Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s premier golf destinations, with over 43 golf courses within a 15-mile radius of downtown, including a strong network of city-managed public courses, semi-private clubs, and world-class championship layouts in the surrounding metro area. The city’s warm climate allows year-round play, which sustains a large and active golf community supported by professional events, ALTA golf leagues, and significant participation from the metro area’s corporate and executive population. Atlanta has deep historical ties to the sport as the birthplace of Bobby Jones, the only player to win all four major championships in a single calendar year, and the city maintains this heritage through its nationally recognized public courses. The combination of affordable city-owned facilities and premium regional options creates one of the most accessible golf markets in the country.
When selecting a golf course in Atlanta, consider whether your priority is proximity, affordability, course condition, or the prestige of the layout. City of Atlanta public courses managed through the City of Atlanta Golf program offer excellent value with modest green fees, while semi-private and resort courses in the surrounding metro deliver championship-caliber conditions at higher price points. Peak tee time availability varies significantly by season, with spring and fall being the most congested periods; booking through GolfNow or directly with the course’s pro shop in advance is advisable for weekend rounds. First-time visitors to Atlanta-area courses should confirm current green fee pricing as rates are adjusted seasonally.
Top Golf Course Companies in Atlanta
1. Chastain Park Golf Course
Address: 216 West Wieuca Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30342
Phone: (404) 255-0723
Website: https://www.cityofatlantagolf.com/chastain-park-golf-course
Hours: First light to last light, seven days a week
Services:
- 18-hole public golf course (par 71, 6,570 yards)
- Pro shop
- Tee time reservations
- Bermuda grass greens and fairways
About: Chastain Park Golf Course was designed in 1937 by Chandler Egan in collaboration with Walter Hagen and Bobby Jones, making it one of the most historically significant public courses in Atlanta. The course is consistently rated Atlanta’s top public golf course and offers scenic views of the Buckhead skyline from its rolling Bermuda fairways. Located in Buckhead within Chastain Park, one of Atlanta’s largest and most beloved parks, the course is managed as part of the City of Atlanta Golf program. Green fees range from $28 to $45.50 with senior and twilight rate discounts available, making it one of the most accessible quality public courses in the Southeast.
2. Bobby Jones Golf Course
Address: 2205 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 355-1009
Website: https://www.bobbyjonesgc.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Services:
- 18-hole reversible public golf course (Magnolia and Azalea configurations)
- Pro shop
- Walking-friendly layout
- Affordable green fees
About: Bobby Jones Golf Course is named for Atlanta’s greatest golfer and occupies a historically significant site near Buckhead and Northside Drive. The course features a unique reversible design with double greens that can be played in two different directions, creating what are effectively two distinct courses (the Magnolia and Azalea) from the same layout. Bobby Jones is one of the most conveniently located public courses in relation to downtown Atlanta and Buckhead, and its walkable terrain and affordable pricing make it one of the most accessible facilities in the city’s public golf inventory. The course was substantially renovated to honor Bobby Jones’ legacy while modernizing the playing experience.
3. Alfred “Tup” Holmes Golf Course
Address: 2300 Wilson Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30311
Phone: (404) 753-6158
Website: https://www.cityofatlantagolf.com/alfred-tup-holmes-golf-course
Hours: Dawn to sunset, seven days a week
Services:
- 18-hole public golf course (par 72)
- Pro shop
- Tee time reservations
About: Alfred “Tup” Holmes Golf Course is named for Alfred Holmes, who led the legal effort to desegregate Atlanta’s public golf courses in 1955, making this course one of the most historically meaningful in the city. The 18-hole, par 72 layout in Southwest Atlanta was designed by Garrett Gill and George B. Williams and is managed as part of the City of Atlanta Golf program. The course serves Atlanta’s Southwest corridor and provides accessible public golf at city-managed pricing. The naming honors Holmes’ civil rights legacy and the course remains an important community institution in the neighborhoods it serves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the green fees at Atlanta public golf courses?
A: City of Atlanta public courses like Chastain Park charge approximately $28 to $45.50 per round depending on day of week, time of day, and cart rental. Senior discounts and twilight rates are available at most city courses. Semi-private courses in the Atlanta metro area range from $50 to $100 for non-member rounds, while premium resort-style courses like Echelon in Alpharetta or Chateau Elan in Braselton charge $80 to $150 or more. Booking through GolfNow often provides discounted rates at Atlanta-area courses compared to calling the pro shop directly.
Q: How far in advance should I book tee times at popular Atlanta golf courses?
A: At Chastain Park and Bobby Jones Golf Course, weekend tee times during peak spring and fall seasons can book up two to three days in advance, so planning ahead is advisable. Weekday rounds are generally available with same-day or next-day booking. Premium courses in the surrounding metro area like Bear’s Best or Echelon may require booking one to two weeks ahead for weekend prime time slots. The City of Atlanta Golf website and GolfNow are both reliable booking platforms for city-managed courses.
Q: Are there driving ranges at Atlanta’s public golf courses?
A: Not all city-managed Atlanta golf courses have attached driving ranges, so confirm with the specific course before visiting if practice facilities are your priority. Several standalone driving ranges operate in the metro area including Topgolf locations in Midtown and Alpharetta. The Echelon Golf Course in Alpharetta features a 32-acre practice and training facility that is among the most comprehensive practice resources in the region. Bobby Jones Golf Course focuses on the playing experience and has limited practice facility infrastructure compared to some suburban counterparts.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s public golf courses deliver exceptional value and historical significance for players at every level, from the nationally recognized Chastain Park to the civil rights legacy of Alfred “Tup” Holmes Course. Chastain Park Golf Course stands as the city’s premier public layout with Buckhead skyline views and a 1937 design heritage co-authored by Bobby Jones himself. Bobby Jones Golf Course offers a unique reversible course experience near Buckhead at accessible city pricing. Alfred “Tup” Holmes Golf Course provides a meaningful combination of quality public golf and historical significance in Southwest Atlanta. Contact each course’s pro shop to confirm current green fees and book tee times.