Georgia is more than just home to Augusta National. The state has a wide range of public golf courses that offer the same Southern charm, rolling hills, and fairways lined with tall pines — all without the private club price tag.
Whether you’re teeing it up near Atlanta, heading to the mountains, or playing along the coast, there’s a public course for every type of golfer. Some are challenging layouts that could host a pro event, while others are relaxed spots perfect for a weekend round with friends.
From scenic resort courses to hidden gems tucked away in small towns, here are some of the best public golf courses in Georgia that every golfer should play at least once.
Top-Rated Public Golf Courses in Georgia
Georgia is packed with courses that rival private clubs in design and quality. Whether you prefer a resort setting or a challenging championship layout, these public courses stand out for their scenery, playability, and overall experience.
The Golf Club at Cuscowilla
- Location: Eatonton, Georgia
- Yardage: 6,847 yards
- Par: 70
Set along the shores of Lake Oconee, The Golf Club of Cuscowilla is often considered one of the best public golf courses in Georgia. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the course blends perfectly with its natural setting of red clay, pines, and lake views.
Golfers will find wide fairways, subtle elevation changes, and firm, fast greens that reward smart shot-making. Every hole feels peaceful and scenic, especially the stretch along the water. The course isn’t long, but it challenges players to think through every shot.
Cuscowilla is part of a lakeside resort, so you can turn your round into a full weekend getaway with lodging and dining nearby.
Stone Mountain Golf Club
- Location: Stone Mountain, Georgia
- Yardage: 6,863 yards
- Par: 71
Located just 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta, Stone Mountain Golf Club offers two 18-hole layouts, Stonemont and Lakemont, each surrounded by stunning views of Stone Mountain Lake and Georgia’s famous granite peak.
The Stonemont Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is the tougher of the two. It features tree-lined fairways and small, well-protected greens that demand precision. The Lakemont Course is a bit more forgiving, weaving through scenic water features and offering a more relaxed round.
Golfers praise the course for being in excellent condition year-round and for offering a peaceful escape so close to the city. After your round, grab a drink at the clubhouse patio overlooking the lake, it’s one of the best post-round spots in Georgia.
The Georgia Club
- Location: Statham, Georgia
- Yardage: 7,400 yards
- Par: 72
The Georgia Club is a beautifully designed 27-hole course located between Atlanta and Athens. It’s known for its manicured fairways, fast greens, and a layout that challenges both weekend golfers and low handicappers alike.
Each of the three nines, Red, Black, and Silver, offers its own character. You’ll find wide landing areas off the tee, deep bunkers that frame the greens, and just enough water to keep things interesting. The course plays long from the back tees, but it’s fair and enjoyable for all skill levels.
The setting is classic Georgia countryside, with tree-lined holes and elegant homes bordering the fairways. Combine that with friendly staff and well-kept facilities, and it’s easy to see why The Georgia Club is one of the top public golf destinations in the state.
The Frog Golf Club
- Location: Villa Rica, Georgia
- Yardage: 6,861 yards
- Par: 72
The Frog Golf Club, located about 40 minutes west of Atlanta, is one of Georgia’s most enjoyable public golf experiences. Designed by Tom Fazio, the course is known for its smooth bentgrass greens, rolling fairways, and quiet setting away from city noise.
Each hole feels distinct, with plenty of elevation changes and well-placed bunkers that make you think before you swing. It’s the type of course that rewards smart play rather than brute distance. Golfers also appreciate the course’s consistent conditioning; even in the heat of summer, it stays in great shape.
The Frog is a favorite for both locals and visiting golfers, offering excellent value for the quality of play. If you’re looking for a public course that combines a scenic layout with a fair challenge, this one’s hard to beat.
Callaway Resort & Gardens
- Location: Pine Mountain, Georgia
- Yardage: 7,158 yards
- Par: 72
Callaway Resort & Gardens is one of Georgia’s most popular golf destinations, and for good reason. The course, set within the stunning 2,500-acre resort, blends perfectly with the area’s natural beauty, tall pines, colorful azaleas, and gentle lake views around nearly every corner.
