A little local knowledge on any trip to a new place goes a long way. That's why at Golf Advisor, we're assembling a small army of Local Golf Advisors, who write reviews of courses they play around their home towns and on the road.
If you've got a trip planned to Atlanta for business or pleasure, let Atlanta Local Golf Advisor Zack Buechner assist with your rounds.
Zack is a single-digit handicap who loves to play on the road, including on the Golf Channel Am Tour. His profile page has 70 reviews posted and counting.
We asked him a few additional questions about where to play golf, as well as what to do afterwards, all around his hometown:
What's great about being a golfer who lives in Atlanta?
Zack: Being a golfer in Atlanta has its advantages. First off, you can play golf just about year-round. The bermuda grass may die in the winter months, but your game doesn't have to die with it. Atlanta has so many private and public golf courses that it's easy to find something that suits every golfers needs, even if that need is variety!
If you're a fan of golf, you have access to attend the Tour Championship at East Lake or see your favorite PGA Tour Champions players at TPC Sugarloaf in April. Not to mention, Atlanta is only a few hours away from Augusta National. It's great to be a golfer in Atlanta!
Where are your favorite places to play golf?
Legacy on Lanier Golf Club: Located about an hour northeast of Atlanta on Lake Lanier, Legacy is always in great condition but it's a tough test of golf as 13 of its 18 holes line the water. The best part of your round is food is all inclusive! Pro tip: get a morning round for a hot breakfast AND lunch once you're done. (Read Zack's full course review of Legacy on Lanier)
St. Marlo Country Club: Situated in a very high-end, sought-after neighborhood, St. Marlo is one of the most premier public golf courses in the metro-Atlanta area. I love the old stone-work bridges and rock walls which make you feel like you've jumped back into the renaissance era! After the round, grab lunch or dinner right across the street at Bai Tong Thai for some of the best Spicy Pad Thai you can find in Atlanta. (Read Zack's full review of St. Marlo)
Echelon Golf Club: One of my personal favorite course layouts in Georgia and home to some massive elevation changes. Always in pristine condition and because it's kind of off the beaten path, the pace of play is always superb. On your way out, be sure to check out Midway Meal House, an old renovated house converted into a southern soul food restaurant a mile from the course! (Read Zack's review of Echelon)
University of Georgia Golf Course: If you're heading to a game at UGA or just to visit Athens, you have to check out the UGA course, home of the Bulldog golf teams. This place is a big-time course at a very reasonable price. Pro tip: get there early to take advantage of the elaborate practice areas and check out the staff bags of all the former UGA players in the pro shop such as Bubba Watson, Chris Kirk, Russ Henley and more! One of my favorite restaurants in Athens is Cali N Titos, an awesome Mexi-style, hole-in-the-wall local dive! (Read Zack's full review of the University of Georgia Golf Club)
University of Georgia Golf Club
Any favorite restaurants around Atlanta?
Mary Mac's Tea Room: Don't let the name fool ya, Mary Macs serves up the best southern cooking you will ever have. The sweet tea is more like syrup and the chicken fried chicken is the best soul food south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
Antico Pizza: This is a local favorite and right in the heart of downtown near Georgia Tech. Antico flies in all of their ingredients fresh from Italy s once you order at the counter, just find a spot at any of the family style tables, and wait for your order to be called! The best part is its BYOB! Yep that's right; bring your own alcohol into the restaurant; 6-pack of beer, wine, 2 liter of coke, or whatever you want!
If you're looking for some authentic southern-style barbecue in Atlanta, look no further than Daddy D'z. The staff here is awesome and makes you feel like family and the barbecue is even better! I recommend the half-slab of ribs with fried okra and the homemade mac'n cheese.
Favorite bars around Atlanta
Ormsbys has to be my favorite bar in Atlanta. 2 floors, 2 bocce ball courts, darts, Skee-ball, and a great beer selection.
Wrecking Bar is a cool bar in Little 5 points in downtown Atlanta that is a renovated old mansion. They have a huge beer selection and a really great menu.
Cypress Street Pint & Plate is another great place to get some American food, sit outside on their open patio and have a beer from their rotating list.
Tap: A gastropub is a great spot for a drink in midtown as it has 3 floors and a modern style feel with tables everywhere. Check out their long list of local microbrews that you can't find at many other places!
What does a visitor to Atlanta need to know about the traffic?
Atlanta traffic is the worst going INTO the city on weekday mornings and going away from the city on weekday afternoons. Otherwise you're usually in the clear. And anywhere outside the perimeter (I-285) usually has no problems. So plan your tee times accordingly.
Zack is also talking all things golf on Twitter @ZBuechner4.
