Comprehensive guide to golf courses, resorts, and golf associations across Georgia - Home of The Masters and 500+ championship courses.
Georgia stands as one of America's premier golf destinations, home to the legendary Augusta National Golf Club and over 523 championship courses spanning from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Coast. The state's mild year-round climate allows for 12-month golf season, making it an ideal destination for golfers at every skill level.
Since hosting the first Masters Tournament in 1934, Georgia has established itself as a cornerstone of American golf history. The state features diverse terrain that includes mountain courses with dramatic elevation changes, rolling Piedmont layouts, and coastal links-style courses along marshlands and beaches. From Bobby Jones's legendary East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta to the championship resort courses at Reynolds Lake Oconee and Sea Island, Georgia offers world-class golf experiences alongside affordable public courses and budget-friendly state park facilities.
Georgia golf courses consistently rank among the nation's best, with multiple facilities appearing in Golf Digest's Top 100. The state hosts major PGA Tour events including the season-ending TOUR Championship at East Lake and the RSM Classic at Sea Island. Whether seeking championship golf at prestigious private clubs, resort experiences with luxurious amenities, or affordable daily-fee courses maintained to high standards, Georgia delivers exceptional value across all price points.
Augusta
Founded in 1932 by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts on a former nursery site, Augusta National opened in January 1933. Designed by Jones and architect Alister MacKenzie, the course hosted the first Masters Tournament in 1934, originally called the Augusta National Invitation Tournament. The course has evolved significantly, measuring 7,445 yards today compared to 6,925 yards in 2001. Perry Maxwell made crucial alterations in 1937, including moving the 10th green to its hilltop location. Unlike other majors, The Masters is always held at the same location, making Augusta National synonymous with golf excellence.
Notable: Home of The Masters (since 1934), 7,445 yards, Par 72, Private/Members Only
Visit WebsiteAtlanta
Established in 1947 and designed by the legendary Bobby Jones alongside renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., Peachtree Golf Club is often compared to Augusta National for its perfect design and lush beauty. Located 10 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, the course ranks as Georgia's 2nd best and USA's 25th best according to Golf Digest (2023/24). The course exemplifies mid-century American golf architecture with strategic bunkering, pristine conditioning, and thoughtful routing through rolling Georgia terrain.
Design: Bobby Jones & Robert Trent Jones Sr., Private Club, Championship Layout
Atlanta
Established in 1904, East Lake Golf Club is Atlanta's oldest golf course and the historic home of legendary golfer Bobby Jones. Since 2005, East Lake has been the permanent home of the TOUR Championship, the final event of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedEx Cup. In 2024, architect Andrew Green completed a comprehensive restoration of the course. The facility features panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline and represents a remarkable community revitalization story, transforming both the golf course and surrounding neighborhood into a model for urban renewal.
Notable: TOUR Championship venue, Bobby Jones's home course, Restored 2024
Visit WebsiteCobbtown
This exclusive match play facility ranks #3 in Georgia according to top golf course rankings. Ohoopee represents a unique concept in American golf, built specifically for match play competition with strategic design elements that reward bold shot-making. The course showcases the natural beauty of rural Georgia terrain while providing a pure golf experience focused on competition rather than stroke play scoring.
Design: Match play focused, Private, Championship caliber
Duluth
A historic championship facility that has hosted major championships including the PGA Championship and U.S. Open. The club features the Highlands Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., which has challenged the world's best players in major championships. The facility offers two championship courses and represents over a century of Atlanta golf tradition.
Notable: Major championship host, Two 18-hole courses, Robert Trent Jones Sr. design
Visit WebsiteAtlanta
A prestigious Atlanta private club with rich golf tradition dating back over a century. Ansley features championship layouts that have hosted numerous regional and state championships. The club represents classic Southern golf culture combined with modern amenities and impeccable course conditioning.
Type: Private club, Historic Atlanta tradition, Championship layouts
Visit WebsiteGeorgia's golf resorts rank among America's finest destinations, combining championship golf with luxury accommodations, fine dining, and world-class amenities. These properties offer multi-day golf experiences with stay-and-play packages.
