitive play around Atlanta.

Lakemont Course

Style: Scenic, resort-style, with significant water and elevation changes

What stands out:

• Sweeping views of Stone Mountain and the lake on multiple holes.
• Water in play on many holes, which can be intimidating but also visually impressive.
• More forgiving off the tee in some spots than Stonemont, though wayward shots can quickly find water.

Atlanta-area golfers often pick Lakemont when:

• Hosting clients visiting from out of town.
• Treating it as a “scenery-first” round with friends or family.
• They want a memorable course for photos and first-time Atlanta visitors.

Typical Experience for Atlanta Golfers

If you’re coming from Atlanta neighborhoods like Midtown, Virginia-Highland, or Decatur, here’s what a standard round might look like:

1. Drive out via US-78 eastbound, allowing buffer time for rush hour.
2. Check in at the park gate (pay entrance fee or show pass).
3. Park and head to the pro shop to confirm your tee time and riding/walking plans.
4. Warm up at the practice range and putting green, if available when you arrive.
5. Play either Stonemont (more traditional) or Lakemont (more scenic and watery).
6. Finish with food or drinks at the on-site restaurant or clubhouse area, or head into downtown Stone Mountain or back toward Decatur/Atlanta for more dining options.

Many locals turn it into a half- or full-day experience by combining golf with:

• A walk or hike near Stone Mountain’s base trails
• A picnic by the lake
• Family activities in the park if others aren’t golfing

Green Fees, Carts, and Rentals

Specific prices change regularly, but you can generally expect:

• Dynamic pricing – weekdays are usually less expensive than weekends and holidays.
• Peak times – mornings and early afternoons on Saturdays and Sundays often carry higher rates and heavier traffic.
• Twilight or afternoon deals – often more budget-friendly, and the sunset light over the mountain can be excellent.

Common options (subject to change):

• 18-hole rounds with cart (standard for most visitors).
• Walking – may be allowed at certain times; check ahead, since course design and pace-of-play policies vary.
• Club rentals – typically available for travelers or beginners without a full set.

When calling from Atlanta, many golfers ask:

• “Which course has more availability today—Stonemont or Lakemont?”
• “Do you have twilight rates this afternoon?”
• “Are rental clubs available and what’s the cost?”

Tee Time Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

Securing a good tee time near Atlanta often comes down to timing:

• Weekend mornings: Book several days (or even a week) ahead—these are popular times for metro-area golfers.
• Weekday mornings and early afternoons: Often more open and can be ideal if you have flexible work hours or are visiting midweek.
• Summer months: Afternoon thunderstorms are common across metro Atlanta, so many locals favor earlier morning tee times.

Helpful planning tips:

• ⛳ Check for aeration or maintenance dates if you’re particular about green conditions.
• ☎ Call ahead if rain is in the forecast to ask about course status, cart path rules, and any potential delays.
• 🚗 Factor in Atlanta traffic patterns—US-78 can slow down during typical rush hour windows.

Practice Facilities and Learning the Game

For Atlanta golfers who want to work on their game:

• Stone Mountain Golf Club typically offers a driving range, practice putting green, and short-game areas.
• These facilities can be useful if you live in areas like Decatur, Clarkston, or Tucker and want a more scenic practice spot than smaller local ranges.

If you’re new to golf or bringing beginners:

• Ask about group clinics, private lessons, or junior-friendly programs.
• Many metro Atlanta families choose Stone Mountain for kids’ first “real” golf experiences because of the mix of scenery and beginner-friendly tee time options on certain days.

For those based closer to downtown Atlanta, you might pair Stone Mountain rounds with practice at in-town options like public driving ranges or municipal courses, then use Stone Mountain as your “occasion” or “destination” round.

What to Wear and Bring (Atlanta-Specific Considerations)

Atlanta’s climate shapes how locals prepare for a day at Stone Mountain:

Spring and fall:

• Light layers work best—cool mornings and warm afternoons.
• Collared shirt and golf-appropriate shorts or pants are standard at most area courses, including Stone Mountain.

Summer:

• It can be hot and humid, especially on sunny afternoons.
• Bring:
  • A hat or visor
  • Sunscreen
  • At least one refillable water bottle
  • A small towel for sweat and grip

Winter:

• Mild compared to many regions, but early-morning rounds can be chilly.
• Pack a light windbreaker or quarter-zip, and consider a beanie or hand warmers for early tee times.

General gear checklist:

• Golf shoes (soft spikes or spikeless)
• Extra balls (especially for Lakemont’s water holes)
• Rangefinder or GPS if you use one
• Umbrella and light rain jacket in rainy seasons

Sample At-a-Glance Overview

Stone Mountain Golf vs. Other Atlanta-Area Options

If you live in Atlanta, you might be deciding between Stone Mountain and:

• In-town municipal courses (like Browns Mill or North Fulton):
  • Often more convenient for quick rounds, but generally less dramatic scenery.
• Private clubs in Buckhead, Dunwoody, or Johns Creek:
  • Access-limited; if you’re not a member, Stone Mountain can feel like a comparable “club-like” outing without a membership.
• Public/suburban courses in Gwinnett, Cobb, or Henry counties:
  • Some may be cheaper or closer to suburban homes, but Stone Mountain stands out for its two-course setup and iconic vistas.

For many local golfers, the decision looks like this:

• Need convenience? Choose closer in-town or neighborhood courses.
• Want a “special” round with views and park amenities? Choose Stone Mountain Golf Club.
• Hosting out-of-town guests staying in Atlanta? Stone Mountain is often a go-to because it delivers both golf and sightseeing in one trip.

Food, Drinks, and Nearby Amenities

Inside Stone Mountain Park and the surrounding area, you’ll typically find:

• Clubhouse dining or a grill-style restaurant near the golf area.
• Beverage carts on busy days for drinks and snacks mid-round.
• Additional restaurants and casual spots in:
  • Downtown Stone Mountain
  • Commercial corridors along US-78 and nearby intersections

If you’re coming from Atlanta:

• Many golfers stop in Decatur or Tucker for breakfast on the way or dinner on the way back.
• If you’re staying near downtown or Midtown, you can easily make golf at Stone Mountain the centerpiece of a broader day exploring the city’s food scene before or after your round.

Making the Most of a Golf Day at Stone Mountain

To get the best experience as an Atlanta local or visitor:

• Book your tee time early, especially for weekends or holidays.
• Choose the course that matches your group:
  • Stonemont for a more traditional challenge
  • Lakemont for views and a resort-like feel
• Arrive with a buffer for traffic and park entry.
• Check the weather and course conditions—Atlanta weather can shift quickly, particularly in summer afternoons.
• Consider pairing your round with:
  • A park walk or quick hike
  • A meal in Stone Mountain Village or back in your home Atlanta neighborhood

For many people in metro Atlanta, Stone Mountain Golf Club is less about squeezing in a fast nine holes and more about enjoying a full, scenic golf outing without having to drive hours out of the city.