With Georgia on our mind and an itch to tee it up, we’re taking you on a journey through some of the best golf courses in the Peach State. While Augusta National Golf Club may be a lofty goal for us mere mortals, there’s a whole world of golfing wonders beyond Magnolia Lane. Georgia’s diverse topography means there’s a course for every taste, from coastal gems to Blue Ridge mountain marvels.
But with such an array of exceptional courses, choosing the perfect one (or ten) for your Georgia golf trip can be overwhelming. But fear not! We’re here to be your guiding light, with a curated list of the best golf courses in Georgia that showcase all the state has to offer.
The Best Golf Courses in Georgia
1. Augusta National Golf Club
Augusta
The official host of the annual Masters Tournament, Augusta National Golf Club is undoubtedly the most famous golf course in the U.S. and one of the most impossible tee times to get in the world. The ultra-exclusive, private club is notorious for its impeccably groomed fairways and greens, stunning azaleas, and a history unlike any other.
Augusta’s legacy is not just in its pristine course but also in its evolution over the years. From its inception in 1933, the course has undergone numerous modifications to keep up with the demands of modern golf. These changes, guided by renowned architects and designers, have contributed to Augusta’s allure and its status as one of the best golf courses in Georgia (and beyond).
2. Atlanta Athletic Club: Highlands
Johns Creek
Atlanta Athletic Club isn’t just a place for a casual round of golf. It’s one of the most prestigious clubs in the nation. It boasts 36 holes of incredible golf, plus a charming par 3 course. As if that weren’t enough, it also offers one of the finest athletic facilities in the country.
Among its two courses, the Highlands course, a blend of RTJ and Joe Finger designs, is one of the best golf courses in Georgia. And it’s no stranger to professional golf, having hosted the PGA Championship three times, the Ryder Cup, several amateur events, and more.
3. Frederica Golf Club
St. Simons Island
Frederica’s Tom Fazio-designed course is a stunning blend of natural beauty and strategic design. Spanning over 300 acres, Frederica is a Low-country masterpiece, created in collaboration with Sir Michael Bonallack of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. This engineering marvel required moving seven million cubic yards of sandy soil to create Glynn County’s highest ridge and transplanting more than 1,100 live oaks.
4. Ohoopee Match Club
Cobbtown
Gil Hanse is rumored to have first scouted the potential site of Ohoopee Match Club in 2006, over a decade before its eventual opening in 2018. The terrain’s gentle undulations and sandy soil proved perfect for both golf and onion cultivation, for which the area is renowned. In fact, the club’s logo features an onion with intertwined roots resembling snakes – perhaps a nod to the challenges of match play.
Visually, Ohoopee bears resemblance to the sandbelt courses further east, like Pinehurst and Tobacco Road, yet it retains a one-of-a-kind character.
Contrary to expectations of a course designed for match play (like punishing hazards and smaller targets), Hanse’s 7,325-yard championship course at Ohoopee surprises. Wide fairways and minimal fairway bunkers invite bold play off the tee and create several opportunities for birdies and eagles. Ohoopee’s unconventional design also includes holes listed at par 4½ and 3½, reflecting its match-play focus where par really doesn’t matter.
5. East Lake Golf Club
Atlanta
East Lake Golf Club, steeped in history and prestige, is the oldest golf course in Atlanta. This iconic course holds a special place in golf history as the home course of legendary golfer Bobby Jones. Beyond its historical significance, East Lake is known for hosting the prestigious TOUR Championship, the culminating event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
6. Sea Island Resort: Seaside Course
St Simons Island
Georgia’s barrier islands are synonymous with great golf, with Sea Island Resort standing out as a premier destination. Among its trio of courses, the Seaside Course shines brightest, annually hosting the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic. Seaside is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 100 golf courses and it’s easy to see why. From impeccably manicured fairways and rugged dunes, native grasses, and lively wildflowers, to a breathtaking coastal backdrop accompanied by challenging winds, Seaside is a study in contrasts.
Originally conceived in 1929 by Harry S. Colt and Charles Alison, the course was transformed under Tom Fazio’s skillful hand and is now largely regarded as one of the best golf courses in Georgia.
7. Peachtree Golf Club
Atlanta
Designed by Bobby Jones and Robert Trent Jones, Peachtree Golf Club was created in anticipation of the advancement of golf technology. So, when the course first opened, it measured more than 7,200 yards and boasted the longest set of tees in the nation. Near-perfect fairways and greens often garner comparisons to Augusta National.
8. Reynolds Lake Oconee: Great Waters
Eatonton
Jack Nicklaus, famed for his extensive achievements on the course, showcases his architectural brilliance at Great Waters, his masterpiece at Reynolds Lake Oconee. Since its debut in 1992, Great Waters has captivated golfers with its stunning layout, meandering through the serene coves of Lake Oconee.
Recognized as one of the top 100 public courses in America by Golf Digest, Great Waters has recently undergone extensive renovation. The Nicklaus Design team rebuilt the course from the ground up, enhancing drainage, irrigation, and bunker designs.
Reynolds Lake is home to five other spectacular golf courses, each offering its own unique challenges and stunning scenery.
9. Champions Retreat: Bluff/Island
Evans
Nestled just outside Augusta, Georgia, Champions Retreat is the only club in the world featuring three courses designed by the epic trio of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player, making it a truly one-of-a-kind destination for golfers.
Members at Champions Retreat have the privilege of experiencing three distinct courses – the Island, Bluff, and Creek courses – that wind through 375 acres of Georgia’s lush pines, wetlands, and captivating scenery, providing a golfing experience like no other.
Champions Retreat’s reputation for excellence is further solidified by its selection as the host course for the first 36 holes of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
10. The McLemore Club: Highlands
Rising Fawn
If you’re afraid of heights, the Highlands Course at The McLemore Club might not be for you. But, we believe the experience is worth overcoming that fear. Perched atop Lookout Mountain at an impressive elevation of 2,300 feet, the McLemore Club takes golf to new heights – literally. It was beautifully reimaged by architects Rees Jones and Bill Bergin, and is now largely regarded as one of the best golf courses in Georgia. Plus, it’s home to one of the best finishing holes in the world (pictured above).
Beyond the incredible 18th hole and cliff-edge views, the Highlands Course boasts a variety of hole designs and dramatic landscapes. A number of holes on the front nine play along the eastern edge of Lookout Mountain, surrounded by deciduous forests and ancient boulders. Then, of course, there are the traditional highland holes that are played on the plateau of Lookout Mountain, often described as an island in the sky.
As you plan your Georgia golf trip, let our curated list be your guide to discovering the best that the Peach State has to offer. Each course on our list is a testament to the rich golfing heritage and natural beauty of Georgia, promising an unforgettable golf experience for players of all levels.
So, pack your clubs, hit the fairways, and immerse yourself in the beauty and challenge of the best golf courses in Georgia. The only question left is: which course will you conquer first?