The 18-hole Lake View Course offers wide fairways and generous greens, making it fun for all skill levels. Still, the layout has plenty of bite thanks to water hazards and strategically placed bunkers. The Mountain View Course, which once hosted PGA Tour events, is a tougher test that rewards accurate approach shots.
Beyond the golf, Callaway Gardens is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. You can stay on-site, enjoy the spa, or explore the walking trails after your round. It’s a classic Georgia experience that combines golf, relaxation, and Southern charm all in one spot.
Hidden Gem Golf Courses in Georgia
Not every great course in Georgia makes the highlight reels, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less fun to play. These hidden gems might not have national fame, yet they offer incredible layouts, friendly atmospheres, and affordable green fees that keep golfers coming back.
Meadow Links Golf Course
- Location: Fort Gaines, Georgia
- Yardage: 6,770 yards
- Par: 72
Tucked inside George T. Bagby State Park, Meadow Links is one of Georgia’s best-kept golf secrets. The course feels remote and peaceful, with fairways surrounded by pine forests and views of Lake Walter F. George in the distance.
The design is open and rolling, giving golfers a mix of challenging long holes and forgiving short ones. Its bentgrass greens are known for running smooth and true, and the course’s state park setting means it’s always well cared for.
If you’re looking for a quiet round away from the crowds, and at a great price, Meadow Links is worth the trip. You can even stay at the park’s lodge or cottages to make it a golf weekend.
Bobby Jones Golf Course
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Yardage: 5,744 yards
- Par: 71
Bobby Jones Golf Course is a historic landmark that’s been completely reimagined for the modern golfer. Located in the heart of Atlanta, it was Georgia’s first public course when it opened in 1932. After a major renovation, it now features a reversible nine-hole design that can be played in two different directions, creating 18 unique hole combinations.
This creative layout keeps things fresh and fun, while still offering a fair challenge for every skill level. The course also features one of the best short-game practice areas in the state and a state-of-the-art driving range.
Beyond the course, the facility has a welcoming clubhouse and the Boone’s restaurant, which overlooks the fairways and downtown skyline. It’s the perfect urban golf spot, a blend of history, innovation, and accessibility that makes it one of the best public golf courses in Georgia.
Kinderlou Forest Golf Club
- Location: Valdosta, Georgia
- Yardage: 7,781 yards
- Par: 72
Kinderlou Forest is a championship-caliber course that still feels welcoming to everyday golfers. Designed by Davis Love III, it’s known for its beautiful fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and large, rolling greens. The layout stretches over 7,700 yards from the tips, but multiple tee boxes make it playable for all skill levels.
The course has hosted several professional and collegiate tournaments, yet it remains open to the public, and surprisingly affordable for its quality. Each hole feels distinct, with scenic views and risk-reward opportunities that keep the round exciting.
The facilities are top-notch, too. You’ll find a well-stocked pro shop, friendly staff, and a relaxed clubhouse that fits the welcoming feel of South Georgia. For golfers who want a mix of challenge, scenery, and value, Kinderlou Forest checks every box.
Fields Ferry Golf Club
- Location: Calhoun, Georgia
- Yardage: 6,646 yards
- Par: 72
Fields Ferry Golf Club is one of those local favorites that quietly ranks among the best public golf courses in North Georgia. The course offers a nice mix of open and tree-lined holes, rolling fairways, and well-kept greens that make for an enjoyable round from start to finish.
The front nine plays fairly open, giving you a chance to ease into the round, while the back nine tightens up with water hazards and tougher approach shots. The signature 18th hole, a par 5 framed by trees and guarded by water, is one of the most memorable finishing holes in the state.
With green fees that rarely break the bank and a friendly small-town atmosphere, Fields Ferry is the kind of course you’ll want to play again and again.
