Justin Landis Group

View Original

List of The Best Country Clubs and Golf Courses in Atlanta

Joining a country club can be an excellent way for you and your family to spend quality time together, enjoy socializing with other people who share your interests, stay fit and active playing tennis and swimming, and, of course, give you the opportunity to golf as much as possible!

Whether you live in the Atlanta area or are considering moving to town, you'll be happy to learn that the world's most famous golf course is located in the great state of Georgia– Augusta National Golf Club in the city of Augusta. 

The greater Atlanta area has plenty of incredible golfing options, ranging from affordable public-access golf courses to exclusive, upscale private clubs. Without further ado, let's take a look at some of the best country clubs and golf courses in the Atlanta metro.

Cherokee Town and Country Club

Cherokee Town and Country Club isn't just one of the best country clubs in Atlanta– it's considered to be one of the most exclusive clubs in the U.S. Set amongst more than forty beautiful acres, this is truly a private oasis.

Known for its exclusive membership, upscale facilities, and wide range of luxurious amenities, this prestigious private club has built an impeccable reputation since it was founded in 1956.

In order to be admitted as a member, individuals have to go through a formal application process and be sponsored by people who are already members of the club. It's worth noting that there are two separate facilities here, which are located twelve miles apart from one another. The two golf courses, however, are located near Dunwoody, just a bit north of Sandy Springs.

Cherokee Town and Country Club has been listed as one of the most exclusive golf and country clubs alongside Augusta National.

Town Club:

    • Address: 155 West Paces Ferry Road, N.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30305-1365

    • Phone: (404) 365-1200

Country Club:

    • Address: 665 Hightower Trail, Atlanta, Georgia 30350-1710

    • Phone: (770) 993-4407

Website: https://www.cherokeetcc.org/

Dunwoody Country Club

Another incredibly prestigious country club, the Dunwoody Country Club, offers a full range of services and facilities along with a social, vibrant, and family-oriented atmosphere. Formerly known as Ansley Golf Club, the gorgeous property spans more than 200 acres.

In order to be a member of this exclusive club, you have to be invited. Nominees must have two sponsor members, one of which is designated as the primary sponsor.

The golf course here was designed by the well-known architect Willard C. Byrd, and a master plan project in the early 2000s involved updating the indoor practice/teaching facility and putting green.

This club offers golf courses, impressive pools, and tennis courts. With exquisite dining options and a lively social calendar, this club is well-known for fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie.

Are you looking to live in a community that feels just as luxurious and exclusive as one of the best country clubs in Atlanta? Make sure you check out our list of the top gated communities in Atlanta, as well as our 2023 gated community buying guide

Piedmont Driving Club

With an incredible 18-hole golf course designed by Donald Ross and an impressive clubhouse, Piedmont Driving Club is another of the best country clubs in Atlanta.

With two clubhouses in Atlanta, this institution was originally founded all the way back in 1887 as the Gentlemen's Driving Club. The name of the club came from the fact that members were fond of "driving" on the club grounds with their horses and carriages.

Facilities offered by the club include tennis, golf, squash, platform tennis, exercise facilities, swimming, massage, event spaces, and casual and fine dining.

Unfortunately, this is another club where you can't simply waltz in and hand over a few bucks for a membership. Not only do you need to be invited in order to be a member, but the fees are reportedly $90k just for the initiation. In fact, this club is so exclusive that it was singled out in Tom Wolfe's "A Man in Full" as "the definitive barometer of social status" in the United States. 

East Lake Golf Club

This private golf club has been around since the early 20th century and is the oldest golf course in the city of Atlanta. Famous for being the precise spot where legendary golfer Bobby Jones learned to play, this historic golf course has been the permanent home of the TOUR Championship since 2005.

In order to enjoy the facilities and perks of this incredible golf course, you'll need to be a member. Fees are known for being quite steep, with some reporting they are as high as $125,000.

Ansley Golf Club

Located in Roswell, the golf course here was designed by Bob Cupp and is described as highly "underrated" by Golf Magazine. Though the course itself is flat, it isn't in the least bit boring.

The scenery is absolutely beautiful, with large native areas, big trees, and neighboring farms and wineries. 

Ansley Golf Club - Midtown:

    • Address: 196 Montgomery Ferry Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Ansley Golf Club - Settindown:

    • Mailing Address: 5500 Settindown Drive, Roswell, GA 30075

    • GPS Address: 1608 Settindown Drive, Roswell, GA 30075

Website: https://www.ansleygc.org/

Atlanta Country Club

Located in the Chattahoochee Plantation section of East Cobb, this is a private golf club northwest of the city. Founded in 1964, the club has hosted many notable golf tournaments over the decades. This includes hosting the Atlanta Classic on the PGA Tour for nearly thirty years.

Members can enjoy golf, fitness, swimming, tennis amenities, and a full calendar of events. 

Eagle's Landing Country Club

Located in Stockbridge, Georgia, this is a truly special place where you will feel completely immersed in the spirit of southern hospitality and Georgian charm. Members enjoy resort-style amenities, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and an ambiance that is at once upscale and refined while also relaxed and welcoming.

