Best Public Golf Course in Georgia

Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro, best public golf course in georgia, is a full-scale golf resort and residential community with multiple championship courses, lakefront holes and a private-club feel.

It’s built for stay-and-play trips where you can mix different layouts over a long weekend or full week.

⛳ Course Layout & Playability

• Total Holes: 99+ across several 18-hole courses plus the National’s 27-hole complex
• Par: Most courses play to par 72 from the back tees
• Styles: Mix of lakeside, wooded parkland and rolling terrain with strategic bunkering and water
• Difficulty: Championship-level challenge from the tips, very playable from resort tees
• Walkability: Some nines are walkable, but most guests use carts due to distance and elevation

💵 2025–2026 Pricing & Value

• Access Model: Resort and member community; most public play is via stay-and-play packages
• Stay & Play Packages: Sample golf packages generally start around US$590–650 per person for single occupancy, including lodging and multiple rounds of golf
• Guest Green Fees: Resort-guest 18-hole rounds typically fall in the US$200–300+ range per course in peak season
• Carts & Fees: Power carts are standard; practice balls usually included with the round or package
• Value: Best for golfers planning to play several rounds and take advantage of the full resort experience

🏨 Amenities & Facilities

• Practice Facilities: Multiple driving ranges, short-game areas and putting greens plus a dedicated performance and fitting center
• Lodging: Lakefront resort hotel, cottages and vacation rentals
• Dining: Clubhouse grills, upscale restaurants and lakeside bars
• Carts & Rentals: Modern power carts with storage, premium rental clubs available
• Extras: Spa, marina, water sports, tennis, pickleball and walking trails for non-golf time

Note: Exact rates change with season, day of week and package details. Always confirm current pricing when booking.

The University of Georgia Golf Course in Athens is a classic Robert Trent Jones Sr. design that has been refined over the years. It delivers a true championship experience while remaining fully open to the public, with rolling parkland routing and a strong college-golf atmosphere.

⛳ Course Layout & Playability

• Yardage: Approximately 7,240 yards from the back tees
• Par: 71
• Style: Rolling parkland with elevation changes and well-protected greens
• Difficulty: Demanding from the tips, very playable and fun from the forward tees
• Walkability: Walkable but hilly; many golfers choose a mix of walking and riding

💵 2025–2026 Pricing & Value (Public)

• General Public 18 Holes Walking: around US$60 on weekdays and US$67 on weekends
• General Public 18 Holes With Cart: around US$85 on weekdays and US$92 on weekends
• 9-Hole Walking: roughly US$38 for the general public
• Other Categories: Reduced rates for UGA students, alumni and university staff
• Value: One of Georgia’s best championship-value rounds under US$100

🏨 Amenities & Facilities

• Practice: Full driving range, putting green and short-game area
• Clubhouse: Pro shop, grill and casual seating areas
• Carts & Rentals: Riding carts, pull carts and rental clubs available
• Extras: UGA-branded merchandise and a lively college-golf environment

Note: Rates can change slightly by season and day; always confirm current pricing when you book.

Forest Hills in Augusta is a best public golf course in georgia historic Donald Ross layout later updated by Arnold Palmer’s design team. It offers a traditional parkland feel with rolling fairways, mature trees and strategic bunkering, and remains fully open to the public at accessible daily-fee pricing.

⛳ Course Layout & Playability

• Yardage: Approximately 7,100 yards from the back tees
• Par: 72
• Style: Classic Ross-style parkland with contoured greens and well-placed bunkers
• Difficulty: Demanding into and around the greens, but generally forgiving off the tee
• Walkability: Walkable routing; many locals still prefer to carry or use a push cart

💵 2025–2026 Pricing & Value (Public)

• 18 Holes Walking: roughly US$40 on weekdays and US$50 on weekends/holidays
• 18 Holes With Cart: about US$70 on weekdays and US$85 on weekends/holidays
• Senior & Student Rates: Discounted walking and riding options available
• Twilight Specials: Reduced twilight rates for late-afternoon tee times
• Value: Excellent value for a historic Ross design in the Augusta area

🏨 Amenities & Facilities

• Practice: Driving range, putting green and practice bunker
• Clubhouse: Pro shop and daily grill service
• Carts & Rentals: Power carts, pull carts and rental club sets
• Extras: Regular leagues, collegiate-golf history and local tournaments

Note: Specials and twilight offers change seasonally; check the current rate sheet or tee-time portal before you play.

