Georgia isn’t just the home of Augusta National — it’s one of the most underrated golf destinations in the U.S. For everyday golfers, the state offers exceptional public courses that combine championship-level design, scenic landscapes, and reasonable green fees. After researching player reviews, course history, design pedigree, and on-ground golfer experience, here are the top 15 best public golf courses in Georgia in 2026 — ideal for locals, visiting golfers, and weekend golf trips.
⛳ 1. University of Georgia Golf Course – Athens, Georgia
The University of Georgia Golf Course consistently ranks as the top public golf course in the state — and for good reason. Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course was later modernized by Davis Love III, keeping its classic character while improving playability.
This par-71 course stretches just over 6,800 yards from the back tees and offers tree-lined fairways, elevation changes, and fast, well-protected greens.
What golfers should know
Course type: Championship-level public course
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (multiple tee options)
Conditioning: Excellent year-round
Practice facilities: Full driving range, putting greens, short-game area
Pace of play: Well managed
Why it stands out
Feels like a private club but open to the public
Excellent course management challenge rather than just raw distance
Maintained to collegiate and tournament standards
Friendly for walking golfers
- Official website:
University of Georgia Golf Course
⛳ 2. Bear’s Best Atlanta – Suwanee, Georgia
Bear’s Best Atlanta offers a unique experience — Jack Nicklaus personally selected design elements inspired by some of his favorite holes around the world. The result is a polished, upscale golf experience that’s still accessible to public players.
Located about 45 minutes north of downtown Atlanta, this course is popular with business travelers and serious golfers.
Course details
Par: 72
Length: Over 7,000 yards from championship tees
Design style: Strategic, bunker-heavy, visually intimidating
Best for: Mid- to low-handicap golfers
What makes it special
One of the most immaculately groomed public courses in Georgia
Fast greens that reward confident putting
Strong practice facilities and professional service
Excellent clubhouse and dining options
- Bear’s Best is perfect if you want a “tour-quality” feel without a private membership.
⛳ 3. Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course – Buford, Georgia
If you enjoy golf with a view, Lanier Islands Legacy delivers one of the most scenic rounds in Georgia. Set along Lake Lanier, the course blends resort golf with genuine shot-making challenges.
Originally designed by Arthur Hills, this course uses water hazards, elevation shifts, and wide fairways to create a fair but memorable experience.
Key highlights
Setting: Lakeside resort environment
Difficulty: Friendly for all skill levels
Best time to play: Spring and fall for scenery
Amenities: Resort dining, lodging, and spa nearby
Why golfers love it
Beautiful finishing holes near the lake
Great balance of risk-reward shots
Well suited for vacation golfers and groups
Often ranked highly in golfer-choice awards
- This is an ideal course if you’re planning a golf weekend or couples’ trip.
⛳ 4. Stonebridge Golf Club – Rome, Georgia
Located in northwest Georgia, Stonebridge Golf Club is a hidden gem that delivers championship golf at a more affordable price point. It’s a traditional parkland course that emphasizes accuracy and smart play.
Course overview
Par: 72
Length: Over 7,200 yards from back tees
Design: Long holes, generous fairways, elevated greens
Atmosphere: Relaxed and local-friendly
What to expect
Strong layout for long hitters
Less crowded than metro-Atlanta courses
Consistent course conditions
Excellent value for money
- Stonebridge is ideal for golfers who prefer pure golf over luxury extras.
⛳ 5. RiverPines Golf – Johns Creek, Georgia
RiverPines Golf is one of the most reliable public golf options in the Atlanta metro area. It offers a fun, engaging layout with enough challenge to keep skilled golfers interested while remaining playable for beginners.
Important details
Location: Johns Creek (easy Atlanta access)
Course type: Daily-fee public
Terrain: Rolling fairways with water hazards
Practice facilities: Driving range, short-game area
Why it’s popular
Friendly staff and welcoming environment
Good pace of play for weekend rounds
Excellent for casual golfers and league play
Solid maintenance for a high-traffic course
- RiverPines is perfect for weekday rounds, practice sessions, and social golf.
