John A. White Golf Course — Local services in Atlanta

If you love golf, you want to love John White golf course. It has history. It is one of the original public tracks in Atlanta, named in honor of one of the men who supported golf courses like Candler Park and Piedmont Park (yes, there was a nine-hole course there).

And it has interesting, varied holes, even with the ugly concrete culvert that slashes through its center. In fact, I can't think of a single hole that doesn't have some interesting problem or attractive terrain. For example, the second hole, a par 3 through a chute of trees to a bunkered but fair green. The third, possibly drivable if you cut the corner over the trees. The 9th, where you may want to use two 5 woods rather than a driver, because if you hit a driver, you might end up on a severe downhill lie - no good for the very elevated green.

So it's a shame, then, that in the decade I've been going to White, the greens have always been in terrible condition. I just don't understand why the course cannot appear to solve this problem. It is no underestimate to say that most of the greens - with the possible exceptions of 5 and 7 - are practically unplayable. PLEASE, City of Atlanta, PLEASE, put some money towards these greens - and PLEASE John White Course, PLEASE have the courage to close some greens for a while while they are reseeded. Surely it will pay off in the long term.

EDIT BASED ON RESPONSE BELOW: I have been impressed with the many responses to other reviews and the one to my review brings great news about the greens. I wanted to confirm Mr. Hightower's assertions - I played yesterday and did indeed notice clearance of underbrush and trees, particularly on the 9th hole. Anyway, it's great news to hear about the greens, because it's potentially a gem of a course with a friendly clubhouse and a good driving range area.

FURTHER EDIT 8/23: the greens have been replaced for a while now, and unsurprisingly it's now mostly a great experience at John White. It's not the cheapest: first prize in the metro area goes to Sugar Creek, the best kept secret in town. The greens are looking a little threadbare after only a year or so of reseeding, and I'm worried they will lose them again. I hope not. This course deserves a...

As a former resident of West End and supporter of the First Tee for the past 4 years, I've played this course 60+ times. It has always been a great value and a nice walk if you're into exercise. The course has improved a lot since I first played here, and I'm happy to see where it goes in the future, as it's truly a great track with a lot of potential.

That being said, I leave my first google review - a negative one due to an unpleasant experience that I had this weekend. The man at the front desk (I'm unsure of his name, but I have seen him plenty over the years - older gentleman) was extremely unpleasant, argumentative, and provided the worst customer service I've experienced at a golf course, or anywhere I've been a customer. The lack of professionalism he exhibited was incredible.

That being said, I will continue to support this course but did want to post this to inform management/potential patrons - as I can tell that I'm not the first customer to deal with...

This is a delightful, municipal 9 hole course with a good variety of holes in an interesting layout that can fit the bill if you're looking to play a stimulating, non-country club course, at a very reasonable rate.

The fairways are Bermuda grass. There are elevation changes, bunkers, out of bounds fences, trees, water features, and sloped terrain and greens. You may have to think your way around the course, like maybe not choosing driver on all the non-par 3 holes and thinking about how to adjust for elevation differences. It is walkable, but some may find it strenuous. They do have carts and rental clubs. This course is also known for being the First Tee of Atlanta, which tries to introduce golf to those who haven't had much experience. In that regard, the workers and volunteers here are stewards of the sport.

Fwiw, their phones were not...