The Creek Golf Course
- Location: Social Circle, Georgia
- Yardage: 6,441 yards
- Par: 72
The Creek Golf Course at Hard Labor Creek State Park is one of Georgia’s most underrated public tracks. Designed by Denis Griffiths, it winds through thick pine forests and rolling hills, creating a peaceful and scenic setting. Despite its natural beauty, it’s also one of the best golf values in the state.
The course offers a good mix of holes, some tight and technical, others wide open and forgiving. The back nine features several elevation changes that make club selection key. The greens are small but smooth, rewarding accurate approach shots.
Because it’s part of the state park system, you can pair your round with hiking, camping, or a cabin stay nearby. The Creek might not have the flash of a resort course, but its charm, affordability, and setting make it a true Georgia gem.
Best Public Golf Courses Near Atlanta
Atlanta might be known for its traffic, but it’s also one of the best cities in the South for public golf. Within an hour’s drive, you’ll find championship layouts, scenic parkland courses, and well-run municipal tracks that cater to every budget and skill level. Whether you’re sneaking in a quick weekday round or planning a weekend getaway, these courses make the short drive well worth it.
Chicopee Woods Golf Course
- Location: Gainesville, Georgia
- Yardage: 7,030 yards
- Par: 72
Chicopee Woods is one of North Georgia’s most popular public courses, and for good reason. The 27-hole layout features three distinct nines, each offering rolling fairways, challenging bunkers, and greens that stay in great condition year-round.
The course is known for its friendly staff and fair prices, and it’s just a short drive from Atlanta, making it a favorite among weekend golfers. With its tree-lined holes and peaceful setting, it feels like a private club experience without the high fees.
Echelon Golf Club
- Location: Alpharetta, Georgia
- Yardage: 7,558 yards
- Par: 72
Echelon Golf Club, designed by Rees Jones, is one of the top-rated public courses near Atlanta. It’s long, demanding, and beautifully maintained, offering stunning views of the North Georgia foothills.
Golfers love the challenge, from the elevation changes to the fast, undulating greens that test even the best putters. It’s a course that rewards patience and smart play. While it’s on the tougher side, the conditioning and layout make it worth every stroke.
For serious golfers looking for a high-end public course experience near Atlanta, Echelon is hard to top.
Cobblestone Golf Course
- Location: Acworth, Georgia
- Yardage: 6,759 yards
- Par: 72
Cobblestone Golf Course is one of the most scenic public courses near Atlanta and a longtime favorite among locals. Set along the shores of Lake Acworth, the course features rolling fairways, mature trees, and several holes that play right next to the water.
The layout is both fun and fair, long enough to test better players but still playable for beginners thanks to multiple tee options. The greens are smooth and fast, and the course’s reputation for good maintenance keeps golfers coming back.
With affordable rates and beautiful lake views, Cobblestone feels like a hidden escape within the metro area. It’s often ranked among the top municipal courses in the country, and once you play it, you’ll understand why.
Budget-Friendly Public Golf Courses in Georgia
You don’t have to spend a fortune to play great golf in Georgia. Across the state, you’ll find well-maintained public and municipal courses that offer great layouts for a fraction of what you’d pay at a private club. These courses prove that affordable golf doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or fun.
Bear’s Best Atlanta
- Location: Suwanee, Georgia
- Yardage: 7,158 yards
- Par: 72
Bear’s Best Atlanta offers one of the most unique public golf experiences in the state, and it’s surprisingly affordable for what you get. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the course features 18 replica holes from some of his most famous designs around the world.
Each hole has its own character, from the desert-style layouts of Las Vegas to the tree-lined fairways of Muirfield Village. The conditions are always top-notch, and despite the name recognition, the course is open to the public with reasonable rates during the week.
It’s a great choice for golfers looking to enjoy a “bucket list” round without breaking the bank.
City Club Marietta
- Location: Marietta, Georgia
- Yardage: 5,721 yards
- Par: 71
City Club Marietta sits right in the heart of downtown Marietta, just minutes from Atlanta, and it’s one of the best values in the state. The course may be shorter than most, but it makes up for that with elevation changes, tight fairways, and small greens that demand accuracy.
