PRIVATE GOLF • ATLANTA | Find the right club for the course, not just the name on the gate.
Private golf memberships vary on invitation policies, availability, access to multiple courses, tee time rules and non-golf amenities. Do not assume that a club with a mailing address in one city has the same geography or real estate considerations as a neighboring community.
Notable private clubs
- Peachtree Golf Club — Atlanta; No. 2 in Georgia on Golf Digest’s 2025-26 course rankings.
- East Lake Golf Club — Atlanta; No. 4 in Georgia.
- Atlanta Athletic Club — Johns Creek; Highlands and Riverside courses. Membership by invitation with sponsor process, per club.
- Atlanta Country Club — Marietta / East Cobb; No. 7 in Georgia.
- Golf Club of Georgia — Alpharetta; Lakeside and Creekside.
- Country Club of the South — Johns Creek; Nicklaus-designed golf and other membership categories.
- White Columns Country Club — Milton; Fazio-designed course, full and limited golf memberships.
How much does a private golf club cost?
Private-club pricing is not a single metro-wide number. Initiation fees, refundable-equity structures, monthly dues, food minimums, assessments, cart and trail fees and guest access can all matter. We do not publish unofficial initiation prices as confirmed facts. If a club does not list full-golf dues, the price here is available by direct membership inquiry.
A real example of why categories matter: White Columns publicly lists certain swim/tennis membership dues, but its full golf membership rate is not posted. Swim/tennis dues must not be represented as the cost of golf membership.
Questions to ask the membership director
- Is the club accepting applicants? Is sponsorship or invitation required?
- What are the initiation, monthly dues, minimums and one-time assessments?
- Which tee times, guest privileges and reciprocal clubs are included?
- Are golf privileges different for associate, social, limited or full members?
- What is the cancellation, transfer or resale policy?
- Does homeownership create any membership right? Request that answer in writing.
Rankings are about courses, not membership value
Golf Digest’s 2025-26 Georgia ranking evaluates courses. It does not determine whether a club is the best fit for a family, a new golfer, an avid player or someone relocating to Atlanta. Verify current access separately.
Buying a home near a private club
Consider both geographic proximity and real availability. A private golf club can be adjacent to a neighborhood without automatically granting residents memberships, and a club may welcome members from other communities.
Read our golf course homes guide or talk with Cary about North Atlanta golf-area homes. This is an independent local guide, not affiliated with any listed club. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.