Greensboro (85 miles east of Atlanta)
Located on 12,000 acres of lakefront property, Reynolds Lake Oconee features seven championship courses designed by legends including Jack Nicklaus (Great Waters), Tom Fazio (The National - 27 holes), Rees Jones (The Oconee), and Bob Cupp (Preserve and Landing). Five of the seven courses rank in Georgia's Top-15. Great Waters is a public Top 100 course featuring one of golf's best back nines. The resort includes the five-star Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, plus villas for group stays, 11 restaurants, and comprehensive sporting facilities. Perfect for multi-day golf trips where you can play Monday through Friday without repeating a course.
Highlights: 7 courses, Top 100 Great Waters, Ritz-Carlton, 11 restaurants
Visit WebsiteSt. Simons Island (Georgia Coast)
Established in 1928, Sea Island is a luxury residential and resort community featuring three exceptional championship 18-hole courses. The courses include Seaside and Plantation, which co-host the RSM Classic PGA Tour event. Seaside offers true links golf through tidal marshes with views of St. Simons Sound. The resort includes The Cloister at Sea Island (five-star), The Inn at Sea Island, and The Lodge at Sea Island for accommodations. Facilities feature a 17,000-square-foot Golf Performance Center, top instructors, multiple teeing areas, and extensive practice facilities. Access primarily for resort guests and members, making this a bucket-list destination worth planning ahead.
Highlights: RSM Classic host, Links-style Seaside, 17,000-sq-ft Performance Center
Visit WebsiteAdairsville (North Georgia Mountains, 1 hour north of Atlanta)
Nestled on 3,000 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Barnsley Resort features a championship golf course designed by Jim Fazio that winds through undulating, wooded topography. Widely considered one of Georgia's best courses, the layout takes advantage of dramatic elevation changes and natural terrain. The estate offers historic gardens dating to the 1840s, a luxury spa, 10-acre lake, farm-to-table dining, horseback riding, hiking, shooting sports, and casually elegant cottages and guest rooms. Located conveniently off I-75, Barnsley combines championship golf with mountain resort experiences and Southern hospitality.
Highlights: Jim Fazio design, 3,000 acres, Mountain setting, Historic gardens
Visit WebsiteGeorgia's public golf scene offers exceptional value with championship-caliber courses accessible to all golfers. These courses consistently rank among the nation's best public facilities.
Greensboro
Jack Nicklaus design featuring one of the best back nines in American golf. Public access Top 100 course with dramatic lakefront holes and strategic bunkering. Part of Reynolds Lake Oconee resort complex.
Design: Jack Nicklaus, Top 100 ranking, Lakefront layout
Athens
Robert Trent Jones Sr. design that has hosted numerous NCAA and professional tournaments. Exceptional value with green fees of $63 to walk on weekends. Championship layout maintained to tournament standards and accessible to the public.
Rates: $63 weekend walking rate, RTJ Sr. design, Tournament host
Savannah
Robert Cupp and Sam Snead Championship Golf Course with four-star "Highly Recommended" rating from Golf Digest. Located across from Savannah's historic district with challenging layout and excellent conditioning.
Design: Robert Cupp & Sam Snead, Golf Digest 4-star rated
Stone Mountain (Atlanta area)
Robert Trent Jones design located at Stone Mountain Park. Championship layout with two 18-hole courses offering scenic mountain views and challenging play at reasonable rates.
Features: 36 holes, Mountain views, Atlanta proximity
Atlanta
9-hole course designed by Rees Jones located minutes from downtown Atlanta. Named for Charlie Yates, 1938 British Amateur champion and close friend of Bobby Jones. Accessible public course with historic East Lake connections.
Design: Rees Jones, 9 holes, Downtown Atlanta access
Visit WebsiteNear Calhoun (North Georgia)
Excellent value public course with green fees of $36 weekdays and $47 weekends. Well-maintained championship layout in scenic North Georgia setting.
Rates: $36 weekdays, $47 weekends, North Georgia location
Savannah
Located near Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, featuring open parkland-style design. Convenient location for travelers and locals with well-conditioned course.
Style: Parkland design, Airport proximity, Public access
Atlanta area
Popular Atlanta-area public course where green fees don't surpass $70. Known for excellent conditioning and challenging layout at reasonable price point.
Rates: Under $70, Atlanta area, Well-maintained
Atlanta Golf GuideGeorgia's eight state park golf courses are known as "the sweetest deals in golf," offering championship-quality layouts at affordable prices. These courses leverage spectacular terrain from mountains to coastal plains.
Richard B. Russell State Park (Elberton)
Probably the most challenging and scenic of all Georgia state park courses. Ten of 18 holes border Lake Richard B. Russell with stunning water views. Praised as "the best course for the money" with weekday rates (cart included) at just $50. Championship design taking full advantage of lakefront terrain.
