Stone Mountain looms in the distance. It's a massive, grey granite monadnock that defines the skyline of DeKalb County, Georgia. Tucked right at its base is a community that feels worlds away from the frantic, bumper-to-bumper energy of Atlanta’s Perimeter. We’re talking about Smoke Rise. Specifically, the Smoke Rise Country Club.
People get it confused. They think it's just another cookie-cutter suburban golf course with a gate. It isn't. Honestly, it’s a bit of a throwback. It was founded in the late 1960s—1968, to be exact—as the crown jewel of a master-planned community. Back then, the idea was "country living" for the city's elite who wanted to escape the urban heat. Today, it’s a weirdly charming mix of old-school Southern tradition and a modern, "come as you are" family vibe.
The Golf Course: Gary Player’s Touches in the Woods
If you’re here for the golf, you probably already know the name Gary Player. His design firm worked on this layout, and you can feel it. It’s a par-72 course that stretches over 6,800 yards from the tips.
But distance isn't the problem. The terrain is.
Smoke Rise is hilly. No, "hilly" is an understatement; it’s basically built on the side of a mountain. You’ll deal with massive elevation changes that make club selection a nightmare. You might be staring at a 150-yard shot that plays like 175 because of the rise, or a downhill par-3 where a wedge can fly forever. The greens? They are Mini-Verde Ultra Dwarf Bermudagrass. They’re fast. They’re slick. If you leave yourself above the hole on the 11th, good luck. You're basically putting on a hardwood floor.
One thing people often miss is the environmental aspect. The course is an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. This isn't just a marketing badge. It means you’re sharing the fairway with actual wildlife. Red-tailed hawks, wild turkeys, and the occasional deer that doesn't care about your backswing. It’s quiet. You don't hear the highway. You just hear the wind in the pines.
Beyond the Fairway: The "Social" Realities
Let’s be real: most people join country clubs for the pool and the bar. Smoke Rise has that, but the vibe is different than the stiff-collar clubs in Buckhead.
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The clubhouse is huge—somewhere around 28,000 square feet. It’s got that classic Georgian architecture with the white columns and the expansive views. Inside, you’ve got the Grand Ballroom, which is basically the wedding capital of Stone Mountain. But for the regulars, the action is in the grill or on the patio.
The tennis program is actually one of the strongest in the area. They have eight courts—four hard and four clay. In Georgia, clay is a luxury because of the maintenance, but it’s a lifesaver for older players' knees. They’ve got a massive ALTA (Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association) presence here. If you live in Atlanta and play tennis, you know ALTA is basically a religion. The teams at Smoke Rise are notoriously competitive.
Then there's the pool. It’s a junior Olympic-sized setup. In July, when the Georgia humidity hits 90%, it’s the only place to be. They have a swim team, the "Sharks," which turns the place into a chaotic, joyous mess of kids and sunscreen during the summer months. It’s loud. It’s fun. It’s exactly what a neighborhood club should be.
Is Smoke Rise Country Club "Old Fashioned"?
Some folks argue that the club feels a bit dated compared to the ultra-modern, glass-and-steel clubs popping up in North Fulton.
That’s a fair critique.
The decor leans into that traditional, heavy-wood, carpeted aesthetic. But for the members, that’s the point. It feels like home, not a hotel lobby. There’s a sense of "generational" membership here. You’ll see grandfathers playing a round with grandsons. There’s a deep-rooted stability that you don't find in the newer "lifestyle" communities where people flip houses every two years.
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Membership and Costs
Smoke Rise isn't a public course, but it’s not as "invite-only" as it used to be. They offer different tiers:
- Full Golf Membership (The whole nine yards)
- Junior Golf (For the under-40 crowd)
- Social/Athletic (Pool, tennis, and dining)
- Corporate options
They don't blast their initiation fees on a billboard, but they’re generally considered more accessible than the top-tier private clubs in the city. You’re looking at a few thousand for initiation and monthly dues that vary depending on your level of access.
The Smoke Rise Community Factor
You can't talk about the club without talking about the Smoke Rise community itself. It was one of the first "planned" communities in the U.S. where they tried to keep the natural forest intact. The houses are big—mostly 1970s and 80s builds on massive one-acre-plus lots.
There are no sidewalks.
That sounds like a downside, but it’s intentional. It keeps the "woods" feeling. The club acts as the de facto town square because there isn't a traditional "downtown" Smoke Rise. If you want to see your neighbors, you go to the Friday night buffet at the club.
What You Should Know Before Visiting
If you’re thinking about joining or just visiting for a wedding, here’s the ground truth:
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- The Dress Code is Real. Don't show up in cargo shorts and a tank top. Even in the grill, they expect a certain level of "neatness." Denim is generally okay in specific areas if it's not shredded, but play it safe with a polo and khakis.
- The Hill Factor. If you’re walking the course, bring water and maybe a spare pair of lungs. Most people take a cart. The elevation changes are brutal on the legs.
- The Food. It’s better than you’d expect for "club food." They do a Sunday brunch that’s actually legitimate. The fried chicken has a cult following.
- Traffic. If you’re coming from the city, Highway 78 is your best friend and your worst enemy. Time your visits to avoid the 5:00 PM rush, or you’ll spend 45 minutes just trying to get past the Stone Mountain Park exit.
Actionable Steps for Potential Members
If you're looking at Smoke Rise Country Club as a potential home base, don't just look at the website.
First, schedule a "Discovery Tour." Most clubs will let you play a round or have lunch to see if the "vibe" fits. Pay attention to the staff. Are they using members' names? That’s a huge indicator of how well a club is run.
Second, check the calendar. A club is only as good as its events. Look for things like the "Junior Golf" clinics or the "Wine Tastings." If the calendar looks thin, the club might be in a lull. Smoke Rise usually has a packed schedule, which is a sign of a healthy, engaged membership base.
Third, talk to the Head Pro. At Smoke Rise, the golf staff are the gatekeepers of the culture. Ask them about the pace of play. If a round takes six hours, you’re going to hate it no matter how beautiful the trees are.
Ultimately, this place is for the person who wants the amenities of a high-end club without the pretentious "see and be seen" atmosphere. It’s about the woods, the hills, and a really cold drink after a tough round on the greens. It’s a slice of old Georgia that’s managed to stay relevant in a very new Atlanta.
If you’re moving to the East side or just tired of the city grind, it’s worth a look. Just watch out for the slope on the 18th. It'll get you every time.
Next Steps for You:
- Check the official Smoke Rise Country Club website for current membership "trial" offers.
- Drive the neighborhood around Kanawha Drive to see the actual lot sizes and housing styles.
- Book a tee time if you have a reciprocal agreement through your current club to test the greens yourself.