I recently had the opportunity to play the famed East Lake Golf Club here in Atlanta. It was a welcomed opportunity, as playing East Lake had been on my bucket list for years. I have been to the course a number of times for the Tour Championship and other events, but I had never played. So let’s let the pictures do the talking:
The drive up…remind you of anywhere else? Maybe a bit east? Towards the South Carolina state line?
My locker was 220. I had good neighbors:
Bobby Jones is everywhere…as he should be:
The Tour Championship trophy:
Bobby Jones’ original locker. Today it is in the pro shop:
Bobby Jones’ humidor…still being used to sell cigars today:
Spelling Bee champions:
Some views of the course:
What an experience. I can’t wait to go back…
I think East Lake is one of the most underrated courses in America. A lot of props are given – understandably and rightfully so – are given to East Lakes’ southern neighbors like the National, Peachtree, Kiawah and Sea Island. Accordingly, the gem that is East Lake is sometimes lost in the conversation, despite serving as the host of the Tour Championship. East Lake is every bit as classic a golf course as the aforementioned golf course titans, and in some cases includes a much richer history (I know, I know . . . as a native Augustan – nothing truly compares to the National . . . ). The history dates back to the Civil War – hole number 8 especially – the valley in the middle of the fairway is rumored to have been an old civil war bunker and the house that can be seen from the green located on Alston Drive is said to be one of the oldest houses in Atlanta because Sherman didn’t burn it down when he used it as a home base. Then, of course, you have the wonderful tales of Bobby Jones time as young golfer at East Lake. Not to mention the fantastic come-back story of the golf course itself – once Bobby Jones’ home golf course, to a course that looked more like Eazy-E’s Compton in the 80’s, back to the beauty that it is today.
I tell folks the best job I have ever had was serving as a caddie at East Lake during college. It was then that I truly was able to see the unwavering attention to detail that was applied to every aspect of the course – from the meticulous greenskeeping, challenging course layout, and gorgeous clubhouse to the East Lake Foundation supported caddie program and THE BEST COOKIES IN ATLANTA served at the halfway house. Man, brings back great memories – I could go on for way more than 1000 words, but I won’t bore you! Kudos to RCS for spotlighting such a classic golf course.
I lifeguarded at East Lake pre-restoration in high school. I experienced many interesting things the summer I worked there. The highlights for me were their grilled cheese sandwiches and milk shakes. I think I had them for lunch about everyday. Also, I enjoyed being paid in cash 😉
How can I get a State Traditions hat with the East Lake logo on it?
Where can I get the state traditions hat with the east lake logo?