Top Golf Courses in Georgia

When Georgia and golf come up in the same conversation, there’s a good chance you’re talking about just one course—Augusta National, the location of the annual Masters Tournament. While Augusta is, undoubtedly, the best and most well-known course in Georgia, the Peach State has plenty of other courses that are worth playing. We’ve ranked our top eight favorites in this great Southern state.

1.Augusta National

Easily one of the most recognizable courses in the world, Augusta National is also one of the most perfectly designed courses in the world. It was a true meeting of geniuses when Bobby Jones and Alistair MacKenzie worked together to design and build this wonderful course. It is constantly being updated to stay relevant and challenging to the modern golfer, but it retains the beauty and enjoyment of its original construction. It is also among the most exclusive clubs in the world, so, unfortunately, most of us will only play there in our dreams.

2.Peachtree

If you want to experience a Bobby Jones course and can’t get a tee time at Augusta, Peachtree Golf Club is easily a close second choice. Designed by both Bobby Jones and Robert Trent Jones, this course resembles Augusta in more ways than one. Another expansive Meadowlands course, Peachtree is surrounded by the same beautiful scenery as Augusta—towering pines, flowering azalea, and dogwood. Located only seven miles from downtown Atlanta, this course is as convenient as it is satisfying.

3.East Lake

Originally part of the Atlanta Athletic Club, East Lake has an interesting and touching history. The course hosted the 1963 Ryder Cup but was dragged down shortly thereafter by the declining neighborhood which surrounded it. The athletic club attempted to sell the course to a group of developers, but a group of members stepped in and saved the course from becoming a suburb.

Unfortunately, the neighborhood continued to decline, and the members were forced to sell. In a stroke of luck, the East Lake Community Foundation, a charitable organization, purchased the course. They revitalized it and restored it to the original design. This now-thriving course donates all its proceeds to continuing revitalization efforts in the surrounding neighborhood.

4.Sea Island – Seaside and Plantation Courses

The Sea Island Resort on St. Simons Island is an idyllic destination even for non-golfers. The beautiful beaches and award-winning accommodations are an attraction in themselves, but golf enthusiasts will be drawn to the excellent courses created by the resort. Most golfers and golf publications agree: The Seaside course is the best, but both courses are easily in a discussion of the top 25 courses in Georgia.

5.Ocean Forest

Located on another of Georgia’s beautiful barrier islands, Ocean Forest offers spectacular river and ocean views. The fickle sea breeze offers an ever-present obstacle to even the most seasoned golfer. This more recent course was built in 1995 by Rees Jones and Greg Muirhead and presents a challenging layout. Players contend with natural sand dunes and vast saltwater marshes, in addition to the natural water hazards of the Hampton River and the Atlantic Ocean.

6.Cuscowilla

Another more recent course, Cuscowilla opened in 1996 and immediately began to climb the golf ranking charts. Many golfers appreciate the Scottish styling in the course design that forces you to pay attention to each shot. Cuscowilla is located on the banks of Lake Oconee and offers the additional attractions of boating and fishing for the non-golf inclined.

7.Atlanta Country Club

Most golfers will remember the ACC as the location of the Bell South or AT&T Classic, though it has moved on to other courses in recent years. Historically a Civil War battleground, the course at the Atlanta Country Club opened in 1965 and was subsequently modified by renowned golfers Bob Cupp and Jack Nicklaus. It remains a challenging course that is jealously protected by its members.

8.Atlanta Athletic Club – Highlands and Riverside Courses

Featuring two outstanding courses, the Atlanta Athletic Club is not only the premier golfing headquarters in Georgia but is also a leader in general fitness. Golfers are encouraged to walk the two challenging courses, and there are plenty of other active pursuits to fill non-golfing hours.

Both the Highland and Riverside courses were designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1964 after the Club sold the East Lake course. The Highlands is generally preferred by most enthusiasts and was the home of the 1976 U.S. Open. It was notably the first U.S. Open played in a former Confederate state. The Highlands course has also hosted three PGA Championships, to date, and remains a top choice for every Georgia golfer.

Final Thoughts

While a golfer’s vacation in Georgia won’t be complete without a trip to Augusta National, make sure some of these other excellent courses make the itinerary. All of these courses offer a day of challenge and enjoyment on some of the most beautiful links in the Southeast.