⛳ 6. The Frog Golf Club – Villa Rica, Georgia
Often overlooked by casual golfers, The Frog Golf Club is one of Georgia’s most challenging and rewarding public layouts. Designed by Tom Fazio, this course features dramatic elevation changes, narrow landing areas, and lightning-fast greens.
Course insights
Par: 72
Length: ~7,200 yards
Design: Target-style, elevation-heavy
Skill level: Best for mid to low handicaps
Why golfers respect it
Tour-quality design without private club crowds
Strategic shot placement is more important than distance
Quiet, natural setting makes it feel exclusive
One of the toughest public tests in the state
- Official site:
The Frog Golf Club
⛳ 7. Chateau Elan Golf Club – Woodlands Course (Braselton, GA
Robert Trent Jones Sr., is the most playable of the resort’s layouts and perfect for golfers who want quality golf without brutal difficulty.
What to expect
Setting: Vineyard and resort surroundings
Par: 72
Difficulty: Moderate and enjoyable
Extras: Spa, winery, fine dining
Why it belongs on this list
Excellent conditioning year-round
Wide fairways and forgiving design
Ideal for golf vacations and couples
Premium service without private club barriers
⛳ 8. Jekyll Island Golf Club – Oleander Course (Jekyll Island, GA)
If coastal golf is your thing, Jekyll Island’s Oleander Course offers a unique seaside experience that’s both affordable and memorable. The coastal winds add natural difficulty, making each round different.
Course features
Environment: Marshland and coastal breezes
Par: 72
Difficulty: Friendly but unpredictable
Best season: Fall through spring
Why golfers love it
Relaxed pace and island atmosphere
Affordable green fees
Natural beauty with wildlife views
Great for vacation golfers and families
⛳ 9. Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course – Elberton, Georgia
Located along Lake Russell, Arrowhead Pointe delivers one of the most scenic public rounds in Georgia at a surprisingly reasonable price. Designed by Bob Cupp, the course is fair, scenic, and playable for all skill levels.
Key details
Setting: Lakefront state park land
Par: 72
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly with strategic moments
Crowds: Light compared to metro Atlanta
What makes it special
Beautiful lake views on multiple holes
Excellent value for money
Peaceful, uncrowded rounds
Ideal for casual and senior golfers
⛳ 10. Highland Walk Golf Course at Victoria Bryant – Royston, GA
This course often surprises first-time visitors. Highland Walk offers championship length, smooth greens, and solid conditioning — all at prices well below similar layouts.
Course overview
Par: 72
Length: Over 7,000 yards
Design: Rolling hills, traditional parkland
Atmosphere: Quiet and local-friendly
Why it deserves attention
One of the best-maintained budget-friendly courses
Strong layout for competitive rounds
Less traffic than big-city courses
Perfect for improving your game
⛳ 11. Riverside Military Academy Golf Course – Gainesville, GA
Founded in 1907, Riverside Military Academy Golf Course is a classic layout that combines history, challenge, and natural beauty. With well-maintained fairways and mature trees, this par-72 course gives golfers a strategic, walkable experience.
Key Details
Course type: Historic public course
Par: 72
Length: ~6,900 yards
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Highlights: Tree-lined fairways, elevated greens
Why it’s worth visiting
Historic design with classic parkland feel
Quiet and low traffic — great for practice rounds
Friendly staff and affordable rates
Maintained to championship standards without the crowds
⛳ 12. Chateau Elan Golf Club – Hillside Course, Braselton, GA
While the Woodlands Course at Chateau Elan is already on top lists, the Hillside Course deserves recognition for golfers seeking a slightly more challenging round. Rolling hills, well-placed bunkers, and excellent greens make this course a favorite for repeat visitors.
