Georgia’s country club scene is a magnet for the ultra-wealthy, offering an unparalleled blend of luxury, exclusivity, and world-class amenities. From historic institutions with storied pasts to modern enclaves catering to the elite, these clubs represent the pinnacle of opulence. Below, we dive into the top 25 most exclusive and expensive country clubs in the Peach State, each epitomizing the lavish lifestyle sought by the affluent.
25. Waterfall Club
Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains near Lake Burton, Waterfall Club is a serene, high-elevation retreat with breathtaking views of forest valleys and the lake . The sense of remoteness gives it a rare sense of privacy—membership is limited and highly selective. Members enjoy charming lodge accommodations, gourmet dining, and curated outdoor activities like hiking and boating. This combination of mountain tranquility and upscale amenities gives Waterfall a reputation as a hidden gem for those in the know.
The club’s luxury amenities are understated yet high-end. Dining focuses on regional cuisine inside a cozy lodge, and lakeside access lends a relaxed elegance to the experience. Private hiking trails, boat docks, and community areas ensure members don’t sacrifice comfort for isolation. While lesser-known, Waterfall’s quiet prestige and mountain sanctuary vibe make membership feel truly exclusive.
24. Ohoopee Match Club
Deep in rural southeast Georgia, the invitation-only Ohoopee Match Club is set on a 3,400-acre former farm and designed purely for match-play golf . Limited to roughly 50 members, it’s known for its remote location and intense privacy. The centerpiece is a 22-hole Gil Hanse course, and while the club is seasonal, it offers a simple lodge and dining facility on-site. It’s a place where golf, camaraderie, and nature take precedence.
There are no residential homes—only the central lodge hosts members. Dining is intimate and casual, fostering community around the game. Amenities focus almost entirely on golf, with no frills—just pure, uninterrupted play. A reputed $250,000 founder’s fee signals that the only luxury here is total immersion in match-play golf and fellowship.
23. McLemore Club
Perched on Lookout Mountain, McLemore Club is prized for its jaw-dropping coastal mountain views and exclusive vibe . This by-invitation club offers cliffside golf with a dramatic finishing hole, and recently added a second course, “The Keep,” enhancing its standing as a destination golf resort. Members enjoy a clubhouse with fine dining, fitness facilities, and resort-style pools and spa. The highest-level memberships carry hefty six-figure buy-ins, signaling serious exclusivity.
Amenities are broad—luxury clubhouse dining, boutique spa, fitness center, and multiple pools create a full resort atmosphere. The membership structure is limited, capped at select investors, and offering no annual dues for founders. Residents also benefit from real estate opportunities alongside club access. Its luxury feel is defined by the seamless mix of mountain views, elegant amenities, and tight membership control.
22. Augusta Country Club
Augusta Country Club in Augusta, Georgia, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the South, dating back to 1899. Nestled adjacent to the famed Augusta National, the club boasts a Donald Ross-designed course that offers classic architecture, tight fairways, and a strategic layout that has been carefully preserved and enhanced over time. The course shares some of the same terrain as its more famous neighbor, including Rae’s Creek, and provides a serene, tree-lined setting for traditional Southern golf.
While it doesn’t share the global spotlight of Augusta National, Augusta Country Club has long held its own as a respected private club with a deep sense of tradition. Members enjoy a full suite of amenities, including tennis courts, a resort-style pool, and an elegant clubhouse that hosts both social and competitive events. The atmosphere is refined yet welcoming, with a strong sense of community and Southern hospitality that has made it a staple for generations of Augusta families.
21. Marietta Country Club
Marietta Country Club carries a century-old reputation in suburban Atlanta, blending history with Southern charm. Its rolling 27-hole golf layout, tennis courts, and pool offer something for everyone. Membership is family-focused and selective, often passing through generations. The club’s upscale clubhouse offers multiple dining venues and event spaces that draw the local elite.
Amenities include a traditional clubhouse restaurant, casual grille, and banquet facilities for weddings and galas. Tennis and aquatics next to the golf course create a full recreation package. Fees place Marietta among the top-tier suburban clubs. Its prestige stems from longevity, refined community atmosphere, and balanced luxury for families.