Rates: $50 weekdays (with cart), 10 holes on lake, Challenging layout
Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge (McRae-Helena)
Recognized as one of the best public courses in the South. The acclaimed 18-hole championship course combines challenging design with excellent conditioning. Features on-site lodge accommodations for convenient golf getaways.
Accolades: Best public course (South), Lodge available, Championship layout
Visit WebsiteHard Labor Creek State Park (Rutledge)
Features the first hole voted "the hardest starting hole in Georgia." Championship layout with challenging opening and excellent overall design. Located in Middle Georgia with convenient access from Atlanta.
Notable: Hardest starting hole in GA, Championship design, Atlanta proximity
Victoria Bryant State Park (Royston)
Inexpensive rates for this tree-lined course providing dramatic elevation changes similar to Augusta National. Located in Northeast Georgia near the South Carolina border. Excellent value with mountain scenery.
Features: Elevation changes, Mountain setting, Budget-friendly
Georgia Veterans State Park & Resort (Cordele)
Honors Georgia veterans with a championship layout maintained to high standards. Features resort amenities including lodging. Central Georgia location makes it accessible from multiple regions.
Features: Veterans memorial, Resort amenities, Central location
Laura S. Walker State Park (Waycross)
Features multiple holes with water hazards living up to its name. Located in Southeast Georgia near the Okefenokee Swamp. Offers affordable golf in a natural setting.
Setting: Multiple lakes, Southeast GA, Okefenokee area
George T. Bagby State Park (Fort Gaines)
Southwest Georgia course offering open meadow-style links play. Features lodge accommodations on Lake Walter F. George. Good choice for multi-day golf trips in a less crowded area.
Style: Links-style meadows, Lake views, Lodge available
Jack Hill State Park (Vidalia)
Southeast Georgia course near Vidalia (home of Vidalia onions). Affordable championship golf maintained by Georgia State Parks system. Good option for golfers exploring coastal Georgia.
Location: Near Vidalia, Southeast GA, Affordable rates
Milledgeville
Designed by Gary Player, this course costs under $16 to play even on weekends and holidays. Incredible value for a course designed by a golf legend. Offers quality golf at unbeatable prices.
Value: Gary Player design, Under $16 anytime, Exceptional deal
Statesboro
University course with public rates starting at $22. Features special rates for students, faculty, staff, military members, and seniors. Annual and semester passes available providing significant savings for frequent players.
Rates: From $22 public, Student/military discounts, Pass options
The Atlanta metro area features 38 golf courses ranging from historic private clubs like East Lake and Peachtree to excellent public facilities. The region offers year-round golf with diverse terrain and championship layouts.
Augusta, home of The Masters, features 12 golf courses including the legendary Augusta National. The region offers year-round golf with mild winters and excellent public access options.
Georgia's Atlantic Coast and Golden Isles region features links-style courses through marshlands and coastal terrain. The area offers year-round golf with ocean breezes and spectacular scenery.
Base: Ritz-Carlton Reynolds or resort villas
Base: Sea Island Resort or Savannah historic district
Base: Atlanta metro hotels
4-5 days, lodging at state park facilities
Augusta National Golf Club is universally recognized as Georgia's #1 course and ranks among the world's best. Founded by Bobby Jones in 1932 and home to The Masters since 1934, Augusta National is a private, members-only club with extremely limited access. The course measures 7,445 yards and features iconic holes like Amen Corner (holes 11-13).
For accessible championship golf, Peachtree Golf Club ranks #2 in Georgia (designed by Bobby Jones and Robert Trent Jones Sr.) but is also private. The best public access courses include Great Waters at Reynolds Lake Oconee (Jack Nicklaus Top 100 design), Sea Island's Seaside Course (RSM Classic host), and The Club at Savannah Harbor (Robert Cupp/Sam Snead design with Golf Digest 4-star rating).
East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, while private, hosts the PGA Tour's season-ending TOUR Championship each year, offering the public a chance to watch professionals compete on Bobby Jones's historic home course.
Georgia has 523 golf courses including both public and private facilities. This breaks down approximately as follows:
The Atlanta metropolitan area alone features 38 golf courses. Augusta has 12 courses, and the coastal Georgia region offers dozens of courses from Savannah to the Florida border. Georgia's year-round golf season and diverse terrain from mountains to coast make it one of America's premier golf states.