With 27 holes of championship golf, tennis courts, impressive pools, pickleball courts, and lots of great events, it's no surprise that many wish to be a part of this exclusive club. Like many of the other spots on our list, though, they follow a membership-by-invitation-only enrollment process. They state that this is a prideful tradition of theirs, as it helps to make sure that the membership roster is enhanced by new incoming members.

At the same time, this country club has a system for introducing people interested in joining the club to existing members. This way, the current members can decide whether they want to sponsor prospective members.

It's not impossible to get into this club, as it seems to be with some of the truly exclusive and elite country clubs in the Atlanta area. At the same time, you can't just walk in and ask for a membership card and expect to be accommodated.

Capital City Club

A private social club in Atlanta, The Capital City Club is actually one of the oldest private clubs in the American South. Started in 1883, this club has a rich history and currently operates three facilities for the use of its members. The oldest of these buildings was dedicated all the way back in 1911, providing a wonderful setting that harkens back to the earliest days of the club.

The golf course here was originally designed by Herbert Barker, though the size of the golf course was increased over time.

If you're looking for a truly one-of-a-kind exclusive experience, this is a place you'll want to learn more about. A number of notable individuals have been guests at this historic club over the decades, including royalty from other countries and several presidents of the United States.

To learn more about the Capital City Club and its location– historic Brookhaven– check out our guide to Brookhaven, Georgia.

Brookhaven:

    • Phone: 404-233-2121

    • Address: 53 W. Brookhaven Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30319

City Club:

    • Phone: 404-523-8221

    • Address: 7 John Portman Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30303

Crabapple:

    • Phone: 770-667-6303

    • Address: 13802 New Providence Road, Milton, GA 30004

Website: https://www.capitalcityclub.org/

Atlanta Athletic Club

Another private country club with roots stretching back over a century, the Atlanta Athletic Club (AAC) was founded in 1898. Located in Johns Creek, Georgia, this club is conveniently located for individuals living in the city's northern suburbs.

Though the club was once in downtown Atlanta, they built three nine-hole golf courses in 1967 in an area that was, at the time, an unincorporated region of Fulton County. Decades later, in 2006, the area would eventually become known as Johns Creek.

These days, the Atlanta Athletic Club has two eighteen-hole golf courses, indoor and outdoor tennis, a fitness center, an Olympic-sized pool, a par-3 course, dining, and more.

If you love golf trivia and history as much as you love playing golf, you'll be interested to learn that there have been a number of famous members of AAC, including Bobby Jones, Alexa Stirling, Charlie Yates, Dot Kirby, Watts Gunn, and Tommy Barnes. Beyond that, basketball player Bob Kurkland and tennis players Bitsy Grant and Nat Thornton are also well-known AAC members.

Country Club of the South

Another great place to golf in Johns Creek, the Country Club of the South, features a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course that presents an exciting and challenging course for players of all levels. Nicklaus believes this is one of his best courses, nestled amongst beautiful native Georgia pines, oak, hickory, and dogwood trees, and natural rolling terrain.

Of course, there's more to do than just golf at the Country Club of the South. Members can enjoy a wide variety of dining options, including their Clubroom, The Nicklaus Lounge, The Patio, The Fairway Room, and The Men's Grill.

The event schedule here is typically overflowing with social opportunities, offering year-round opportunities for the entire family as well as member-led special interest clubs. On top of that, the club hosts state-of-the-art fitness facilities, personal training, group classes, and a tennis center. 

  • Address: 4100 Old Alabama Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30022

Hawks Ridge Golf Club

Another course designed by Bob Cupp is a course that is located in a private community north of the city.

The focus of this course is much more on player experience and seclusion than anything else, and the course is expansive and hilly.

  • Address: 1100 Hawks Club Drive, Ball Ground, GA 30107

  • Clubhouse Phone: (770) 205-6889

  • Website: https://hawksridge.com/

Indian Hills Country Club

Located in Marietta, Indian Hills Country Club is a private club with 27 holes of golf, eight tennis courts, three swimming pools, and an impressive clubhouse.

Family-oriented and friendly social events are held year-round here, along with excellent dining options.

Druid Hills Golf Club

Located in the Druid Hills neighborhood of the city, The Druid Hills Golf Club is a private country club that has often hosted qualifying tournaments for the U.S. Women's Open. Another historic club was founded in 1912 and was even visited by President Warren G. Harding and his wife in 1921.

Though the clubhouse itself is within the city limits, most of the club's course is actually located in unincorporated DeKalb County. If you love the idea of a club that is rich in history but doesn't slack when it comes to modern amenities, you might want to try and get to know an existing member! Like many of the other great country clubs in Atlanta, membership here is by invitation only

Are You Making Moves in Atlanta?

Finding the right golf and country club for your family is nearly as exciting as finding your next home! If you're moving to Atlanta or making a move within the metro area, you're going to want to have a team of world-class experts on your side to help you achieve your real estate goals.

Lucky for you, the Justin Landis Group provides just that! Whether you're buying a homeselling a home, or both, we're here to help you craft a custom plan for your real estate journey.