20. The Landings Club
Occupying much of Skidaway Island near Savannah, The Landings Club is a sprawling resort-like enclave . With six championship golf courses, it’s a playground for serious golfers. On-site marina, waterfront dining, equestrian facilities, fitness center, and pools provide a complete lifestyle. Residency is often required, reinforcing its gated community exclusivity.
The amenities are nearly endless: three full-service clubhouses, boating and fishing access, tennis courts, fitness center, and social events. It functions more like a private town than a club—you zip around on golf carts. The community is upscale but friendly, with an inclusive feel for residents who can afford the high cost. Luxury, convenience, and scale combine to make The Landings feel more like resort residential elite living.
19. Currahee Club
Perched on Currahee Mountain by Lake Hartwell, Currahee Club offers scenic golf in a quiet mountain-lake atmosphere . Membership is primarily for property owners, supporting its low-density, exclusive character. Facilities include a Jim Fazio-designed course, lodge, lakefront marina, and clubhouse dining. The mountain tranquility reinforces its appeal to those seeking peace and natural beauty.
Amenities extend beyond golf—lake access, fitness center, and trails contribute to a full recreation experience. The lodge creates a sense of community, with dining and member events. With only a few hundred members, it feels more like a private retreat than a public club. Currahee’s prestige comes from its setting and taste for quiet luxury.
18. Piedmont Driving Club
Piedmont Driving Club is a storied private social club in Atlanta, founded in 1887 originally as the Gentlemen’s Driving Club. Initially centered around horse carriage driving on what would later become Piedmont Park, the club sold off much of its land to the city in 1904, helping establish the park. Its Midtown clubhouse, a Georgian/Classical Revival gem—remodeled over the decades by prominent architects like Reid & Shutze—features elegant ballrooms and richly detailed interiors that reflect the city’s elite taste and traditional design heritage .
Today, the club offers an impressive range of athletic, recreational, dining, and social facilities. It operates two clubhouses, boasts a championship 18-hole golf course designed by Rees Jones and Greg Muirhead on Camp Creek Parkway (opened in 2000), plus tennis, squash, swimming pools, fitness and spa services, and versatile event spaces. Known for its discretion, prestige, and continuous updates—from adding padel courts in 2024 to hosting major amateur golf qualifiers—the club remains a central hub for Atlanta’s business and social elite.
17. Ocean Forest Golf Club (Sea Island)
Ocean Forest Golf Club, located on the northern edge of Sea Island, Georgia, is a private, links-style course designed by Rees Jones and Greg Muirhead. Opened in 1995, the course winds through a mix of ancient dunes, salt marshes, pine forest, and riverfront terrain before finishing with dramatic holes along the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its strategic design and natural beauty, it quickly earned national attention, especially after hosting the 2001 Walker Cup, becoming the youngest venue to do so at the time.
In recent years, Ocean Forest has seen a series of thoughtful updates, including a 2023–24 renovation by Beau Welling. These changes expanded greens, reshaped bunkers, added forward tees, and introduced sandy native areas to enhance both playability and visual appeal. The club also hosts the annual Jones Cup Invitational, one of the premier amateur events in the country, drawing top collegiate and amateur talent. With its blend of coastal charm and championship-caliber golf, Ocean Forest remains one of the most exclusive and celebrated clubs in the region.
16. Sea Island Resort (Beach & Lodge)
Sea Island blends resort-level luxury with private club membership, earning four consecutive Forbes Five-Star awards . Its two main properties, The Cloister and The Lodge, offer private beach clubs, three championship golf courses (including PGA-grade Seaside), tennis, equestrian services, and a spa. Membership gives unfettered access to these facilities and elite events. High initiation fees and property-owner qualifications filter membership to a select wealthy few.
Amenities include private beach access, elite golf, spa, fitness, tennis, world-class dining, and marina services. The performance golf center raises the bar even further. This coastal luxury playground also hosts visiting dignitaries and celebrities, creating an air of refined animation. Sea Island is a four-season bastion of Southern opulence, where members live between private resort life and genteel social tradition.
