Alfred Tup Holmes, Atlanta

ATMOSPHERE: 3; it's not pebble beach VALUE: 5; would give a 6 if possible I found ATH GC when I was looking online for a place to play during a week-long work trip in ATL. One review I found said "it's in the ghetto, so don't forget your gun." Driving to the course I could kinda understand; it's not the best part of town. But honestly, I never felt anything less than safe (and yes, I'm as white as they come). ATH GC is a hidden gem. Period. Quality of the turf and greens definitely exceeds that of your standard muni. All par 5's are reachable in 2. A few par 4's are drivable, but that better be a good drive. Otherwise, your ball's probably going into the trees or one of numerous bunkers or waste areas found throughout the course (there also a couple small water hazards). The greens are moderately contoured and respectably fast (probably around a 10 on the stimp when I played). The course also has a lot of topography; most fairways are sloped one way or another and the greens are rarely at eye level. This is definitely a thinking man's course; you're not just going to grip-it-and-rip-it on every hole. That was a big positive for me. Don't judge a book by it's cover. I HATE paying a lot of dough for golf, so value is key. ATH GC provides value bar none. Give it a try. You won't be disappointed.