What to Know About Golf in Georgia
Georgia is very closely associated with golf. It is the site of The Masters, which might be the most prominent golf tournament in the world. But there is much more to the Peach State golf scene than just one tournament.
With around 350 courses across the state and year-round sunshine and warm weather, golf is played in Georgia every month of the year. With immaculately-manicured courses and a deep-seated love for the game, Georgia is one of the top destinations for golf enthusiasts in the U.S.
Many resorts, country clubs, and public golf courses can be found wherever you are in Georgia, each with unique challenges and histories. Exploring all the courses in this state would require a lifetime of work, but if you only have time for a few, certain courses stand out above the rest.
The Top Golf Courses in Georgia
Let’s explore the top golf courses in Georgia based on their reputation, setting, history, and overall experience for golfers.
Augusta National Golf Course is likely the most famous golf course in the country and has been the site of the world-famous Masters Tournament since 1934. It is so renowned that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 7,510-yard, par-72 course was designed by Bobby Jones and Alister McKenzie. Playing at Augusta is on nearly every golfer’s bucket list, but it is easier said than done on account of its exclusivity.
The Peachtree Golf Club in Atlanta is another Georgia course with an illustrious history. Designed by Bobby Jones, who also designed the Augusta National Golf Course, and Robert Trent Jones, the Peachtree Golf Club is an 18-hole, 7,414-yard course consistently ranked among the top golf courses in the country. Some refer to Peachtree as “Augusta in the City,” due to its similar conditions to Augusta National Golf Course.
Ohoopee Match Club is an exclusive private course along the Ohoopee River in rural Georgia. Playing on this course is difficult due to its exclusivity, but with a scenic, sandy site, it is an experience well worth the trouble. Designed by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, Ohoopee is a challenging golf course with short par-4 holes that will require golfers to make sage decisions on their club usage.
Lookout Mountain Club was designed and built in 1925 by one of the world’s premier golf architects, Seth Raynor. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers gorgeous views of Lookout Mountain, one of Georgia’s most scenic locations. This historical course presents a unique challenge to golfers, particularly on hole seven, which requires pinpoint accuracy.
The Seaside Course at Sea Island is a Scottish-style links course with plenty of sand and water hazards, all with the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. One of Georgia’s most scenic destinations, Sea Island houses the luxurious five-star Sea Island Resort. The Seaside Course, built in 1929, was redesigned by Tom Fazio and now presents a cohesive 18-hole experience with unique challenges, including the gusty Atlantic winds.
The Atlanta Athletic Club is a private club initially founded in 1898. Today, the Atlanta Athletic Club offers two different 18-hole golf courses. The Highlands Course is a championship course that has hosted LPGA and PGA events and is known for its challenging experience with sand and water hazards. The Riverside Course was recently renovated in 2022 by Tripp Davis and features an excellent setting along the Chattahoochee River.
