Squire/Royal at Atlanta National Golf Club

Atlanta National, nestled in the rolling hills north of Atlanta, embodies a challenge where power must yield to precision. Carved into the Georgia landscape, the course, routed through what was once heavily wooded terrain, presents a blend of demanding carries and subtly contoured greens.

Designed by Pete Dye in the late 1980s, with a renovation by his son, P.B. Dye in 2009, the course bears the architect's signature strategic bunkering and emphasis on shot-making. Atlanta National is not a course for the faint of heart, or those who prefer to grip it and rip it. Generous fairways belie the trouble that lurks: the course can play dramatically different based on the tee selection.

Known for its challenging layout and meticulously maintained conditions, Atlanta National attracts a membership drawn to a classic, yet demanding, golf experience. This is a course where members appreciate the nuances of the game and the camaraderie forged over shared struggles and hard-earned pars. While it hasn't hosted major championships, it remains a respected test of golf in the region, fostering a competitive, yet welcoming, atmosphere among its discerning members, who after a round, often debate the merits of their approach over a hearty meal and cold drink in the clubhouse.