East Lake Golf Club

Tour vs. LIV turmoil aside, there is little doubt that the longtime host of the Tour Championship has a brighter future than ever in the wake of a “sympathetic restoration” of its Donald Ross design by architect Andrew Green. Ironically, Green’s most noticeable changes at East Lake were the bunkers, which now look like they were built in the 1920s, when the course originally came into its own. And to be fair, the putting surfaces are much improved, too, with interesting shapes and expanded corners with all sorts of eclectic slopes, tiers and ridges to challenge all comers. Significant tree removal has opened up commanding vistas across the rectangular property with the titular body of water in the middle.

The golf course is likely to be slightly easier for the pros, but more importantly, it is more fun for its well-heeled and enthusiastic membership the other 51 weeks of the year.

From hearing the stories of where they came from to where they are today, playing ELGC is a treat and worth inquiring to get on whenever in ATL. Best hole is number 18 where you have to hit a PGA level bomb drive to even consider going for the green.

A day at East Lake is hard to beat. From the time you get to the front gate, til you leave, you are treated like a cherished member. The locker room is fantastic (as are the showers), the food is tremendous, and of course walking a Donald Ross design with caddies doesn't get any better. Rough is VERY penal especially this time of year. Zoysia fairways are immaculate. Stay for lunch and sit on the patio. Practice facility is great too, although it's weird to have a pond directly in front of the practice tee. Overall, this is an amazing experience for any golfer.

This was my first time playing East Lake and hopefully not my last. The entire experience was fantastic.

From the moment you drive inside the gate, everything is top-notch and of the highest quality. The hospitality is unmatched; from the car valet to the clubhouse food and beverage service staff to the golf professionals on site, the caddies. All make you feel like a long-time member. The club has tons of history and is a special place.

The course was in amazing condition. The greens are lightning quick but roll true at the same time. The rough was very lush and thick and a challenge to get on the green from the rough. The course has lots of elevation changes which adds to the challenge. Several of the holes are just beautiful to see and a pleasure to play.

If you ever get the opportunity to play, enjoy the challenge, the history, the customer service and friendliness of all the staff. It is FANTASTIC!!!

The combination of history with Rees Jones' magnificent restoration of this Donald Ross Classic makes East Lake a special experience in every way. Walking this course in the footsteps of Bobby Jones as well as the modern tour players is just part what makes this a bucket-list stop. Getting to spend time in the clubhouse with its dozens of historic photographs, trophies and other memorabilia just completes it.

From the moment you enter the property, you are treated like a member - sometimes even better. From the valet for the car to the caddies to the pro shop everyone treats you wonderful. The course was a little torn up with the construction of the new 9th hole (which will be the 18th for the Tour Championship). The greens are everything you would want and more while the course layout is varied enough for a fun round. Be prepared for a good walk as there is more undulation than you would expect.

East Lake is hosting the inaugural East Lake Cup and I was fortunate enough to get a spot in the "am/am" on Sunday with the college players.

From the moment you drive inside the gate, everything in this golf club is top-notch professional and of the highest quality. The hospitality is unmatched; from the car valet to the clubhouse food and beverage service staff to the golf professionals on site, you feel like a long-time member even if its your first time. These guys realize the history behind the club and want to make you feel right at home. The course, despite the large amounts of rain, drained well and was in better-than-perfect conditions. The greens are lightning fast but roll true at the same time. The caddies here know their stuff and you would be stupid not to listen to them. The course elevation makes it a good test but stay out of the rough as it makes your next shot extremely difficult. There are no easy holes at this course, however, with that said, the underbrush is mostly clear so losing balls is actually somewhat difficult to do.

This course has so much history and is a absolute privilege to play. Chad Parker and his team do a tremendous job here, so thank them if you ever get the opportunity to play this beautiful golf sanctuary.