Best Golf Courses in Georgia

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

Arguably the most prestigious golf tournament in the world is played every year in Georgia – The Masters.  Truly a tradition unlike any other, watching the tournament every year is almost like a ceremonial rite of passage.  I’ve always dreamed of playing Augusta National but that isn’t going to happen anytime soon.  Chances are you probably won’t either.  Sigh…

Not to fret though, there are plenty of other great options in the Peach State that average Joes like you and I can play.

The University of Georgia has turned out some studs in terms of golfers over the years.  Where did they hone their skills in college?  The iconic University of Georgia Golf Course.

Located in the heart of the campus in Athens, this Robert Trent Jones design is open to everybody. 

You’re asking for it if you peg it from the Bulldog tees all the way back.  However, there are five other sets of tees to choose from so the course is accessible to everyone

Always in great shape, this track is affordable for students, faculty, and the general public. 

If working on your game is your main priority, you’ll have the privilege of using the same world class facilities as some of the best players in the country.

 

Right on the shores of Lake Lanier lies Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course. 

Revered for its superior condition, the Legacy Course has a mix of holes you won’t forget.  Short, long, up, and down, each one presents its own set of unique challenges.

The hardest part of playing a round here might be trying not to get distracted by the serene lake and surrounding shoreline.

There’s something for everyone at this resort and the amenities are second to none.  Whether your wife wants a day at the spa, or your kids want to splash and giggle at the waterpark, you won’t have to worry about keeping everyone busy while you’re out on the course.

 

Just because this “country club” has a membership, doesn’t mean you can’t play it.  It’s open to the public as well.

Named “Best New Golf Course in Georgia” in 2000, Woodmont is both fun to play, and challenging. 

Built into the rolling hills of the Georgia countryside, elevation changes abound here, so you’ll probably face some uneven lies.  Additionally, meandering lakes, streams, and dense hardwoods round out this property to make for a peaceful and memorable experience.

If you’re looking for top-notch course conditions and a country club experience, check out Woodmont Country Club.

Cherokee Run was designed by Arnold Palmer and opened in 1995.

Now owned by the city of Conyers, Cherokee Run has Zoysia fairways and Bermuda greens that play like a dream. 

Plenty of elevation changes, forced carries, and 96 bunkers give this course plenty of teeth.  Make sure you play the right set of tees out here.

After you finish your round, grab a bite to eat and a cold beverage in the clubhouse which overlooks this vast property.

Truly one of the best kept secrets in Georgia, you don’t want to miss out on Cherokee Run.

If there’s a publicly accessible course in Georgia that most closely mirrors Augusta National, it’s Governors Towne Club. 

Located in the town of Acworth and designed by Curtis Strange, this course is less than an hour’s drive from downtown Atlanta. 

Here, the tree lined fairways, undulating greens, and elevation changes will have you hitting every club in your bag. 

Even though the course has a reputation of being a stout test, it’s more than playable as each hole can be played as a par three if you’re so inclined.

While the club is proud of its private membership, the public can make tee times and have the experience of being “a member for the day.” 

Highly recommended and always in beautiful shape.

There’s no place in Georgia like the Harbor Club on Lake Oconee.  The property encompasses more than 1,000 acres of woodlands and shoreline on Lake Oconee. 

The golf course meanders over hills and through the woods in a way that can only be described as classic Georgia golf. 

The weather here is more temperate than other places in the state making it a pleasure to play all year long. 

If you’re looking for a great place to bring the family for an extended stay, Lake Oconee has something for everyone. 

 

Some of the best golf course views in all of Georgia are found at Cateechee Golf Club. 

Designed by Georgia native, Mike Young, this course sits on 420 acres of virgin pine forest.  With so much land to use, the course is spread out and each hole feels like its own experience. 

The wetlands of Cedar Creek come into play on five holes and will grab your attention. 

Cateechee is also a great place to come if you need some help with your game.  The instructors at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy offer multi-day golf schools that cover every aspect from tee to green. 

Truly an experience geared toward the golf purest, Cateechee is one you’ll remember.

You’ll need a long stay to take part in everything there is to do at Barnsley Resort.  One activity you don’t want to miss though, is a round at the Fazio Course.

Known for having some of the fastest greens in the entire southeast part of the country, you’ll want to be below the hole.

Elevation changes make tee shots both fun and challenging. 

If you get a chance, play a round here early in the morning.  The quiet serenity has to be experienced to be believed.

Whether sporting clays, the spa, shopping, golf, or fine dining are high on your list, there’s no such thing as being bored at Barnsley Plantation.

The Club at Osprey Cove has all the trappings of a private club without the pretention.  Here, the goal is to provide a first-class experience for everyone, as they are. 

Set on the edges of sweeping tidal marshes and inlets, this is southern bayou golf.

Even though the course boasts a vibrant membership, it welcomes the public with open arms. 

At a modest $65 for 18 holes with a cart, this track is a tremendous value.  A must play if you’re within 100 miles.

Jekyll Island Golf Club is more than just a golf course.  It’s an entire golf community with an astounding four golf courses. 

Of the four, it’s widely held that the Pine Lakes Course is the best.  Especially for families.  With multiple sets of tees including junior and family tees, this course is playable for everyone.

Meandering through coastal forest and lowlands, it’s important to keep it on the short grass at the Pine Lakes Course.

The course was originally designed by Clyde Johnson in 1968 but underwent a renovation in 2002.  While elements of the original layout are still apparent, new design features are designed to be environmentally friendly and more accessible for golfers of all abilities. 

When you come to Jekyll Island, plan on staying for a while.  There’s plenty of fun to be had and you don’t have to venture far.

Conclusion

Georgia is a state rich in history and tradition.  That’s reflected both in its culture and golf.  For those reasons, Georgian golfers are a proud bunch, and they should be. 

Yes, we’d all love to play Augusta National, but our chances of winning the lottery might be better.  That aside, there’s more than enough quality golf available to the public at a reasonable price. 

Without question, there are plenty of courses in Georgia that belong on this list, but we only have room for 10.  Let us know about the ones we missed in the comments below.  As always, thanks for keeping in touch with us here at Golfer’s Authority.