Echelon Golf Club in Alpharetta is a demanding Rees Jones design frequently ranked among the top public-access courses in Georgia. Although semi-private, it offers public tee times and provides a championship-level test with dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views.

⛳ Course Layout & Playability

• Yardage: Over 7,500 yards from the championship tees
• Par: 72
• Style: Hilly parkland with severe elevation shifts, water carries and deep bunkering
• Difficulty: One of the hardest public-access rounds in the state
• Walkability: Poor for walking due to long distances between holes and steep terrain

💵 2025 Pricing & Value (Public Access)

• Weekday Green Fee: US$64–79 (cart included)
• Weekend Green Fee: US$75–95 (cart included)
• Peak Demand Times: Can increase toward the higher end of the range
• Online Deals: Occasional discounted tee times available through booking portals
• Value: Excellent for golfers seeking elite architecture and championship difficulty

🏨 Amenities & Facilities

• Practice: Expansive driving range, putting greens and short-game area
• Clubhouse: Pro shop, locker rooms and light food & beverage options
• Carts & Rentals: Cart use required; rental clubs available
• Extras: Popular with competitive amateurs and low-handicap players

Note: Green fees fluctuate based on demand; verify exact pricing via Echelon’s online booking engine.

Crosswinds Golf Club best public golf course in georgia is a fully public 27-hole facility just minutes from the Savannah airport. With an 18-hole championship layout plus a 9-hole par-3 course, it offers flexibility for full rounds, short practice loops, and casual golf outings—all at accessible daily-fee pricing.

⛳ Course Layout & Playability

• Configuration: 18-hole championship course + 9-hole par-3 short course
• Style: Open parkland with wide fairways and strategic bunkering
• Difficulty: Forgiving for newer players yet engaging enough for experienced golfers
• Walkability: Easily walkable; riding carts are popular and widely used

💵 2025–2026 Pricing & Value (Public)

• 18 Holes Championship Course: typically between US$40–70 including cart, depending on season and time of day
• 9-Hole Par-3 Course: lower-cost option ideal for beginners, juniors or quick rounds
• Dynamic Pricing: Online tee-time sites often feature specials or discounted slots
• Value: Excellent budget-friendly option near a major destination city

🏨 Amenities & Facilities

• Practice: Driving range, putting green and chipping areas
• Clubhouse: Pro shop, grill, bar and event facilities
• Carts & Rentals: Power carts and rental clubs available for visitors
• Extras: Relaxed atmosphere and a great setup for groups of all skill levels

Note: For exact pricing on your preferred date, check the online tee sheet or call the pro shop.

Sky Valley Country Club sits in the state’s highest town and offers cool-weather mountain golf with dramatic views. Though semi-private, it welcomes public play with published daily-fee rates in season.

⛳ Course Layout & Playability

• Yardage: About 6,900 yards from the back tees
• Par: 72
• Style: Mountain course with elevation changes, valley carries and scenic peaks
• Difficulty: Challenging but fair; plays differently in wind and wet conditions
• Walkability: Technically walkable, but most guests ride due to elevation

💵 Pricing & Value (Public)

• Weekday 18 Holes With Cart: about US$105
• Weekend 18 Holes With Cart: about US$125
• Twilight Rates: lower rates after mid-afternoon, often around US$90 with cart
• Junior Rates: significantly reduced rates for players 17 and under
• Value: Great for summer getaways where cool weather and mountain views matter as much as score

🏨 Amenities & Facilities

• Practice: Range, putting green and practice areas
• Clubhouse: Bar, patio and dining with mountain outlooks
• Carts & Rentals: Carts standard; rental clubs available
• Extras: A true “escape the heat” destination in summer months

Note: Rates listed are in-season examples; shoulder-season prices may differ.

Kinderlou Forest in Valdosta is a Davis Love III design that has hosted multiple professional events. It’s a semi-private club but offers public tee times, giving everyday golfers access to a genuine championship-level test.

