There are some amazing public golf courses near Helen, GA! Nestled in the scenic North Georgia mountains, you’ll find affordable golf and convenient tee times at these six spots.
I’ve listed the closest golf courses to Helen, GA first, with the distance increasing as you scroll down.
#1: The Innsbruck Golf Club at Valhalla Resort Hotel
The Innsbruck Golf Club is the closest golf course to Helen, Georgia. It is a short 2.1-mile drive from Hofer’s Bakery & Cafe downtown.
As part of the Valhalla Resort Hotel in Helen, Georgia, the course is open to both guests and the general public. All levels of players will find the course engaging to play. And any guest of Pinnacle Cabin Rentals at Innsbruck properties can have golf packages included as part of their stay.
About the Course. The longest stretch is 6,502 yards and boasts some amazing scenery in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Information on each of the 18 holes can be found here.
Rating: 72.7
Slope Rating: 135
Cost for an 18-Hole Game. Between $47 and $65 depending on the day and time. However, there is a Senior discount at Innsbruck resort.
Drive from Downtown Helen, GA: 2.1 miles / 8-minute drive
Location Here: 664 Bahn Innsbruck, Helen, GA 30545
Phone Number: 1-800-642-2709
#2: Apple Mountain Golf Club
Apple Mountain Golf is the second closest course to Helen, GA, and is located in Clarkesville. If you’re driving from metro Atlanta, Apple Mountain Golf Club is about an hour and a half drive.
In addition to the beautiful silver pine trees, there is a golf shop on site and lessons can be scheduled starting at $35 for a half-hour. It’s a memorable Georgia golf experience and a round of golf is very affordable.
And if you decide you’d like to make a weekend trip of this golf outing, Apple Mountain Resort at Clarkesville offers moderately priced rooms or villas that are conveniently located to the course.
About the Course: 6,428 yards
Rating: 68.8
Slope Rating: 114
Cost for an 18-Hole Game: $30 – $42
Drive from Downtown Helen, GA: 20.1 miles / 27-minute drive
Location Here: 901 Rockford Creek Rd, Clarkesville, GA 30523
Phone Number: (706) 754-2255
Apple Mountain Golf Club Website
#3: Butternut Creek Golf Course
Butternut Creek Golf Course is located in downtown Blairsville and is a 42-minute drive from Helen. The course was designed by Bill Watts.
At this public course, 18 holes of golf will cost between $40 and $50, depending on the day. Additionally, there is both a military and senior discount for Monday through Thursday.
After enjoying the natural beauty and steep slopes, there is a Bar & Grill in the community center that serves a menu of sandwiches, burgers, salads, and desserts. Maybe try some pecan pie while looking at the breathtaking views of both the golf course and mountains.
If you’re needing a new set of clubs, TaylorMade sets on Amazon are oftentimes on sale.
About the Course: 6,493 yards.
- Course is owned and operated by Union County Recreation Department.
- Short drive from the Chattahoochee National Forest.
- And if you’re interested in visiting one of the state parks nearby, I encourage you to check out this recent article on our site that talks about the best Georgia parks to visit.
- There are amazing mountain views alongside an 18-hole course, with bent grass greens, Bermuda fairways, and elevation changes throughout the course.
Rating: 72
Slope Rating: 133
Cost for an 18-Hole Game: $40 – $50
Drive from Downtown Helen, GA: 27 miles / 42-minute drive
Location Here: 129 Union Co Rec Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone Number: (706) 439-6076
Butternut Creek Golf Course Website
#4: Brasstown Valley Resort Golf Course
Located in Young Harris, Georgia, Brasstown Valley Golf Club sits on 500+ acres of land.
It is one of those golf resorts that has a bit of everything! It shares a name with the highest point in Georgia, Brasstown Bald.
About the Course: 7,047 yards
- 18-hole championship course that coexists with a picturesque backdrop of the North Georgia Mountains.
- Golf lessons are offered and there is a pro shop
After enjoying those yards of dramatic fairways, you can visit the spa for a massage or schedule a trail ride at the stable, as there’s no shortage of activities.
Rating: 73.8
Slope Rating: 136
Cost for an 18-Hole Game: $79 – $99
Drive from Downtown Helen: 27.5 miles / 43-minute drive
Location Here: 6321 US-76, Young Harris, GA 30582
Brasstown Valley Resort Golf Course Website
Book a Tee Time at Brasstown Valley Resort here.
#5: Rabun County Golf Club
Located in Clayton, GA, the Rabun County Golf Club is a 9-hole public course. The avid golfer will find plenty to enjoy here, including the Wildcat Grill for refreshments.
About the Course: 2,663 yards.
- No tee times are required
- Driving range available, too
Rating: 32.7
Slope Rating: 122
Cost for a 9-Hole and 18-Hole Game: $20 or $29
Drive from Downtown Helen, GA: 29 miles / 44-minute drive
Location Here: 1322 Old 441 S, Clayton, GA 30525
Phone:Â (706) 782-5500
#6: Chestatee Golf Club
Located in Dawsonville, Chestatee Golf Club is now accessible to the public. Enjoy the championship golf course alongside the beauty of Lake Sidney Lanier, as shown below!
Afterward, you can find refreshments at the Heron Grille, which includes a full-service bar, wings, sandwiches, and more.
About the Course: 6,877 yards
- Fun Fact: “Chestateeâ€Â originates from the Cherokee language and translates roughly to “pine torch place.â€
- Like Butternut Creek, this golf course was also designed by Denis Griffeths and has been rated one of the best places to play golf in America.
Rating: 72.7
Slope Rating: 140
Cost for an 18-Hole Game: $30 – $75.50
Drive from Downtown Helen, GA: 33 miles / 47-minute drive
Location Here: 777 Dogwood Way, Dawsonville, GA 30534
Honorable Mention: Kelly’s 19th Tee Driving Range
Located in the community of Cleveland, Georgia is Kelly’s 19th Tee. This driving range is only 12.7 miles from Helen, GA, or a 20-minute car drive. Check out their Facebook page to learn more!
Location Here: 468 Dorsey Brothers Rd, Cleveland, GA 30528
Phone Number: (706) 219-2932
