This course recently completed a major renovation. During this transition, course data may reflect a mix of pre- and post-renovation yardages, hole configurations, or routing. The Caddie Report monitors these changes and periodically reassesses the course as a reliable new baseline is established.
The 2024 Andrew Green restoration breathes new strategy and nuance into East Lake’s world-famous bones. Now, precision, nerve, and a bold mind are demanded from tee to dramatic green—culminating in the Tour’s ultimate finish. History and championship edge collide here; it’s a pilgrimage every golf lover should dream of making.
Go into the Bobby Jones Room before you leave — it’s one of only two original rooms from the 1926 clubhouse and is filled with Jones memorabilia at the course where he learned the game.
East Lake’s roots are pure Donald Ross, but its 2023–24 rebirth via Andrew Green elevates strategy and nuance to new heights. Green’s approach blended 1949 aerials and classic Ross intent with the demands of Tour golf, yielding firm, fast surfaces, rippling mounds, and challenging bunker schemes. The updated routing returned several holes to their original lines, introduced new ground movement and vistas via extensive tree removal, and endlessly rewards savvy shot-makers brave enough to flirt with trouble. The new greens—with treacherous undulations and renewed angles—are the soul of the course, ensuring no round here feels the same. East Lake’s restored brilliance honors both Bobby Jones’s legend and the pressure-cooked drama of the TOUR’s ultimate stage.
Andrew Green, channeling Ross’s original blueprints, reimagined East Lake for the next century—making every yard a test of nerve and vision.
A sprawling par 3 early test, stretching over 200 yards and demanding respectful club selection against swirling breezes. Thick bunkering and a sloping green make par anything but routine.
Favor the safe side, but play aggressively if your long iron is dialed—the green rewards flight control and decisiveness.
Miss short or right and you face an impossible up-and-down from sand or rough with the green running away.
Tour-standard, pristine and lightning fast—expect firm greens and running fairways after the restoration.
Private club efficient—no slow public rounds, but guest play is rare and grouped tightly when allowed.
Serious, story-soaked, championship charged—expect quiet reverence and focused energy, especially near the finish.
Traditional elite club attire—collared shirts, tailored shorts/pants, soft spikes only.
Sharpen your 200+ yard approaches—at East Lake, holes like 2, 9, and 15 punish weak contact or misjudged distance.
Simulate ultra-fast, undulating putting surfaces for two weeks—speed kills here if you’re not ready.
Plan your safe zones and never chase fool’s flags. Every miss here writes a bigger number than you expect.
Atlanta sun can be fierce but shade and breeze cycle with tree lines—layers will be your friend.
Original course opens, laid out by Tom Bendelow
Donald Ross redesigns and reimagines East Lake
Philip Shutze Tudor clubhouse opens after fire
Bobby Jones wins the U.S. Amateur; East Lake’s legend grows
Rees Jones restores Ross features for a modern era
Becomes permanent home of THE TOUR Championship
Andrew Green leads full restoration—course reopens, redefined
It was here, in the shadow of East Lake, that a six-year-old Bobby Jones watched the 1908 grand opening—setting in motion the career of America’s greatest amateur. Decades later, Jones would define championship golf here, turning club and city into hallowed ground.
Once labeled a 'one-dimensional' test, East Lake has surged back to life after its 2023–24 transformation. Greens now ripple and bite, old fairways twist with new angles, and tree-lined corridors reveal classic Ross intent. For the first time in years, every shot asks a question.
Every year, the world’s eyes fix on East Lake for golf’s high-stakes finale—the TOUR Championship. Here, the final putt doesn’t just settle a tournament, but crowns the PGA TOUR’s season-long king, forever intertwining East Lake with the sport’s grandest modern moments.
Long before TPC Sawgrass, East Lake’s 15th struck terror as America’s original island-green challenge. Waves lap and nerves quiver as players try not to make history—in the water below.
Venue for golf’s richest grand finale: the TOUR Championship crowns the PGA TOUR season champion here.
Home of the first island green in America—No. 15 predates Sawgrass by decades.
Inspiration and home club for Bobby Jones, golf’s greatest amateur.
More than 110 acres of new sod installed in the 2023–24 transformation.
The historic Tudor clubhouse is itself a local architectural landmark by Philip Shutze.
Nicklaus design with replica holes; best upscale public access in metro Atlanta.
Destination resort with strong layouts and easy booking.
Host of majors, historic pedigree, possible with invite.
Exclusive, Alister MacKenzie-inspired; must-see if granted access.
Fun, playable, and easily accessible for out-of-town guests.
Midtown or east-side Atlanta—Decatur, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward—maximize access to both East Lake and top Atlanta golf, with great food and hotels nearby.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Rolling Green Golf Club is a natural next stop after East Lake Golf Club: it makes the greens a central strategic puzzle.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Essex County Country Club offers similarly polished playing surfaces and makes the greens a central strategic puzzle, making it a compelling counterpart to East Lake Golf Club.
Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Scioto Country Club's own setting.
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