East Lake Golf Club: A Historic Private Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia

Welcome to East Lake Golf Club, a prestigious private golf club located just 5 miles east of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Established in 1904, this historic club holds a special place in the hearts of golf enthusiasts worldwide. From being the home course of the legendary Bobby Jones to hosting the renowned Tour Championship, East Lake Golf Club is steeped in rich history and a commitment to philanthropy through the East Lake Foundation.

Key Takeaways:

• East Lake Golf Club is a private golf club located in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Bobby Jones, a golf legend, called East Lake his home course.
• The club hosts the prestigious Tour Championship.
• All proceeds from the club’s operations support the East Lake Foundation.
• The East Lake Foundation has transformed a public housing project into a thriving community.

History of East Lake Golf Club

The history of East Lake Golf Club dates back to its establishment in 1904 by the Atlanta Athletic Club. The club, originally formed in 1898, purchased the property to create a country club that included a golf course. The course was initially designed by Tom Bendelow, a prominent golf course architect of the time. However, it wasn’t until Donald Ross took on the project in 1913 that East Lake truly began to take shape as a premier golf destination.

Under Donald Ross’ redesign, East Lake Golf Club flourished and gained recognition as one of the finest golf courses in the country. The club hosted the prestigious Ryder Cup in 1963, where Arnold Palmer led the United States team to victory as the playing captain. Despite its early success, the club faced financial difficulties in the 1960s due to the deteriorating neighborhood surrounding it.

Redevelopment came in the 1990s when businessman Tom Cousins purchased East Lake Golf Club. His vision and investment revitalized the club and the surrounding community, leading to its current status as a thriving golf course and philanthropic force in Atlanta. Today, East Lake Golf Club stands as a testament to the power of golf in transforming both a sport and a community.

Table: Notable Events in the History of East Lake Golf Club

Through its storied past, East Lake Golf Club has solidified its place in golf history as a course that has evolved and thrived even in the face of challenges. The club’s commitment to the sport and the community it serves continues to make it a beloved institution for golf enthusiasts and philanthropists alike.

Course and Facilities at East Lake Golf Club

East Lake Golf Club boasts a meticulously designed golf course that has undergone several notable transformations over the years. The initial layout was crafted by renowned golf course architect Tom Bendelow, offering players a challenging yet rewarding experience. However, it was the redesign by Donald Ross in 1913 that truly solidified East Lake’s reputation as a premier golf destination.

In 1994, Rees Jones embarked on a project to restore the course to its original Donald Ross design, ensuring that players could enjoy the rich heritage of East Lake Golf Club. And now, Andrew Green is set to undertake another major renovation in 2023, further enhancing the course’s unique characteristics and highlighting its Donald Ross heritage.

The clubhouse at East Lake Golf Club stands as a testament to the rich history and legacy of the sport. Serving as a tribute to golf legend Bobby Jones, the clubhouse showcases his remarkable achievements and provides a gathering place for members and visitors alike. Its timeless architecture and elegant ambiance offer a glimpse into the heritage that defines East Lake Golf Club.

Additionally, East Lake Golf Club is proud to host the annual East Lake Cup, a collegiate golf tournament that brings together top men’s and women’s teams from the previous season. This prestigious event not only highlights the exceptional talent of young golfers but also strengthens the club’s commitment to fostering the growth of the sport.

East Lake Golf Club’s Impact on the Community

All profits generated by East Lake Golf Club go directly to the East Lake Foundation, an organization focused on community transformation in Atlanta. Through its initiatives, the foundation has successfully contributed to poverty alleviation, education, safety, and productivity in the area. By investing in the community, East Lake Golf Club has played a significant role in turning a struggling neighborhood into a thriving community.

The East Lake Foundation’s efforts have had a lasting impact on the lives of residents. One of their key focus areas is education, with programs that provide early learning opportunities, tutoring, and scholarships to students. By prioritizing education, the foundation aims to break the cycle of poverty and empower the younger generation with the tools they need to succeed.

Another crucial aspect of the foundation’s work is ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. They collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to implement crime prevention programs, making the neighborhood safer for residents. Through their efforts, the East Lake area has experienced a significant reduction in crime rates, creating a more secure environment for families and businesses.