⛳ Course Layout & Playability

• Yardage: Up to about 7,800 yards from the back tees
• Par: 72
• Style: Big, modern parkland with elevation, deep bunkers and multi-tier greens
• Difficulty: A serious challenge for low-handicaps; choose the right tees as a mid- or high-cap
• Walkability: Possible, but many players ride given the scale of the property

💵 Pricing & Value (Public Access)

• Public Green Fees: Typically in a mid-to-upper range for Georgia daily-fee golf
• Specials: Packages, league play and seasonal offers can reduce per-round cost
• Membership: Full memberships available for locals who play often
• Value: Strong if you want tour-level design and conditioning without private-club membership

🏨 Amenities & Facilities

• Practice: Full practice range, short-game areas and putting greens
• Clubhouse: Pro shop, locker rooms and grill
• Carts & Rentals: Carts available; rental clubs for traveling players
• Extras: Residential community with on-site homes and stay options

Note: Because pricing can be dynamic, it’s best to check their tee sheet or call for exact current rates.

Arrowhead Pointe, located inside Richard B. Russell State Park, is one of Georgia’s most scenic public courses. With more than half the holes bordering the lake, it delivers peaceful views and exceptional value for golfers who enjoy nature-forward layouts without resort-level pricing.

⛳ Course Layout & Playability

• Yardage: Approximately 6,800 yards from the tips
• Par: 72
• Style: Lakefront parkland with 10 holes playing directly beside the water
• Difficulty: Fair and approachable, but lake winds and water lines add challenge
• Walkability: Walkable, though most golfers prefer carts due to terrain and distance between holes

💵 Pricing & Value (Public)

• Weekday 18 Holes With Cart: about US$39
• Weekend / Holiday 18 With Cart: about US$45
• Replay Rates: Discounted replay options typically available
• Included: Cart fee and often a park day-pass with paid green fee
• Value: Arguably one of Georgia’s best public-golf bargains for lakefront scenery

🏨 Amenities & Facilities

• Practice: Driving range and putting green
• Clubhouse: Small pro shop and snack bar overlooking the lake
• Carts & Rentals: Power carts standard; basic rental club sets available
• Extras: Access to state-park cabins, camping areas and lake recreation activities

Note: Georgia State Parks may update fees seasonally; verify rates when booking tee times.

Achasta is a Jack Nicklaus-designed course along the Chestatee River in Dahlonega. It’s part of a golf community but offers public daily-fee play, with a walkable layout and scenic riverfront holes.

⛳ Course Layout & Playability

• Yardage: About 6,995 yards from the back tees
• Par: 72
• Style: River-side parkland with generous landing areas and well-guarded greens
• Difficulty: Fair for most players; the main defense is approach-shot precision
• Walkability: Very walkable routing for players who prefer to carry or push

💵 2025 Public Pricing & Value

• Tuesday–Thursday 18 Holes: around US$57
• Friday–Sunday 18 Holes: around US$67
• After 2 p.m. Daily: twilight rate around US$40
• Cart Policy: Non-members are typically required to take a cart
• Value: Strong value for a Jack Nicklaus design under US$70

🏨 Amenities & Facilities

• Practice: Driving range and putting greens
• Clubhouse: Pro shop and restaurant overlooking the course
• Carts & Rentals: Cart rental and limited rental sets
• Extras: Community setting with homes, events and quiet mountain-town vibe

Note: Public rates and time restrictions can change; confirm when booking.

Chattahoochee Golf Club is a Gainesville-owned municipal course set along the shores of Lake Lanier. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., it features sweeping fairways, expansive greens and a classic parkland layout. It remains one of North Georgia’s most admired public courses thanks to its playability, well-kept conditions and consistently fair pricing.

⛳ Course Layout & Playability

• Yardage: Approximately 6,400–7,000 yards depending on tees
• Par: 72
• Style: Rolling parkland with spacious landing areas and large, undulating greens
• Difficulty: Forgiving off the tee; demands precision on approaches and around the greens
• Walkability: Highly walkable layout; many locals prefer walking the course

💵 2025–2026 Pricing & Value (Public)

• Weekday Green Fee: approx. US$70
• Weekend Green Fee: approx. US$80
• Twilight Rounds: discounted twilight and late-afternoon rates available
• Special Rates: Seniors, juniors and college players receive reduced pricing
• Value: Strong municipal value for a course designed by a world-renowned architect

🏨 Amenities & Facilities

• Practice: Full driving range, putting green and dedicated short-game area
• Clubhouse: Pro shop and grill with lakefront views
• Carts & Rentals: Power carts and rental clubs available
• Extras: Lessons, leagues and community golf programs offered through the city

Note: Seasonal adjustments may affect green fees; verify pricing on the course’s online booking portal.

Harbor Club is a semi-private community course on Lake Oconee with public-access tee times one of the best public golf course in georgia. The layout offers lake views, strategic bunkering and an upscale private-club feel for daily-fee players.

