Best Golf Courses in Atlanta

Updated February 2024 to update booking information

It’s been a while since I’ve been to Atlanta, let alone played any golf.  When I do find myself in the Big Peach, it’s normally for work.

While I have played a little bit, I’m by no means an authority on the area’s courses.  That’s why I turned to our readers that are familiar with Atlanta for help when I received a couple of requests to do a course guide.  As usual, they had plenty to say.

Let’s get to it. 

West Pines Golf Club is the flagship course in the community of Douglasville. 

Known for outstanding customer service, this facility has everything a golfer could need.  From a pro shop that’s stocked with all the latest equipment, to a staff of experienced PGA teachers, to state-of-the-art practice facilities, to a manicured course, everything is top-notch here. 

The layout has a variety of holes that are both challenging and getable.  One thing that remains true though, is that your ball striking needs to be on point if you want to hit the narrow fairways and small greens.

A classic Georgia design that’s fun to play for everyone.

 

Legacy Golf Links was designed by Georgia native and multiple Major Champion, Larry Nelson.

Even though the course is short and only plays to a par of 58, many call it Atlanta’s best kept secret. 

On most holes, sneaky hazards, bunkers, and mounds come into play.

While you might be tempted to blast away off the tee on some of the shorter holes, the best strategy is to play the course as it was designed.

Always in good shape, Legacy Golf Links is plain fun to play.

 

 

Since it opened in 1993, Gwinnett Country Club has been the pride and joy of Snellville. 

Designed by Steve Melnyk, this course requires you to think your way around.  Shot values are outstanding. 

While some holes are wide open, others are narrow and framed by whispering pines.

Once you get to the greens, you’d best stay below the hole.  They’re firm and fast in the summer and most slope from back to front. 

A great test for the thinking golfer, Gwinnett Country Club comes highly recommended.

 

   

Mystery Valley is in the heart of Dekalb County in the Stone Mountain area. 

Designed in the 1970’s, the is a classic layout that sits on more than 230 acres of gently rolling land.  People that play here often describe a round as quiet and peaceful.

The greens are also said to be some of the best around.  If you get the speed dialed in, you can make a lot of putts. 

For a splendid round of golf on a classic design, choose Mystery Valley.

Since opening for play in 2001, Wolf Creek Golf Course has had a reputation as one of the toughest tests in Atlanta. 

Designed by Mike Young, this layout features some holes that are flat and set in lowland areas, and others that present all the challenge you could want. 

If you choose to tip it out, bring your A-game.  From tee to green, trouble abounds.  If you hit shots offline into the high grass, plan on reloading.

For friendly service and a stern test, put Wolf Creek on your list.

Just outside the community of Alpharetta, you’ll find RiverPines Golf Course.

Here, the Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens are exquisite.  You won’t be able to blame poor shots on a bad lie.

Nestled alongside the banks of the Chattahoochee River, this course provides an idyllic setting to test your skills.

There are plenty of chances for risk and reward here too, especially on the par fives.  If you choose to play aggressively, you’d better execute, or you’ll pay dearly.

One of the best kept secrets in the Atlanta area, don’t miss a chance to play RiverPines.

 

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, make the trip to Crystal Lake. 

Designed by the infamous Denis Griffiths, this course is the perfect opportunity to either test your game or go low.  It all depends on the tees you decide to play.  The good news is there are plenty of options.

Another advantage of getting out of the city for a round is that there are the lack of crowds and slow play.  That’s certainly the case at Crystal Lake.

More than worth the trip.

Bobby Jones Golf Course is arguably the most historical public track in Atlanta.  The facility is home to Georgia Golf Hall of Fame and the Grand Slam Academy. 

This Bob Cupp design is revolutionary in that there are double greens that offer multiple hole locations.  The Azalea and Magnolia Courses are both nine-hole tracks that allow you to play different routings.  On some days, you can even play the course in reverse.

Everyone is welcome at Bobby Jones Golf Course and the conditions are always pristine.

A must play when you’re in Atlanta.

Built in 1963, Lake Spivey Golf Club has been a staple on the menu of Atlanta golf for a long time.  To this day, Golf Digest calls this track the “The Best Value in Atlanta”. 

Lake Spivey’s 18 holes meander through tall Georgia pines and over rolling terrain.  A parkland design, golfers rave about the quality of holes to be found here. 

For as many rounds as this course gets, I’m told it’s always in great shape too.

A convenient location, great value, and a fun layout.  Sounds like a winning combination to me.

 

Located only minutes from downtown Atlanta, Heritage Golf Links has been a local’s favorite since it opened in 1966. 

To this day, it has one of the highest slope ratings in the state.  If you play all the way back, you’re in for a heck of a good test.

The layout makes its way around a 20-acre lake that comes into play on a number of holes.  Combined with rolling terrain and significant elevation changes, it’s not hard to see why this course is so difficult. 

If you play well here, you’ve earned it.

Conclusion

Golf’s a big deal in Atlanta.  While the late, great Bobby Jones called the city home more than a century ago, the game remains healthy and vibrant today.

Based on the enthusiastic feedback from our readers, I’m putting a golf trip to Atlanta on my short list. 

If you have more that you’d like to add, feel free to share in the comments below.