I think North Fulton is the second best of the Atlanta municipal golf courses behind Browns Mill…read more If I had to rank 'em, my list would be:
1. Browns Mill
2. North Fulton
3. Bobby Jones
4. Alfred Tup Holmes
In terms of course conditions, I think Browns Mill and North Fulton are neck and neck. The conditions of the tee boxes, fairways, and putting greens are decent for munis. The greens in particular are in pretty good shape. Based upon my experiences with the four courses listed above, I think North Fulton is generally kept in the best condition. However, I like the layout and scenery of Browns Mill the most.
North Fulton is located in Chastain Park, North Buckhead. There's a paved walking trail (Chastain Park Trail) that runs along the perimeter of the course. There are three tees: blue, white, and silver. From the blues (tips), the course measures 6,570 yards with a slope with a rating/slope of 71.9/126. Par 71 for men, par 73 for women.
I do not think this course is very challenging and, quite frankly, some of the holes can get a little boring. In general, I do not think any of the Atlanta munis are very difficult and therefore, I think they are great courses for beginners and weekend hackers (like me). For the most part, the front nine is rather flat. There are more elevation changes on the back, but nothing too substantial. Water comes into play on a handful of holes. Rough is pretty much non-existent and it can be hard to find patches of grass on some swaths of fairway/rough. Nothing I would consider terrible though, unlike Tup Holmes: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/alfred-tup-holmes-golf-course-atlanta-2?select=qx5IE_3iqkFVIqruClH6mA.
There are hole markers, ball washers, and waste baskets at every tee (you'd be surprised at the number of courses that don't have them at every tee) and they look relatively new. There is an adequate number of water coolers throughout the course, but no restrooms. I recall a shoddy-looking shack on the back nine, but it was fenced/locked up.
This is a popular course and, like Bobby Jones, can get rather crowded on weekends. They have multiple marshalls ("ambassadors") monitoring play, but still plan on a 5-hour round if you play on the weekend. Several of the holes are positioned closely together so it's not uncommon to run into groups playing other holes or hearing the word "FORE!" yelled out multiple times in a single round. There is no driving range so you'll just have to hit a terrible tee shot and warm up on the front nine. There are two practice putting greens, in nice shape, in front of the clubhouse.
There's really not a convenient bag drop at this course. The closest parking is on the street and there's a dirt lot you can park in a short ways down.
I paid $45 after tax for my weekend morning round. This included the City of Atlanta resident discount (yes, residents get discounts so be sure to show your ID if you live in the city). The pro shop is big and basic with a TV, sofa, some golf equipement, apparel, food (hot dogs), snacks (chips, cookies, crackers), and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Surprisingly and unfortunately, no beverage cart was seen during our entire round. The folks in the clubhouse were friendly.
All in all, I think North Fulton is an OK golf course. It's economical and easy to get to if you live in the city. If you're not a golf snob and just want to get out and play, an enjoyable round can certainly be had here.