⛳ Course Layout & Playability

• Yardage: Just over 7,000 yards from the tips
• Par: 72
• Style: Lakefront parkland with water in play on multiple holes
• Difficulty: Playable from forward tees, but plenty of bite from the back
• Walkability: Some walk, but most guests prefer carts given distances and contours

💵 2025 Public Pricing & Value

• Prime Public Rate (Morning): around US$239 + tax for 18 with cart
• Midday Public Rate: often around US$189 + tax
• Late-Day Public Rate: often around US$149 + tax later in the afternoon
• Guest of Member: Reduced rates when playing with or as a guest of a member
• Value: Premium price point that delivers a strong private-club style experience with lake views

🏨 Amenities & Facilities

• Practice: Range, short-game and putting greens
• Clubhouse: Full clubhouse with dining, bar and patio areas
• Carts & Rentals: Power carts, GPS and rental sets available
• Extras: Lake community setting with other amenities for residents and guests

Note: Public rates are time-slot specific and can vary; always confirm when booking.

Osprey Cove in St. Marys is a Mark McCumber design laid out along the coastal marshes near the Georgia-Florida border. It’s a private club that offers limited public access via tee times and packages.

⛳ Course Layout & Playability

• Yardage: Around 6,900 yards from the back tees
• Par: 72
• Style: Marshland layout with water, tidal creeks and tree-lined fairways
• Difficulty: Demanding from the tips; more forgiving from forward tees
• Walkability: Generally played by cart due to routing and climate

💵 Pricing & Value (Public Access)

• Estimated Public Green Fee: often in the US$70–90 range for 18 with cart
• Access: Public access may be limited to off-peak times, packages or specific offers
• Value: Good value if you want a private-club experience and coastal marsh scenery

🏨 Amenities & Facilities

• Practice: Range, putting and short-game areas
• Clubhouse: Dining, bar, locker rooms and pro shop
• Carts & Rentals: Carts and rental clubs available
• Extras: Tennis, pool and other club amenities for members and guests

Note: Because this is primarily a private club, call ahead to confirm availability and current public rates.

The best public golf course in georgia Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is a Dennis Griffiths mountain design that is fully open to the public. It combines resort-style service with tree-lined fairways and blue-ridge views.

⛳ Course Layout & Playability

• Yardage: Around 6,950+ yards from the back tees
• Par: 72
• Style: Mountain resort layout with elevation, wooded corridors and scenic vistas
• Difficulty: Challenging but playable; shot placement matters more than raw length
• Walkability: Many guests ride; some holes walkable, but elevation can be demanding

💵 Public Pricing & Value

• 18 Holes With Cart: typically starts around US$49 and can reach ~US$89, depending on season and day
• Cart & Range: Rates usually include cart and range balls
• Value: Very solid resort-golf value for the scenery and conditions offered

🏨 Amenities & Facilities

• Practice: Range, putting green and short-game areas
• Resort: Full-service hotel, spa, dining and outdoor activities
• Carts & Rentals: Power carts and rental clubs
• Extras: Packages that bundle lodging and golf for stay-and-play trips

Note: Exact fees depend on date and season; check the resort’s tee-time portal when planning.

Ashton Hills Golf Club in Covington is a best public golf course in georgia 18-hole course about 35 minutes east of Atlanta, known for its well-kept fairways, quick greens and friendly atmosphere. It’s a good everyday-golf option with full public access.

⛳ Course Layout & Playability

• Yardage: Around 6,400 yards from the back tees
• Par: 72
• Style: Modern parkland with a mix of open and tree-framed holes
• Difficulty: Fun for most handicaps; greens can be a good test
• Walkability: Walkable for fit players; carts available for comfort and pace of play

💵 Pricing & Value (Public)

• Typical Green Fee: estimated around US$75 for 18 with cart, depending on time and day
• Dynamic Pricing: Exact rates vary; online tee-time sites often list deals
• Value: Good mix of quality conditions and accessible pricing for metro-Atlanta public golf

🏨 Amenities & Facilities

• Practice: Driving range, putting green and short-game areas
• Clubhouse: Pro shop and the Village Grille for food and drinks
• Carts & Rentals: Buggies, pull carts and rental clubs available
• Extras: Lessons, events and outing-friendly layout

Note: For precise day-of rates, check Ashton Hills’ online tee-time page.