EAST LAKE GC

By Neville Leck Last updated: 22nd September 2009

Atlanta's reverred and storied East Lake Golf Club, now the permanent home of the Tour Championship, has a history going back to 1904 which strongly features the legendary Bobby Jones.

Jones, the only man to have won the the grand slam of golf (all four majors in a year in the bygone days when the majors were made up of the British and US Opens and Amateurs) would later come to be known as the key figure behind the establishment of the famed Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Championship.

But in fact East Lake was his home club were he nurtured his extraordinary talent and which gave him a base from where to launch his magnificent career.

East Lake Golf Club also prides itself on the fact that it has served as the driving force behind the remarkable revitalization of the East Lake community in Atlanta, Georgia.

Over the years it has donated to the East Lake Foundation more than $18m from Founding Sponsor members, as well as from the proceeds of Golf Club events.

The original course, designed by Tom Bendelow and Donald Ross and opened in 1902, had slowly moved away from its initial layout by the end of the 20th Century, but renowned architecht Rees Jones restored it to its former Donald Ross glory in 1994 and it is today regarded as one of the leading courses in the USA.

It now measures 7,112 yards from the championship tees and usually plays to a par 72 although it could play to less this week.

It's most talked about hole must surely be its 165-yard, par-3 sixth, which plays from an elevated tee to a diagonally angled peninsula green.

This particular green complex existed on the original Bendelow/Ross course, where it served as the green at the par-5 16th and was one of the first island greens in America. Today the course rating is 73.9 and it has a slope rating of 137.

The Current Course Record holders are:

- Bart Bryant - 62 (8-Under Par) (2005 PGA TOUR Championship when the course played as a par 70)

- Bryce Molder - 64 (8-Under Par) (2001 US Open Sectional Qualifier when the course played as a par 72)

In addition to hosting the 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006 TOUR Championships, East Lake Golf Club staged the 1963

Ryder Cup matches and the 101st US Amateur Championship in August, 2001.

TOUR OF THE COURSE For a hole by hole desription of the course, Click here

GUIDE LINES FOR GUESTS

(Note: East Lake is a private members club, but outsiders can play as guests of its members):

- Gratuities: East Lake GC has a strict, no-tipping policy. This includes for caddies and valet, and locker room attendants.

- Locker Room: A full service locker room is available for your convenience.

- Footwear: Soft-spikes, approved by East Lake Golf Club, are required for play. Spike changes are available in each locker room.

- Dress Code: Proper dress is required. Collared shirts and bermuda length shorts are permitted. Denim clothing, t-shirts, cut-offs or sweats are not permitted on the course or in the clubhouse.

- Golf Shop: Guests are requested to check in with the Golf Shop before beginning play. Golf Shop merchandise may be purchased with cash, credit card or check.

Fees: All guest fees and charges for food and beverages are billed to the account of the member who has invited the guest or guests

- Pace of Play: The pace of play for groups of 4 at East Lake Golf Club is 4 1/2 hours (15 minutes per hole) for 18 holes. Those unable to maintain this pace will be asked to allow faster groups to play through.

- Walking only course: East Lake is a walking-only golf club. Golf Carts are available only to those who have a State Issued Handicap Certificate.

- Cellular Phones: Cellular phones or similar devices are not permitted on the golf course or in The Grill Room.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

Phone (404) 373-5722

fax (404) 687-8722

Web addess: http://www.eastlakegolfclub.com

Neville Leck