No, Augusta National is not open to public play. The club is strictly private and members-only with one of golf's most exclusive memberships. There is no process to apply for membership - invitations are extended only by existing members, and the membership list is closely guarded.
Ways to experience Augusta National:
Instead, consider playing other historic Georgia courses: East Lake Golf Club (Bobby Jones's home course, TOUR Championship host), Peachtree Golf Club (designed by Bobby Jones), or championship public courses like Great Waters at Reynolds Lake Oconee or Sea Island Golf Club.
Georgia offers exceptional value for budget-conscious golfers, with championship-quality courses at affordable rates:
Best Overall Values:
All 8 Georgia State Park Courses offer excellent value ($40-60 range with cart):
Budget Tips: Book twilight rates for 30-50% savings, play weekdays for lower rates, consider annual passes if you'll play 15+ rounds, state park lodges offer affordable stay-and-play packages.
Georgia offers year-round golf, but conditions and experiences vary significantly by season:
Peak Season (Best Overall): March-May & September-November
Summer (June-August): Hot but Playable
Winter (December-February): Mild but Variable
Insider Tips: Book 30-60 days ahead for peak season, avoid Augusta area during Masters week (early April) unless attending, coastal courses offer best winter conditions, summer morning tee times essential.
Georgia offers diverse golf destinations, each with unique advantages for multi-day trips:
Reynolds Lake Oconee (Luxury/Premium)
Sea Island (Ultimate Luxury)
Atlanta Metro (Variety & Convenience)
Coastal Georgia - Savannah/Golden Isles (Beach + Golf)
Budget-Friendly State Parks
Georgia golf courses offer multiple booking options depending on the facility type:
Online Booking Platforms (Most Convenient):
Advance Booking Windows:
Booking by Phone:
Call course pro shops directly for last-minute availability, group bookings (8+ players), tournament inquiries, or questions about course conditions. Phone booking also works well for same-day or next-day tee times.
Peak Times Requiring Advanced Booking:
Walk-On Opportunities:
Municipal courses and state park facilities often accept walk-ons, especially weekday afternoons and twilight times. Call ahead same morning for best success. Summer weekday afternoons typically have availability.
Group Bookings (8+ Players):
Contact course directly 60-90 days ahead, many courses offer group rates and can arrange shotgun starts for 12+ players. Corporate outings should book 3-6 months in advance.
Georgia hosts three major professional golf events, including the sport's most prestigious tournament:
The Masters Tournament
TOUR Championship (Season Finale)
RSM Classic
Historic Georgia PGA Events:
Georgia has hosted numerous major championships including PGA Championships at Atlanta Athletic Club (1981, 2001, 2011), U.S. Open, and Ryder Cup. The state's golf heritage extends beyond current tour events to include historic amateur championships and legendary players like Bobby Jones.
Yes, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is conveniently located near numerous golf courses, making it easy to play golf before or after flights:
Closest Courses to ATL (Within 15 Minutes):
Quality Courses 20-30 Minutes from ATL:
Day Trip Options (45-90 Minutes):
Tips for Airport Golf:
Recommended Strategy: Stay at airport hotel night before departure, play Bobby Jones or Browns Mill early morning round (7am tee time), finish by 11:30am, reach airport by 12:30pm for afternoon flights. Alternatively, land by 1pm, rent car, play 2-3pm twilight round, stay at airport hotel.
Bobby Jones is Georgia's greatest golf legend and one of the most important figures in golf history. His impact on Georgia golf and the sport worldwide remains profound nearly a century later.
Bobby Jones's Achievements:
East Lake Golf Club (Jones's Home Course):
Augusta National Golf Club (Jones's Greatest Legacy):
Peachtree Golf Club (Jones's Design Work):
Other Georgia Golf Courses Named for Jones:
Georgia Golf Hall of Fame:
Located in Augusta, the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame honors Jones and other Georgia golf legends. The museum celebrates the state's rich golf heritage from Jones's Grand Slam to modern PGA Tour champions.
Jones's Impact on Golf:
Visiting Jones-Related Sites:
Golf history enthusiasts can visit East Lake Golf Club (attend TOUR Championship), see Augusta National from Washington Road (no public access), play Atlanta municipal Bobby Jones Golf Course, or visit the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame. The Charlie Yates 9-hole course at East Lake offers accessible public golf with historic connections.
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Last updated on November 24, 2025