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Inside the Atlanta Athletic Club: A Look at Exclusive Golf Courses

Atlanta Athletic Club, Exclusive Golf Courses

Welcome to our exclusive tour of the Atlanta Athletic Club, one of the most prestigious private clubs in the United States. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, this renowned 36-hole golf club offers a world-class golfing experience for its members and guests. Let’s delve into the rich history of the club and explore its two magnificent courses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Atlanta Athletic Club is a prestigious private club in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • The club features two exceptional golf courses: the Highlands and Riverside.
  • The Highlands Course has hosted major championships and underwent renovations by Rees Jones.
  • The Riverside Course offers a more friendly, non-championship experience and was recently remodeled by Tripp Davis.
  • Atlanta Athletic Club provides an exclusive and unforgettable golfing experience.

The History of Atlanta Athletic Club

Founded in 1898, the Atlanta Athletic Club has a rich and storied history that predates many other golf clubs in Georgia. Its legacy is closely intertwined with one of the greatest amateur golfers of all time – Bobby Jones. Jones, a member of the club, played a significant role in the creation of Augusta National and left an indelible mark on the sport.

The Atlanta Athletic Club’s original location was at East Lake, but it was later sold, prompting the club to move to its current location in John’s Creek. Over the years, the club has grown and evolved, ultimately becoming one of the oldest and most prestigious golf clubs in Georgia.

The club’s sprawling clubhouse serves as a museum, showcasing the largest collection of Bobby Jones memorabilia in the world. It’s a testament to the club’s commitment to preserving its history and honoring the legacy of one of golf’s most iconic figures. Today, the Atlanta Athletic Club stands as a testament to the enduring traditions and excellence of the sport.

Bobby Jones: A Golfing Legend

“Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots – but you have to play the ball where it lies.” – Bobby Jones

The Highlands Course at Atlanta Athletic Club

The Highlands Course at Atlanta Athletic Club is a testament to the artistry of golf course design. Designed by the renowned architects Robert Trent Jones and Joe Finger, this magnificent course has played host to some of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, solidifying its status as a major championship venue. With its immaculate fairways, strategic bunkering, and challenging greens, the Highlands Course offers a truly exceptional golfing experience.

Highlands Course

“The Highlands Course is a golfer’s paradise. The stunning landscape, combined with the undulating fairways and well-placed hazards, provide a test of skill and strategy for players of all levels. It is a course that demands precision and rewards well-executed shots.” – Golf Digest

The course’s rich history is mirrored in its championship pedigree. The Highlands Course has played host to major tournaments such as the US Open, PGA Championship, and US Amateur. Golf legends have graced these fairways, leaving their mark on the record books. The course underwent extensive renovations by Rees Jones, enhancing its challenge and beauty, ensuring that it continues to be a favorite among top players and avid golf enthusiasts.

The Signature Holes

Among the many remarkable holes on the Highlands Course, two stand out as the signature holes that define the course’s character and difficulty. The 11th hole, a par 4, requires a precise tee shot to a narrow fairway flanked by water on the left and a deep bunker on the right. The approach shot to a well-guarded green adds another layer of complexity to this challenging hole. The 18th hole, a par 5, offers a thrilling finish with its island green. Players must navigate the fairway and strategically position their shots to set up a birdie opportunity and end their round on a high note.

Hole Par Yardage
11th 4 428 yards
18th 5 569 yards

The Highlands Course at Atlanta Athletic Club is a masterpiece that combines the natural beauty of its surroundings with a challenging layout that tests the skills of even the most seasoned golfers. Whether you’re a member or a guest, a round on this prestigious course promises an unforgettable golfing experience.

The Riverside Course at Atlanta Athletic Club

The Riverside Course at Atlanta Athletic Club is the second course at the club, offering a different golfing experience. This course, originally designed by Robert Trent Jones, has recently undergone major renovations by Tripp Davis, completely transforming its layout and creating new holes. The renovations have revitalized the Riverside Course, enhancing its appeal and making it one of the must-play courses in the Atlanta area.

With picturesque views of the Chattahoochee River, the Riverside Course provides a serene and beautiful backdrop for a round of golf. The course now features improved course features, including updated greens, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging fairways. These enhancements have elevated the overall golfing experience on the Riverside Course, making it a favorite among members and guests.

Whether you’re a skilled golfer or a casual player, the Riverside Course caters to all levels of play. The course offers a more friendly and relaxed atmosphere compared to its counterpart, the Highlands Course. The fairways are forgiving, allowing golfers to enjoy a more enjoyable and less demanding round. However, don’t underestimate the challenges that the Riverside Course presents, as its well-placed hazards and undulating greens still demand precision and strategy.

Conclusion

At Atlanta Athletic Club, we offer golf enthusiasts an exclusive experience like no other. Our prestigious 36-hole private club, located in Atlanta, Georgia, boasts a rich history and world-class facilities. Whether you’re a member or a guest, a round of golf at our club promises an unforgettable and exclusive experience.

Our famous Highlands Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones and Joe Finger, has hosted major championships such as the US Open, PGA Championship, and US Amateur. Renovated by Rees Jones, the course presents a challenge for elite golfers with its strategic bunkering and challenging greens. It is indeed one of the best courses in Georgia.

In addition to our renowned Highlands Course, we also have the newly remodeled Riverside Course. With picturesque views of the Chattahoochee River, the course offers a more friendly and enjoyable round of golf. The recent renovations by Tripp Davis have transformed its layout, creating a unique and exciting golfing experience.

Whether you’re teeing off on our championship-worthy Highlands Course or enjoying a leisurely game on our picturesque Riverside Course, Atlanta Athletic Club provides an exclusive golf experience like no other. Discover the beauty, challenge, and history that await you at our prestigious club.

FAQ

What is the history of Atlanta Athletic Club?

Atlanta Athletic Club was founded in 1898 and is one of the oldest golf clubs in Georgia. It has a rich history and was the home club of the legendary golfer Bobby Jones.

What courses does Atlanta Athletic Club offer?

Atlanta Athletic Club has two courses: the Highlands Course and the Riverside Course.

Which major championships have been hosted at the Highlands Course?

The Highlands Course has hosted major championships such as the US Open, PGA Championship, and US Amateur.

Who designed the Highlands Course?

The Highlands Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones and Joe Finger.

Is the Riverside Course a championship course?

No, the Riverside Course is not a championship course. It offers a more friendly, non-championship experience.

Has the Riverside Course been renovated?

Yes, the Riverside Course underwent major renovations by Tripp Davis in 2022, completely transforming its layout and creating new holes.

Can non-members play at Atlanta Athletic Club?

Non-members can play at Atlanta Athletic Club as guests of the club’s members.

Can I visit the clubhouse and see the Bobby Jones memorabilia?

Yes, the clubhouse at Atlanta Athletic Club serves as a museum and showcases the largest collection of Bobby Jones memorabilia in the world.

What kind of experience can I expect at Atlanta Athletic Club?

Atlanta Athletic Club offers an exclusive and unforgettable golf experience with world-class facilities and two exceptional golf courses.

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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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