The Historic Home of the TOUR Championship
Introduction
Few golf courses in the world boast a history as rich and influential as East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. As the oldest golf course in the city and the permanent home of the PGA TOUR’s TOUR Championship, East Lake holds a special place in golf’s legacy. Beyond its championship pedigree, the course is known for its deep ties to golf legend Bobby Jones, its challenging layout, and its role in shaping modern professional golf. Whether you’re a history buff, a competitive player, or a casual golfer, East Lake is a must-visit destination that perfectly blends tradition with elite competition.
General Information
Full Name: East Lake Golf Club
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Year Established: 1904
Course Designer: Tom Bendelow (original), redesigned by Donald Ross (1913), restored by Rees Jones (1994)
Originally designed by Tom Bendelow, the course underwent a significant redesign by Donald Ross in 1913, transforming it into a strategic masterpiece. In 1994, Rees Jones restored the course to Ross’s original vision, ensuring its continued challenge for modern professionals while maintaining its historical character.
What Makes East Lake Golf Club Unique?
Unique Features
East Lake is a classic championship course known for its strategic layout, undulating greens, and tight fairways lined with towering Georgia pines.
Course Type: Classic Parkland
Number of Holes: 18 (Par 70)
Total Yardage: 7,346 yards
Signature Holes and Standout Features
- Hole 15 (Par 3, 211 yards) – One of the most challenging par 3s in golf, requiring precision to avoid water hazards.
- Hole 18 (Par 5, 590 yards) – A legendary finishing hole where TOUR Championships have been won and lost.
- Bermudagrass Greens – East Lake’s ultradwarf Bermudagrass greens are among the fastest and most challenging on the PGA TOUR.
- Historic Clubhouse – Showcasing memorabilia from the career of Bobby Jones, one of golf’s greatest legends.
Tournaments & Legacy
Major Tournaments Hosted
- TOUR Championship (PGA TOUR) – Permanent host since 2004
- Ryder Cup (1963) – Hosted one of golf’s most prestigious international team events
- U.S. Amateur (1950) – A key moment in East Lake’s championship history
Historic Moments
- Tiger Woods’ Iconic 2018 Victory – One of the most emotional moments in golf history, as Tiger won his first PGA TOUR event in five years, with thousands of fans swarming the fairway.
- Rory McIlroy’s FedEx Cup Wins (2016, 2019, 2022) – McIlroy cemented his legacy at East Lake by winning the TOUR Championship three times.
- Bobby Jones’ Legacy – The childhood home course of Bobby Jones, golf’s greatest amateur and Grand Slam champion.
Champions of the Last Decade
TOUR Championship – Recent Winners
- 2024 – TBD (Event to be played in August 2024)
- 2023 – Viktor Hovland (-27)
- 2022 – Rory McIlroy (-21)
- 2021 – Patrick Cantlay (-21)
- 2020 – Dustin Johnson (-21)
World-Class Facilities & Membership
Clubhouse & Amenities
- Bobby Jones Room – A tribute to the legendary golfer, featuring priceless memorabilia.
- Fine Dining & Exclusive Lounges – Private dining rooms with panoramic views of the course.
- Historic Atmosphere – The clubhouse exudes old-world charm, blending history with modern luxury.
Membership & Green Fees
- Exclusive Membership – East Lake is a private club, with membership offered by invitation only.
- Limited Public Play – Non-members can only play through special invitations or charity events.
- Golf Academy & Practice Facilities – Features a world-class driving range, putting greens, and short game area.
Golfing Legends & Course Records
Notable Players Who Have Competed Here
- Tiger Woods – One of East Lake’s most celebrated champions.
- Rory McIlroy – Three-time TOUR Championship winner.
- Phil Mickelson – Multiple-time contender in the FedEx Cup finale.
- Bobby Jones – The course’s most legendary figure.
Course Records
- Lowest Round: 60 (Zach Johnson, 2007 TOUR Championship)
- Most Wins: 3 (Rory McIlroy – 2016, 2019, 2022)
- Biggest Winning Margin: 8 strokes (Tiger Woods, 2007)
Fascinating Facts & Little-Known Secrets
- East Lake Foundation – The club plays a key role in supporting community development programs in Atlanta.
- The Bobby Jones Connection – The legendary golfer learned the game at East Lake, making it a shrine for golf historians.
- A Unique FedEx Cup Format – Since 2019, the TOUR Championship has used a staggered scoring system, where players start with different scores based on season performance.
- Swarming Fans at Tiger’s 2018 Victory – The final scene of thousands of fans walking behind Woods remains one of the most iconic moments in golf history.
Why Every Golfer Should Play Here
East Lake Golf Club is more than just a golf course—it’s a living piece of golf history. The permanent home of the TOUR Championship, the course is where the PGA TOUR season concludes and the FedEx Cup champion is crowned.
Rankings & Reviews
- Top 100 Courses in America – Golf Digest
- Best Private Golf Clubs in the U.S. – Golf Magazine
- One of Golf’s Most Historic Venues – Top100GolfCourses.com
From the echoes of Bobby Jones’ legacy to the dramatic finales of the TOUR Championship, East Lake offers an unforgettable golfing experience. For those lucky enough to step onto its hallowed fairways, it’s a chance to walk in the footsteps of legends and experience a course where golf history continues to be written.
