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You're heading to East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, GA, a must-visit destination that combines a rich history, timeless course design, and upscale amenities. This renowned club has hosted prestigious tournaments like the FedEx Cup and has strong ties with esteemed golf clubs like Augusta National. The course, originally designed by Donald Ross, has undergone renovations to maintain its challenging yet beautiful layout. As you tee off, you'll experience the same challenges faced by top golfers like Rory McIlroy. From its revitalized surrounding community to insider tips for a better game, get ready to uncover the secrets that make East Lake Golf Club a truly legendary experience – and there's more to discover.
Key Takeaways
- East Lake Golf Club's rich history and legacy as the oldest golf course in Atlanta make it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts.
- The course's timeless design, crafted by Donald Ross, offers a challenging yet enjoyable layout with gentle contours and well-defined target areas.
- The club has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the TOUR Championship, Ryder Cup, and U.S. Men's and Women's Amateurs, making it a hub for professional golf.
- The amenities and services offered, including upscale accommodations and impeccable services, enhance the overall golfing experience and provide a luxurious getaway.
- The club's community revitalization efforts through the East Lake Foundation have transformed the surrounding neighborhoods, making it a unique and exciting destination for visitors.
Rich History and Legacy
Founded in 1904 as a nine-hole course, East Lake Golf Club has since evolved into one of the most renowned golf clubs in the world, boasting a rich history and legacy that spans over a century.
As you step onto the grounds, you'll be walking in the footsteps of legends like Bobby Jones, who learned to play golf at East Lake and went on to become one of the greatest golfers of all time.
The course was originally designed by Donald Ross, a renowned golf course architect, and has since undergone several renovations to maintain its challenging yet beautiful layout.
As the oldest golf course in Atlanta, East Lake has played host to numerous prestigious tournaments, including the FedEx Cup.
The club's rich history is also intertwined with the East Lake Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of the local community.
Notably, East Lake Golf Club has strong ties with the Atlanta Athletic Club and Augusta National, two of the most esteemed golf clubs in the country.
Timeless Course Design and Layout
Step onto the lush grounds of East Lake Golf Club, and you'll immediately appreciate the masterful blend of natural beauty and clever design that has made this course a timeless classic.
The original design, crafted by Tom Bendelow in 1904, was later refined by Donald Ross in 1913, and his routing remains intact to this day.
Over the years, the course has undergone changes, including a 1959 overhaul by George Cobb and a 1994 restoration by Rees Jones, which returned the course to its original design.
The result is a golf course layout that's both challenging and enjoyable, with gentle contours, sparse tree-lined fairways, and well-defined target areas.
Each hole concludes at the clubhouse, a design element that was innovative for its time and adds to the course's charm.
East Lake's timeless design is free of blind shots and maddening quirks, making it a must-play destination for golf enthusiasts in Atlanta.
As you navigate the course, you'll appreciate the attention to detail and clever design that has made East Lake a beloved institution in the golf world.
Prestigious Tournaments and Events
As you tee off at East Lake Golf Club, you're walking in the footsteps of golf's greatest legends, who've battled it out in some of the sport's most prestigious tournaments and events.
The club has hosted the TOUR Championship 23 times, with the tournament being a culmination of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. You'll follow in the footsteps of legends like Tiger Woods, who dominated the tournament with an eight-shot win in 2007.
The course has also hosted the Ryder Cup in 1963, the U.S. Women's Amateur in 1950, and the U.S. Men's Amateur in 2001.
The TOUR Championship has been held at East Lake every year since 2004, with the top 30 players on the points list qualifying for the tournament.
You'll experience the same challenges that Rory McIlroy faced when he eagled from 137 yards in 2016. With a massive purse of $18 million, the winner takes home a significant portion of the prize money.
Playing at East Lake Golf Club is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that puts you in the shoes of golf's greatest legends.
Upscale Amenities and Services
When you're not teeing off, you can unwind and recharge at East Lake Golf Club's upscale facilities, designed to provide a luxurious complement to your golfing experience.
The clubhouse serves as a central hub for the golf club's activities, where you can contact the staff through 404-378-8687 or [email protected] for any inquiries.
Take a moment to appreciate the club's upscale amenities and services, showcased through photos taken by Dave Sansom and Jonathan Hillyer.
If you're looking for a luxury experience outside of the club, consider staying at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, just a 20-minute drive away.
Alternatively, the Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Decatur/Emory is a 10-minute drive from the course, offering amenities like a hot breakfast and fitness center.
At East Lake Golf Club, you'll find that every detail is designed to enhance your golfing experience, from the meticulously maintained greens to the impeccable services.
Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just starting out, you'll appreciate the attention to detail and commitment to excellence that sets this Atlanta golf club apart.
Revitalized Surrounding Community
Beyond the gates of East Lake Golf Club, you'll find a thriving community that has undergone a stunning transformation, with revitalized neighborhoods, trendy restaurants, and eclectic shops awaiting your discovery.
The area around East Lake, originally part of Atlanta's struggling neighborhoods, has experienced a remarkable turnaround. This transformation began when the charitable foundation purchased and restored Donald Ross's historic East Lake Country Club, which became a catalyst for revitalizing the surrounding community.
Some notable highlights of the revitalized community include:
- The East Lake Foundation, established in 1995, has played a crucial role in the area's revitalization, providing resources and support to local residents and businesses.
- The once-neglected neighborhoods have been transformed into vibrant and safe communities, with beautifully restored homes and apartments.
- The area is now home to a variety of trendy restaurants, bars, and shops, offering a unique and exciting experience for visitors.
- The community has also seen significant investments in education and healthcare, with new schools and medical facilities being built to serve the local population.
Today, Atlanta's East Lake is a thriving and vibrant community, thanks to the efforts of the East Lake Foundation and the revitalization of the surrounding area. This transformation has made the area an attractive destination for visitors and residents alike.
Insider Tips for a Better Game
What sets East Lake Golf Club apart from other courses is the wealth of insider knowledge available to help you refine your game and master its challenging layout.
As a golfer, you'll benefit from understanding the nuances of this historic Donald Ross design, which has hosted numerous PGA TOUR events, including the TOUR Championship.
Take note of the cleverly placed bunkers, strategically designed to test your accuracy and strategy. Pay attention to the subtle undulations on the greens, which can make even the most confident putters second-guess themselves.
Robert Trent Jones' renovations in the 1960s added length and complexity to the course, making it a true Championship test.
To tackle East Lake's demanding layout, focus on precise iron play and clever course management. Study the risk-reward opportunities on holes like the par-5 15th, where a well-placed drive can set up an eagle chance.
Planning Your Visit Made Easy
With a little advance planning, you can guarantee a seamless and enjoyable experience at East Lake Golf Club, from booking your tee time to arranging accommodations and dining reservations.
To get started, contact the club directly at 404-378-8687 or [emailprotected] to inquire about availability and make reservations.
When planning your visit, consider booking accommodations in advance at nearby hotels such as the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Decatur/Emory, or Residence Inn by Marriott Decatur Emory Area.
This will secure a comfortable stay and allow you to focus on your golf game.
The historic clubhouse serves as a central hub for the golf club's activities, offering a range of amenities and services.
Take a look at photos of the clubhouse, taken by Dave Sansom and Jonathan Hillyer, to get a sense of the club's facilities and atmosphere.
Be sure to check out nearby restaurants, including Poor Hendrix, The Midway Pub, and The Brick Store Pub, which offer a range of cuisines and dining experiences.
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, East Lake Golf Club is easily accessible and offers a unique blend of history, amenities, and world-class golf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the History of East Lake Golf Course?
You'll uncover the rich history of East Lake Golf Course, tracing back to its 1898 founding by Atlanta's Founding Fathers, with Tom Bendelow's original design, course renovations by Donald Ross, and historic tournaments like the Ryder Cup, featuring famous members like Bobby Jones.
Is East Lake the Same as Atlanta Athletic Club?
You're wondering if East Lake is the same as Atlanta Athletic Club? No, they're separate entities with distinct courses, membership benefits, and facilities, offering unique experiences, social events, and community involvement, despite their shared history.
How Many Golfers Go to East Lake?
You're curious about how many golfers visit East Lake? During peak season, around 30,000 spectators attend the TOUR Championship daily, with over 150,000 visitors throughout the four-day event, showcasing the course's capacity to handle large crowds.
Is the PGA Tour Championship Always at East Lake?
You might think the PGA Tour Championship is always at East Lake, but it's not; while it's held there most years, Tour Schedules, Championship History, and Sponsor Influence can lead to occasional changes, like in 2020, when it was held at Harding Park.
Conclusion
As you step off the green, you'll understand why East Lake Golf Club is a must-visit destination.
With its rich history, timeless design, and upscale amenities, every detail has been carefully crafted to provide an unforgettable experience.
Notably, did you know that East Lake has hosted over 20 PGA Tour events, solidifying its reputation as a premier golfing venue?
With its revitalized surrounding community and insider tips, you'll be ready to take on the challenging course and make unforgettable memories.