Course Highlights
Par: 72
Design: Classic parkland with strategic hazards
Best for: Intermediate golfers looking for challenge without frustration
Extras: Full resort amenities
Why golfers like it
Slightly longer holes than Woodlands
Excellent course conditioning year-round
Beautiful resort views, perfect for vacation rounds
Ideal for players looking for multiple rounds at one destination
⛳ 13. Bobby Jones Golf Course – Atlanta, GA
Named after the legendary Bobby Jones, this Atlanta course is a gem for city golfers. It provides easy access without leaving the city, while still delivering a full 18-hole championship experience.
Course Details
Par: 71
Length: ~6,600 yards
Terrain: Urban parkland with tree-lined fairways
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
Highlights
Walking-friendly with short distances between holes
Historically significant course with classic Georgia architecture
Affordable green fees, ideal for city residents
Popular for weekday rounds and league play
14. Uncle John’s Pancake House — Collinsville (Southern IL)
Named after the legendary Bobby Jones, this Atlanta course is a gem for city golfers. It provides easy access without leaving the city, while still delivering a full 18-hole championship experience.
Course Details
Par: 71
Length: ~6,600 yards
Terrain: Urban parkland with tree-lined fairways
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
Highlights
Walking-friendly with short distances between holes
Historically significant course with classic Georgia architecture
Affordable green fees, ideal for city residents
Popular for weekday rounds and league play
⛳ 15. Athens Country Club – Public Access 18 (Athens, GA)
While technically a private club, Athens Country Club allows public tee times during select hours — making it a top public-access option in northeast Georgia. With a classic design and championship feel, this course is ideal for golfers who want a high-end experience without membership.
Course Highlights
Par: 72
Length: ~7,050 yards
Difficulty: Moderate to high
Extras: Practice facilities, clubhouse dining
Why it deserves a spot
Traditional layout with strategic challenges
Maintained to high standards
Offers a semi-private experience for public players
Great for special golf trips or tournament practice rounds
Final Thoughts
Georgia’s public golf courses in 2026 offer something for every type of golfer. Whether you’re a beginner exploring scenic layouts or an experienced player chasing championship-style challenges, the state has a diverse selection of courses that deliver excellent value, beautiful landscapes, and memorable rounds.
From the classic University of Georgia Golf Course to the resort-style Chateau Elan, the combination of history, design, and playability makes these public courses truly exceptional.
A few tips to make your rounds even better:
Book tee times early, especially during spring and fall, when Georgia’s weather is ideal.
Check course websites for special rates or twilight discounts.
Bring a GPS rangefinder or golf app for courses with strategic water hazards and elevation changes.
Take the opportunity to walk some courses; many public courses are pedestrian-friendly and provide a more immersive experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are these golf courses truly public, or do they require memberships?
All 15 courses listed are public-access courses, meaning anyone can play. Some, like Athens Country Club, allow limited public tee times at select hours, offering a semi-private experience without membership.
2. What is the best time of year to play golf in Georgia?
The spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal. Temperatures are comfortable, course conditions are excellent, and wildlife and scenery are at their peak. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter may bring occasional frost delays.
3. Do these courses provide golf lessons or practice facilities?
Yes! Most of these top public courses, including University of Georgia Golf Course, Bear’s Best Atlanta, and RiverPines, offer driving ranges, putting greens, and professional instruction for all skill levels.
4. Which courses are best for beginners?
For beginners or high-handicap golfers, courses like Arrowhead Pointe, Highland Walk, and Bobby Jones Golf Course are more forgiving with wide fairways and less punitive hazards, while still offering enjoyable challenges.
5. How much do green fees typically cost at these courses?
Green fees vary depending on the course and season. On average:
Budget-friendly public courses: $25–$50
Mid-tier resort-style courses: $50–$90
Championship-style courses: $90–$150
Booking online in advance can sometimes save you 10–20% on fees.
