7 Best Golf Courses in Georgia Available For Public Play

Georgia is not only a state steeped in history and Southern charm, but it is also a haven for golf enthusiasts, boasting some of the most prestigious courses in the world. 

While renowned private clubs like Augusta National often steal the spotlight, the Peach State is also home to a variety of exceptional public courses that welcome players of all skill levels. From the lush rolling hills of the north to the serene coastal landscapes, Georgia’s diverse geography provides a stunning backdrop for a memorable round of golf. 

In this article, we will explore some of the best public golf courses Georgia has to offer, highlighting their unique designs, challenging layouts, and picturesque settings.

1. Seaside Course

The Seaside Course at Sea Island Resort is ranked as one of the best golf courses in the country. With exquisite accommodations and facilities alongside this stunning ocean-side links course, a round at the Seaside Course is any golfer’s dream. 

The 18th hole, which sits 515 yards from the back tee, features a slight dogleg to the left, with the fairway flanked by natural vegetation and marshland. Accuracy is key here!

Opened: 1929
Par: 70
Length: 6657 yards
Designers include: H. S. Colt (1929), C. H. Alison (1929), Tom Fazio (1999), Beau Welling (1999)
Difficulty: Slope 138 / Rating 73.8

2. The Oconee

Designed by Rees Jones, The Oconee Course has been ranked 8th in Golf Digest’s Best New Upscale Public Course of 2002. 

The course is renowned for its risk-reward shot opportunities and picturesque views of serene Lake Oconee on five holes. Players face challenging forced carries over water inlets and can strategically cut corners on tree-lined doglegs.

Opened: 2002 
Par: 72 
Length: 7158 yards
Designers include: Rees Jones (2002), Greg Muirhead (2002)
Difficulty: Slope 141 / Rating 75.2

3. The Landing

The Landing Course offers a diverse range of holes with rolling elevation, stunning lakeside views, and strategic shot-making that feels accessible, The Landing delivers an enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.

The 18-hole layout is forgiving from the tee, promotes skillful shot-making to the greens, and consistently provides a fun challenge for players of any ability. The first hole sets the tone for the entire round, as the uphill tee leads to a challenging second shot. While there is a generous landing area for the tee shot, players must navigate the deep bunkers located to the front and left of the green.

Opened: 1986
Par: 72
Length: 6991 yards
Designers include: Bob Cupp (1986), Gus Grantham (1986), David Johnson
Difficulty: Slope 138 / Rating 74.5

4. Great Waters

A Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, Great Waters features a striking layout that showcases some of the most stunning golf scenery in the Southeast. After a complete restoration in 2019, it is now consistently ranked among the top 100 courses in the United States.

This newly rebuilt, modernized layout offers 18 visually captivating holes of championship golf, winding along the picturesque shoreline of Lake Oconee.

Opened: 1992
Par: 72
Length: 7436 yards
Designers include: Jack Nicklaus (1992)
Difficulty: Slope 147 / Rating 76.1

5. Plantation Course

A historic course at a legendary resort, Plantation features a classic design that reintroduces traditional elements and character: bulkheads, railroad ties, the Principal’s Nose on the 10th green, and a punch bowl green on the 13th. You’ll also find a few of Travis’ signature chocolate drops scattered throughout. 

With fewer bunkers and a more open layout, the course offers strategic interest and a challenging finishing hole. Yet, playability remains a priority for all skill levels, ensuring there’s always an option. Like the nearby Seaside Course, it hosts the PGA TOUR’s RSM Classic, a FedEx Cup event led by Davis Love III.

Opened: 1928
Par: 72 
Length: 6671 yards
Designers include: Walter Travis (1928), Rees Jones (1998), Dick Wilson (1960), H. S. Colt (1929), C. H. Alison (1929), Greg Muirhead, Rees Jones (1992), Davis Love III (2019), Mark Love (2019), Scot Sherman|
Difficulty: Slope 129 / Rating 74.0

6. Retreat Course

The more forgiving of the three courses at Sea Island, the Retreat offers wider fairways and stretches an extra 300 yards. You will still catch views of Georgia pines, native oaks, and numerous bunkers to add a challenging yet playable round. 

Opened: 1974
Par: 72 
Length: 6723 yards
Designers include: Joe Lee (1974), Davis Love III (2001), Mark Love (2001), Paul Cowley (2002)|
Difficulty: Slope 133 / Rating 73.9

7. Stonemont at Stone Mountain Golf Course

Created in 1969 by the esteemed Robert Trent Jones Sr., this remarkable course has provided a true test of golf from its opening day. The Stonemont Course at Stone Mountain Golf Club has hosted various national professional events and Georgia amateur championships.

The Stonemont Course features gently rolling fairways of top-quality Bermuda grass and pristine bent grass greens.

Opened: 1969
Par: 70
Length: 6863 yards
Designers include: Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (1969), Roger Rulewich (1969)
Difficulty: Slope 131 / Rating 73.7

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