East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta’s oldest golf course and home to the legendary Bobby Jones, has completed a major restoration that honors its storied past while reaffirming its commitment to community betterment. Designed by renowned course architect Andrew Green, the restoration comes just in time for the TOUR Championship, where the world’s top 30 golfers will vie for the FedEx Cup on a course that blends history with modern enhancements. But East Lake’s story goes beyond the sport—it is a beacon for community upliftment, a vision of golf with a purpose.
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A Restoration Rooted in Heritage
At the heart of the restoration was a dedication to preserving East Lake’s rich history while updating it for a new era of play. Using a newly discovered 1949 aerial photograph as a guide, Green worked meticulously to restore key elements of Donald Ross’s original 1913 design. “There’s a tremendous obligation to protect and enhance everything this club has done for the community,” said Green, highlighting the course’s ties to icons like Bobby Jones and its profound connection to Atlanta’s golf legacy.
A labor of love, Green painstakingly revived features of Ross’s century-old design, breathing new life into the historic course.
Significant changes include recontoured fairways, restored bunkers, and upgraded greens, which will provide faster, more consistent play. Zorro Zoysia grass has replaced Meyer Zoysia on the fairways, and Mini-Verde Bermuda greens have given way to TifEagle Bermuda, ensuring improved playability for golfers of all skill levels.
Beyond the technical enhancements, water features also received attention, with streams and ponds restored to promote ecological balance, an example of East Lake’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
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A Community-Centered Mission
For East Lake Golf Club, golf is more than just a game; it is a tool for positive change. The restoration represents more than just improvements to the course—it reflects East Lake’s unwavering dedication to uplifting the surrounding community. Central to this mission is its “Golf with a Purpose” initiative, which has partnered with organizations like the East Lake Foundation, Drew Charter School, and First Tee Metro Atlanta. These collaborations focus on educational opportunities, affordable housing, job training, and youth development in the neighborhood.
Club Chairman Larry Gellerstedt emphasized,
“This restoration celebrates the sport but speaks even louder to East Lake’s identity as a catalyst for community enrichment.”
The restoration also created local jobs, provided training for workers, and ensured that every effort aligned with sustainable practices.
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A Legacy of Golf for Good
East Lake’s deep commitment to “Golf for a Greater Good” extends well beyond the course. By engaging in charitable efforts and investing in local education, East Lake has transformed from a storied club to a platform for positive social impact. Alex Urban, Executive Director of the TOUR Championship, believes the course restoration will challenge top golfers while continuing to serve as a symbol of East Lake’s broader purpose.
“Fans around the world will not only witness world-class golf but also see the long-term impact the club has on the community,” said Urban.
In an era when golf clubs are often seen as exclusive, East Lake stands out for its inclusivity and vision. From its world-class tournaments to its deep community ties, East Lake Golf Club remains a model for how golf can drive positive change. As East Lake looks to the future, it does so with a firm belief in Golf with Purpose, recognizing that its most important contributions come not just on the greens, but in the lives it touches every day.