15. Plantation Golf Club
Part of the Ford Field & River Club in Richmond Hill, this club is built on Henry Ford’s former estate. The plantation setting, historic feel, and modern luxury converge here for a unique and refined member experience.
Membership is limited and often tied to ownership within the private community. Between the equestrian center, marina, and Pete Dye-designed golf course, the Ford Plantation is a full-service luxury lifestyle wrapped in deep Southern roots.
14. Hawk’s Ridge
Hawks Ridge Golf Club, tucked into the rolling foothills near Ball Ground, Georgia, is a private, invitation-only gem designed by renowned architect Bob Cupp and opened in late 1999. Spanning around 550 lush acres, the course showcases sweeping elevation changes, towering pines, hardwoods, water hazards, and a dramatic par-4 15th marked by an iconic waterfall. With a par of 72 and stretching over 7,200 yards, it rewards precision off the tee and skillful approach play on its lightning-fast bent-grass greens—praised by pros for being as quick and pure as those at Augusta National.
Beyond the meticulously manicured championship course, Hawks Ridge offers a nine-hole executive par-3 layout, a state-of-the-art training facility, luxurious clubhouse with dining and men’s grill, and even a helipad and two member-guest cottages. The club limits membership to around 290 local and resident golfers, ensuring exclusivity while drawing high-profile members and guests, including athletes and celebrities. Hawks Ridge consistently ranks among Georgia’s top private courses thanks to its championship design, unparalleled conditioning, and the old-world ambiance of its community-driven club experience.
13. Frederica Golf Club
Frederica Golf Club, also on St. Simons Island, is a luxurious private retreat known for its expansive course, cutting-edge training facility, and secluded, gated setting. Designed by Tom Fazio, the course is a favorite among PGA Tour pros.
The club is low-profile but offers unmatched privacy and a strong national membership. It’s ideal for those who want a club that feels both elite and understated, with all the trappings of modern, high-end golf.
12. Peachtree Golf Club
Peachtree Golf Club is often called the Augusta of Atlanta, thanks to its co-founder Bobby Jones and impeccable design by Robert Trent Jones Sr. With just over 200 members and no social amenities, the focus here is purely on world-class golf.
Membership is invite-only and extremely difficult to obtain, requiring personal connections and impeccable reputation. Peachtree’s quiet prestige makes it one of the most revered clubs not just in Georgia, but in the country.
11. Ansley Golf Club
Ansley Golf Club is a dual-location private club with a historic 9-hole course in Midtown Atlanta and the championship-level Settindown Creek course in Roswell. The Midtown club offers a social, family-oriented environment, while Settindown provides serious golf.
This combination offers rare versatility for members, blending urban convenience with top-tier golf. The club has a reputation for quality and an active, involved membership that prizes tradition and camaraderie.
10. Druid Hills Golf Club
Druid Hills Golf Club is a private golf club located in Atlanta, Georgia. It is situated in the historic Druid Hills neighborhood, known for its beautiful homes and lush landscapes. It offers a challenging and enjoyable playing experience for golfers of all skill levels. The course features well-manicured fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens. The natural beauty of the surroundings, including mature trees and rolling terrain, adds to the overall appeal of the course.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer seeking a challenging course or a newcomer to the sport looking to refine your skills, Druid Hills Golf Club offers an unparalleled golfing experience. Immerse yourself in the club’s rich history, enjoy the breathtaking surroundings, and savor the camaraderie that comes with being part of this prestigious Atlanta institution.
9. The River Club
The River Club in Suwanee offers a Greg Norman-designed course and high-end facilities in a gated neighborhood. The English-style clubhouse and spa are standout features that complement the elite-level golf.
Most members are residents, which helps maintain a tight community feel. With expensive homes and a selective admissions process, it’s a place where luxury and privacy intersect.
8. Dunwoody Country Club
Dunwoody Country Club is one of Atlanta’s largest and most established suburban clubs, with over 1,000 member families and a full slate of amenities. The golf course has hosted major amateur tournaments and is known for its well-kept conditions.