Impact on Productivity

In addition to education and safety, the East Lake Foundation also focuses on enhancing productivity within the community. Through job training programs and access to employment opportunities, they aim to create economic stability and improve the overall quality of life for residents. By providing resources and support, the foundation helps individuals develop the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce and achieve financial independence.

The success of the East Lake Foundation’s community transformation model has led to the establishment of Purpose Built Communities, an organization that seeks to replicate the East Lake model in other communities across the United States. Through their shared knowledge and expertise, East Lake Golf Club and the East Lake Foundation continue to inspire change and create lasting positive impact in communities nationwide.

Tournaments Hosted at East Lake Golf Club

East Lake Golf Club has a long history of hosting prestigious tournaments that have left a lasting impact on the world of golf. As the permanent home of The Tour Championship since 1994, the club has welcomed the best golfers in the world to compete for the coveted FedEx Cup. The Tour Championship is the culmination of the PGA Tour Playoffs, showcasing the top 30 players from the season. With its challenging layout and rich history, East Lake provides a fitting stage for this high-stakes event.

Another notable tournament hosted at East Lake Golf Club was the 1963 Ryder Cup. Serving as the backdrop for this legendary competition, the course witnessed the triumph of the United States as Arnold Palmer led the team to victory as the playing captain. The Ryder Cup is a fiercely contested biennial event that sees the finest golfers from Europe and the United States go head-to-head in a battle for national pride.

In addition to these prestigious tournaments, East Lake Golf Club has also been the venue for the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Women’s Amateur championships. These events showcase the best amateur golfers in the country, allowing them to test their skills on a stage steeped in golfing history. With its challenging fairways and greens, East Lake provides a true test for these aspiring champions.

The East Lake Cup

One of the highlights on East Lake’s tournament calendar is the annual East Lake Cup. This collegiate golf championship brings together the top men’s and women’s teams from the previous season to compete in a match play format. The event provides a platform for rising stars in the world of college golf to showcase their skills on a prestigious stage. The East Lake Cup not only celebrates the future of the sport but also pays homage to the rich golfing tradition that East Lake Golf Club represents.

Throughout its illustrious history, East Lake Golf Club has played host to some of the most significant events in the world of golf. From the drama of The Tour Championship to the intense competition of the Ryder Cup and the skillful play of the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Women’s Amateur championships, this historic venue continues to inspire and captivate both players and fans alike.

Notable Holes at East Lake Golf Club

East Lake Golf Club is renowned for its challenging and memorable holes. From the signature hole to strategic par 4s, this course offers a range of unique experiences for golfers of all skill levels.

Signature Hole: Hole 15

One of the standout holes at East Lake Golf Club is the 15th hole, which is known as the signature hole. This par 3 challenges players with an island green and requires a well-executed tee shot over 200 yards to navigate the water hazards and reach the green. It is the first island green in America and a true test of accuracy and nerve.

Par 3: Hole 9

Prior to the nines being reversed, the 9th hole at East Lake Golf Club served as the finishing hole. This par 3 presents an exciting challenge with a tee shot over water to a two-tiered green. Precision is key to avoid the water hazard and land the ball on the right tier for a birdie opportunity.

Par 4: Hole 17

The 17th hole at East Lake Golf Club is a dogleg left par 4 that requires strategic shot placement to navigate the deep bunkers protecting the green. Golfers must carefully consider their tee shot and approach to avoid the hazards and set up a favorable birdie opportunity.

Par 5: Hole 18

The final hole at East Lake Golf Club is a par 5 that offers players a variety of options off the tee. Successfully navigating the fairway and avoiding the water hazards will set up a chance to go for the green in two. Precise shot execution is required to reach the green and finish the round on a high note.

With its collection of notable holes, East Lake Golf Club provides a challenging and memorable experience for golfers. From the signature island green to strategic par 4s and a finishing par 5, every hole offers its own unique test of skill and strategy.

Birdie Opportunities and Challenges at East Lake Golf Club

When playing at East Lake Golf Club, golfers can expect a mix of birdie opportunities and challenging holes that test their skills. One of the birdie time holes is the 14th hole, a par 5 that plays downhill. This hole rewards accurate long iron approach shots, giving players a chance to score under par. The wide fairway allows for aggressive tee shots, setting up birdie opportunities for those who navigate the hole strategically.

