Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Private Club for Golf, Dining & Events in Athens
Founded in 1926, Athens Country Club embodies warmth, professionalism, and excellence, rooted in the vision of the Dudley family. Our legacy began with Lon Dudley's commitment to creating a premier private club in Athens, Georgia, featuring a Donald Ross-designed golf course that has hosted legends like Bobby Jones. Over nearly a century, we've expanded to offer 27 holes of championship golf, including the redesigned Dudley Course, while preserving the traditions that define our heritage. Our family-focused atmosphere extends to racquet sports, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a vibrant pool complex, and curated dining experiences led by Executive Chef BJ Bracewell.As a cornerstone of Athens' social and recreational life, we host unforgettable events from weddings to community gatherings, supported by dedicated staff and 35,000 square feet of elegant event spaces. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our OP36 junior golf program, tennis and pickleball facilities, and seasonal culinary offerings that celebrate Southern-inspired cuisine. With a history of civic contributions and cultural enrichment, we continue to create lasting memories for members and guests through personalized service and a dedication to evolving with the needs of our community.
Services
Golf Courses
Tennis Courts
Pickleball Courts
Event Hosting
Fitness Center
Pool Complex
Fine Dining
Details
- Year established: 1926
Highlights and features
- We offer 27 holes of Donald Ross-inspired golf courses maintained to championship standards.
- Our family-centric amenities include junior sports programs with college scholarship success.
- 35,000 sq ft clubhouse features versatile event spaces for weddings and corporate functions.
- Award-winning culinary team delivers seasonal Southern-inspired dining experiences.
- Diverse racquet sports facilities include 12 tennis courts and 6 lighted pickleball courts.
Services
Golf Courses
Our 27-hole golf complex features the historic Ross Course, preserved in its original 1926 design, and the newly redesigned Dudley Course. The Ross Course, shaped by Donald Ross himself during a rare on-site visit, challenges players of all skill levels with its strategic layout. The Dudley Course, updated in 2024, offers modern playability while honoring Ross' principles. Both courses are maintained to championship standards, hosting competitive tournaments and casual play alike.
Event Hosting
With 35,000 square feet of versatile event space, we specialize in weddings, corporate meetings, and social gatherings. The Grand Ballroom accommodates 350 guests, while smaller venues like the Fairway Terrace offer intimate settings. Our dedicated catering team customizes menus and coordinates logistics, ensuring flawless execution of events ranging from formal galas to casual celebrations. Member sponsorship is required for non-members to host events.
Racquet Sports
Our racquet sports facilities include 12 outdoor courts (9 Deco-Turf hard courts, 3 Har-Tru clay courts) and six lighted pickleball courts. The Tennis Center offers professional instruction, Quick Start lines for children, and seven cabanas for spectators. Pickleball players enjoy clinics, private lessons, and social mixers. Three professional instructors provide expertise for all ages and skill levels, with junior programs developing future collegiate athletes.
Dining Services
Executive Chef BJ Bracewell leads seasonal menus featuring elevated Southern cuisine across the Mixed Grill and Fairway dining rooms. Weekly themed events, Sunday brunches, and curated wine dinners refresh quarterly. Pastry Chef Sheila Blackburn creates handcrafted desserts, complemented by full-service bars offering cocktails, wines, and local beers. Dining options cater to both casual and formal occasions.
Fitness Center
The state-of-the-art fitness center provides free weights, resistance machines, and cardio equipment for comprehensive workouts. Specialized areas include a slam wall for sports performance training in golf and tennis. Certified professionals offer personal training, rehabilitation, and fitness assessments. The facility supports strength training, injury recovery, and general wellness programs for members of all ages.
People
Lon Dudley
Founder
Visionary founder of Athens Country Club in 1926, Lon Dudley established the club's legacy through his commitment to excellence and community. His foresight in commissioning Donald Ross to design the golf course laid the foundation for the club's enduring reputation as a premier private club in Georgia.
Donald Ross
Golf Course Architect
Renowned golf course architect Donald Ross designed the original 18-hole course at Athens Country Club during a rare on-site visit in 1926. His design principles continue to guide maintenance of the Ross Course, ensuring its status as a historic and challenging layout that has hosted legendary players like Bobby Jones.
BJ Bracewell
Executive Chef
Executive Chef BJ Bracewell leads the club's culinary operations, crafting seasonal menus that blend Southern tradition with modern innovation. His team delivers exceptional dining experiences through the Mixed Grill and Fairway restaurants, private catering events, and weekly themed culinary offerings that reflect the region's agricultural bounty.
Stephen Hanawalt
Directory of Catering
Stephen Hanawalt oversees all catering operations at Athens Country Club, managing weddings, corporate events, and private functions. With over a decade of experience in hospitality management, he ensures seamless event execution while maintaining the club's reputation for excellence in service and attention to detail.
Sheila Blackburn
Pastry Chef
Pastry Chef Sheila Blackburn creates handcrafted desserts that elevate the club's dining experiences. Her expertise in classical and contemporary pastry arts contributes to the club's culinary excellence, from daily baked goods to custom creations for special events and seasonal menus.
Questions
What membership options are available at Athens Country Club?
We offer various membership tiers including full golf, social, and junior memberships. Benefits include access to all facilities, dining privileges, and priority event booking. Specific details require consultation with our membership director.
Can non-members host events at the club?
Non-members may host events only with sponsorship from a current member. Our 35,000 sq ft clubhouse accommodates weddings, corporate functions, and private celebrations with customized catering and planning support.
What golf course features make ACC unique?
Our 27-hole complex includes the historic Donald Ross Course, one of few he personally designed on-site, and the recently redesigned Dudley Course. Both maintain traditional layouts with modern playability enhancements across 18+ holes.
Are tennis and pickleball lessons available for children?
Yes, our junior programs start at age five for both sports. Certified instructors provide group clinics and private lessons, with many participants earning college scholarships through athletic development programs.
What seasonal dining experiences do you offer?
Executive Chef BJ Bracewell updates menus quarterly to feature seasonal ingredients. Weekly themed dinners, Sunday brunches, and special events like wine pairings and holiday feasts highlight local and regional culinary traditions.
How do you support member wellness and fitness?
Our fitness center includes cardio zones, strength training areas, and sports performance equipment like slam walls. Certified trainers offer personalized programs, rehabilitation support, and group classes tailored to members' health goals.