Despite its size, the club maintains a sense of exclusivity through careful member vetting and a long-standing culture of excellence. Families often stay for generations, contributing to a strong community bond.
7. The Oglethorpe Club
Located in Savannah, The Oglethorpe Club is a private city club focused on dining, social events, and heritage. Founded in 1870, it is one of the oldest private clubs in Georgia and is housed in a stately mansion on Bull Street.
Membership is passed down through families and remains highly selective. The club represents old Southern prestige, where social connections and history are more important than golf or fitness facilities.
6. Capital City Club
Founded in 1883, this is one of the South’s oldest and most prestigious private clubs . Its offerings span a formal downtown clubhouse, plus Brookhaven and Crabapple country clubs with golf, tennis, and dining. Membership is unified, invitation-only, with initiation secretly rumored to exceed six figures. It appeals to business leaders, civic influencers, and families rooted in Atlanta’s history.
Capital City Club‘s amenities are extensive: marble-and-wood interiors downtown, championship golf courses, tennis courts, pools, and gourmet restaurants. Member events range from black-tie galas to golf outings, ensuring both business and family life are served. Capital City’s appeal lies in its breadth—elegance, athleticism, social connection—all under a banner of tradition and discretion.
5. East Lake Golf Club
East Lake Golf Club is Atlanta’s oldest golf course and home to the PGA Tour’s Tour Championship . Despite the global spotlight, the club remains exceptionally private. Membership includes golf, clubhouse dining, locker rooms, practice facilities, and social events, while also supporting local revitalization through the East Lake Foundation. It combines exclusivity with a philanthropic mission, anchored by its storied legacy.
Amenities serve golf’s elite: fine dining, pro shops, patios overlooking greens, and private locker rooms—purpose-built for members and guests only. The club’s charitable wing adds social meaning to membership, reinforcing pride and privilege. Membership is capped and vetted, centered on stewardship as much as status. East Lake is prestigious, private, and purpose-driven—an elite course with a heart.
4. Atlanta Athletic Club
Located in Johns Creek, Atlanta Athletic Club is a major sports club with two championship golf courses, world-class athletic facilities, and a strong emphasis on family participation. It has hosted multiple major golf tournaments.
The club’s large size doesn’t dilute its exclusivity; the cost and selective process ensure a high-caliber membership. Its all-encompassing amenities make it a true flagship club.
3. Atlanta Country Club
Established in 1964 on the Chattahoochee River, this club quickly became an East Cobb icon . Its dramatic layout includes river bluffs and historic ruins, and membership remains invitation-based with waiting periods. Amenities at Atlanta Country Club include clubhouse dining, event spaces, practice facilities, tennis, swimming, and golf tournaments. The neighborhood is full of multi-million dollar homes, reinforcing the club’s prestige.
The clubhouse ambiance is elegant, with formal and casual dining, party rooms, and a calendar full of events. Golf practice areas, tennis courts, and pool complexes provide fitness and leisure options. The club’s aura is one of quiet opulence and exclusivity. Membership signals prominence—this isn’t just golf, it’s a lifestyle steeped in tradition and excellence.
2. Cherokee Town & Country Club
Cherokee operates two locations and is the gold standard for private club life in Atlanta. The club is elite, expensive, and extremely difficult to get into, with social standing playing a big role.
Facilities are immaculate, and service is first-class. It’s where top executives, legacy families, and the city’s elite gather, and getting in is considered a major social milestone.
1. Augusta National Golf Club
Augusta National is not only the top club in Georgia but arguably the most prestigious golf club in the world. Home of The Masters, the club operates in total secrecy, with no formal application process.
Membership is by invitation only and includes top-tier CEOs, politicians, and a handful of legendary golfers. Playing here is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most, and membership is considered one of the ultimate status symbols in golf.
These clubs represent the epitome of luxury and exclusivity in Georgia’s country club scene. Each offers a unique blend of world-class golf, opulent amenities, and a commitment to privacy, catering to the elite who seek the finest in leisure and lifestyle.