However, golfers must also beware of the bogey-beguiling challenges at East Lake. The 2nd hole, a par 4, presents a significant challenge with its water hazard running alongside the left side of the fairway. Deep bunkers guard the green, adding extra difficulty to the approach shot. This hole demands precision and strategic shot placement to avoid costly mistakes and keep the scorecard clean.

Throughout the course, golfers will encounter water hazards and deep bunkers that require careful consideration and precise execution. These features add to the challenging nature of the course, forcing players to make strategic decisions and display skillful shot-making. Whether aiming for birdies or trying to avoid bogeys, East Lake Golf Club presents a rewarding and captivating golfing experience.

Birdie Opportunities:

• 14th hole: Par 5, downhill, rewards accurate long iron approach shots

Challenging Holes:

• 2nd hole: Par 4, water hazard along the left side of the fairway, deep bunkers guarding the green
• Various holes with water hazards and deep bunkers throughout the course

“East Lake Golf Club presents a rewarding and captivating golfing experience.”

Course Records and Rankings

East Lake Golf Club boasts impressive course records and consistently ranks among the top golf courses in Georgia and on the PGA Tour. The course record of 60 is held by Zach Johnson, achieved during the 2007 Tour Championship. This remarkable achievement showcases the exceptional skill required to navigate the challenging layout of East Lake Golf Club.

In addition to its remarkable course record, East Lake Golf Club has garnered recognition and acclaim in various rankings. It is regarded as the 11th best golf course in Georgia, a testament to its meticulously designed and well-maintained fairways, greens, and hazards. Furthermore, its standing among the top PGA Tour courses underscores its reputation as a premier destination for professional golfers and enthusiasts alike.

Quote: “East Lake Golf Club offers an unparalleled golfing experience, combining a rich history, challenging holes, and world-class facilities.” – Golf Digest

The combination of its impressive course records, high rankings, and accolades makes East Lake Golf Club a must-visit for any golf enthusiast. The club’s commitment to excellence and dedication to providing an exceptional golfing experience has solidified its position among the top golf courses in Georgia and the broader United States. Whether it’s the picturesque fairways, the strategic challenges posed by water hazards and deep bunkers, or the rich heritage that reverberates throughout the course, East Lake Golf Club consistently delivers an unforgettable golfing experience.

With its exceptional track record, East Lake Golf Club continues to attract golfers from all over the world who seek to test their skills on its renowned fairways. Whether it’s breaking course records or simply enjoying a round of golf on this historic course, players are guaranteed an unforgettable experience at East Lake Golf Club.

Conclusion

East Lake Golf Club, a historic golf course located in Atlanta, Georgia, holds a special place in the world of golf. Not only is it a renowned venue for prestigious PGA Tour events like The Tour Championship, but it also has a lasting impact on the community it serves. Through the East Lake Foundation, the club has been instrumental in transforming a struggling neighborhood into a thriving community, making it an exceptional symbol of philanthropy.

With its rich heritage dating back to 1904 and its status as the oldest golf course in Atlanta, East Lake Golf Club carries a sense of tradition that resonates with golf enthusiasts around the world. Hosting tournaments like the Ryder Cup and the U.S. Amateur further solidify its position as a historic golfing institution.

What sets East Lake Golf Club apart is not just its storied history, but also its commitment to giving back. The club’s dedication to supporting the East Lake Foundation and its mission to improve health, education, safety, and productivity in the surrounding community is truly remarkable. The success of this model has even inspired the establishment of Purpose Built Communities, an organization aimed at replicating the East Lake model in other communities across the United States.

As a top-tier PGA Tour golf course with a strong community impact, East Lake Golf Club continues to be a beloved and respected destination for golf enthusiasts. Its combination of exceptional golfing facilities, a rich history, and a commitment to making a difference make it an iconic institution in the golfing world.

Liam Drake

Founder | Website | + posts

Liam Drake, an avid golfer and seasoned outdoor enthusiast, brings his passion for the greens to his golfing blog. With years of experience swinging clubs and exploring courses around the world, Liam shares his insights, tips, and personal stories to inspire and guide fellow golf lovers. Whether it's breaking down the latest gear, navigating challenging courses, or just sharing a memorable round, Liam's blog is a treasure trove for anyone who shares his love for the game.

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