The front nine offers forgiving holes that ease you into the round, while the back nine brings more challenge with narrow approaches and uneven lies. The course is always in good shape, and the green fees are some of the lowest you’ll find in the metro area.
It’s the perfect spot for a quick weekday round or an affordable weekend tee time. The classic design and friendly atmosphere make it a local favorite year after year.
Hugh Gillis Public Golf Course
- Location: Dublin, Georgia
- Yardage: 6,530 yards
- Par: 72
Hugh Gillis Public Golf Course is one of Georgia’s best small-town golf experiences. It’s a straightforward layout that focuses on fun, pace of play, and affordability, everything you want in a local course.
The fairways are open and forgiving, making it a great option for newer golfers or anyone looking for a relaxing round. That said, a few doglegs and elevated greens add enough challenge to keep experienced players interested.
The course’s friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere make it feel like a home course, even if you’re just visiting. With green fees often under $40, Hugh Gillis proves that great golf in Georgia doesn’t have to come with a big price tag.
Planning Your Georgia Golf Trip
If you’re thinking about planning a golf trip to Georgia, you’ll have no shortage of options. The state’s mix of mountain, lake, and coastal courses means you can build an itinerary that fits any style of play, and any budget.
When to Go
Spring and fall are the best seasons for golf in Georgia. The weather is mild, the courses are in peak condition, and the crowds are smaller than in summer. Early morning tee times often come with calm air and beautiful light, especially in the mountain and lake regions.
Where to Stay
For a true golf getaway, look for resorts like Callaway Resort & Gardens or Reynolds Lake Oconee, where you can play multiple courses and enjoy dining, spa treatments, and lake activities all in one place. If you’re sticking around Atlanta, you’ll find plenty of hotels near the top public courses like Echelon and Bear’s Best Atlanta.
Tips For a Smooth Trip
- Book tee times early during spring weekends.
- Check for weekday discounts or twilight rates to save money.
- Bring a light jacket for morning rounds — Georgia mornings can be cool even in warm months.
A little planning goes a long way, and with so many great public options, Georgia is one of the best golf destinations in the South.
Map of the Best Public Golf Courses in Georgia
To help you plan your next round, here’s a map that highlights the locations of all the top public golf courses mentioned in this article. Whether you’re staying near Atlanta, heading south toward Valdosta, or exploring the lakes around Eatonton, this map makes it easy to find a great place to play.
The Bottom Line
From the North Georgia mountains to the quiet shores of Lake Oconee, the Peach State is packed with public courses that offer great golf at every price point. Whether you’re chasing championship-level layouts or looking for an affordable weekend round, Georgia’s public courses deliver both challenge and charm.
With so many scenic options, it’s easy to see why golfers return here year after year. Grab your clubs, pick a course from this list, and see for yourself why Georgia is one of the best states in the South for public golf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best public golf course in Georgia?
The Golf Club at Cuscowilla in Eatonton is often ranked as the best public course in Georgia. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, it offers a classic layout with beautiful views of Lake Oconee.
When is the best time to play golf in Georgia?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal. The weather is comfortable, and the courses are in great shape. Summers can be hot, but early morning tee times help beat the heat.
Do I need a reservation to play most public courses in Georgia?
It’s recommended, especially on weekends or during spring and fall. Many courses allow online booking, and weekday rounds are often easier to get.
What are the best public golf courses near Atlanta?
Some of the top options near Atlanta include Echelon Golf Club in Alpharetta, Cobblestone Golf Course in Acworth, and Stone Mountain Golf Club. Each offers a mix of challenge, scenery, and convenient access.
Are there any golf resorts in Georgia with public access?
Yes. Callaway Resort & Gardens and Reynolds Lake Oconee both offer excellent stay-and-play packages that include public tee times.
Which Georgia public courses have hosted professional tournaments?
Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Valdosta and Callaway Gardens’ Mountain View Course have both hosted professional and collegiate events.
Sean’s parents first put a golf club in his hands at the age of 8. He immediately fell in love with the game of golf. Today he’s passing on that love to his own kids.