Poll names Georgia’s most popular public golf courses
When talk turns to “golf in Georgia,” the first thing that comes to mind is Augusta National, arguably the most well-known course in the entire country. But local golfers know the state offers much more than what’s along Washington Road or in the Amen Corner.
Georgia’s top five favorite public golf courses
named in Walton Gas poll.
If watching this month’s Masters tournament gets you in the golfing mood, look at this list of five top-rated public golf courses throughout the state nominated in our Walton Gas Facebook poll. You might find a new spot to check out this spring.
COASTAL CHOICE
Pine Lakes Course, Jekyll Island
If your version of the game is as much about the view as the score, make a reservation to play the Pine Lakes Course. Reputed to be the state’s most scenic course, you’ll find it at the Jekyll Island Golf Club, the state’s largest public club.
“It’s a beautiful course in a beautiful setting,” writes nominator Todd Evans of Cumming. “You will see plenty of wildlife on the course such as deer, alligators and osprey. Framing everything are the lush pines, black water lakes, very white sand and the famous Palmetto bushes and Palmetto trees that you find all over Coastal Georgia.”
The 18-hole course features family-friendly tee boxes, making it one of the few courses in the nation that provides even playing ground for both adults and younger players.
Before you go:
- Call 912.635.2368 to reserve tee time.
- Reservations can be booked up to two months in advance.
- Rates run $69-$75 for adults, including cart.
- Discounted rates available for early afternoon and twilight tee times.
HIDDEN GEM
Wallace Adams Golf Course, Little Ocmulgee State Park, McRae-Helena
Poll respondent Patti Benton of Alpharetta calls Wallace Adams Golf Course “a great golf destination,” pointing out such positives as beautiful conditions, challenging layout and great views.
Though it’s part of the Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites system, “you won’t believe this is state park golf course,” Benton adds to her recommendation. The classic 18-hole, par 72, course is surrounded by loblolly pines, willows and magnolias in a secluded setting. The venue features Bermuda fairways and developed-in-Georgia TifEagle Bermuda on the greens.
Before you go:
- Call 229.868.6651 to reserve tee time.
- Rates range from $31 to $38.
- Does NOT accept the Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Gift Card.
- Offers a Stay & Play Package that includes an overnight stay at the park lodge plus a round of golf with cart rental for two guests for $75 per person.
UPSCALE EXPERIENCE
Bear’s Best Atlanta, Suwanee
Recommended by Robert G. of Buford, Bear’s Best Atlanta is a high-end daily fee course located in the upscale gated community of Edinburgh. Voted in Golfweek’s Top 10 Georgia courses and Top 200 residential courses in the U.S. for 2023, the 18-hole venue showcases some of Jack Nicklaus’ most iconic hole designs around the world.
“Our aim is to offer the experience of a high-end exclusive club, at a beautiful facility that is open to all,” the course’s website says. “With a practice facility recognized as the best for public use in Atlanta, bent grass greens and excellent course conditioning, our golfers enjoy a first-class experience.”
Before you go:
- Book tee time online.
- Rates average $64-$99, daily.
- Offers an annual golf pass.
REVOLUTIONARY
Bobby Jones Golf Course, Atlanta
Favored by Phil Weatherly, Walton Gas business development director, the Bobby Jones Golf Course in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood is a revolutionary reversible golf course design. It’s unusual layout makes it the only one of its kind in the United States.
Two nine-hole walking courses, the Azalea and Magnolia, feature multiple tees and large double greens, sometimes even presenting two hole locations. With multiple tee and pin combinations, it’s possible to play a very different loop each time around the Bermuda fairways and TifEagle Bermuda greens.
You can’t beat the location for an urban public course experience. While strolling from hole to hole, look up to take in the striking downtown Atlanta skyline.
Before you go:
- Book a tee time online.
- Fees for 9 holes are $28-$46 weekdays and $45-$48 on weekends.
SCENIC VIEWS
Fairways of Canton, Canton
This 18-hole course in Cherokee County, nominated by Cliff Hodge of Cumming, is situated at the southernmost tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Fairways of Canton is said to offer some of the best views in the region.
Opened in 2007, the par 72 course is said to offer challenging play for golfers at every skill level. Well-groomed fairways and greens keep the course difficult yet friendly, making it an excellent choice for local golfers as well as an option for destination outings. Fairways boasts having the “only ultra dwarf Bermuda greens at any public course in the area.”
Before you go:
- Book tee times online.
- Fees for 18 holes are $55 weekdays and $65-$75 on weekends.
- Discounts for late afternoon and twilight play.
- Guests are allowed to schedule tee times up to one week in advance.
- 10% discount for seniors, students, military, police and first responders.