Atlanta and the East Lake Golf Club will have the undivided attention of the golf world this week as the 2013 Tour Championship by Coca-Cola takes place Thursday through Sunday.
Thousands will show up at East Lake, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution brings you this guide and tips to being part of the crowd at this historic course, famous for being the links where Bobby Jones played his first and last rounds of golf.
PGA player Matt Kuchar, a former Georgia Tech star, says the players appreciate East Lake each time they set foot on the course.
“There’s a history there. It’s a special place. Every time I go in the clubhouse I get goosebumps with all the Bobby Jones memorabilia. It’s a fantastic place, and the course is a simple setup, but it’s difficult at the same time.”
The Players
The top-30 PGA players in the Fed Ex Cup Points will all be at East Lake. That means the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott, and Jason Dufner will be walking the hallowed fairways of East Lake and trying to win a prestigious title.
On the Course
There are any number of great spots on the course at East Lake to watch the action, but none better than the 18th hole. It’s a long par 3, and many fans sit there all day watching the best players in the world struggle to make a par.
Ticketing
Tickets are available at $25 for Wednesday’s practice round, $49 for Thursday and Friday and $65 for each day on the weekend.
Autographs
The best spot for autograph seekers is behind the 18th green by the clubhouse as the players finish their round and sign their scorecards. Many players who finish their round will walk the fence-line signing hats, balls and programs on their way back to the clubhouse.
Parking
There is no on-site parking. Parking is free and a complimentary shuttle will whisk you from Turner Field to East Lake. Visit www.PGATOUR.COM/tourchampionship for more information.
Mobile Phone and Bag Policy
Mobile phones are permitted on the course, but must be kept in “silent mode” and used only in designated areas. Bags that are 6x6x6 or smaller will be permitted, but they are subject to search.
Honoring Military Members, Retirees, and Families
The Tour Championship and East Lake are rolling out the red carpet, or should we say “green carpet” for the golf championship. All week long, active duty and reserve military members, military retirees and their dependents will receive complimentary access to the tournament with a military I.D. shown at the gate. In an unprecedented move, once inside the gates, all military guests, including veterans, can enjoy complimentary food and beverages.
East Lake’s Comeback
The history of golf is littered with great comeback stories, but none may be better than that of East Lake Golf Club itself.
East Lake was once one of Atlanta’s most rundown, crime-ridden neighborhoods. In recent years it has been revitalized and became a national model for easing urban poverty.
Over the last decade, $15.5 million in proceeds from the Tour Championship have been given to the East Lake Foundation, including last year’s contribution of more than $1 million.
What You Can Do in the East Lake Area
•Charlie Yates Golf Course is a 9-hole public course located adjacent to East Lake Golf Club
•Oakhurst Square is located a few blocks from East Lake and popular restaurants include Mezcalito’s, MoJo Pizza, Steinbeck’s Ale House, and try the tomoto cheese dip at Universal Joint.
•You can spot many of the players each morning at the Kavarna Coffee House in Oakhurst getting their morning joe.
•Kirkwood is about a mile from East Lake and features The Little Market for gourmet sandwiches and speciality food items.
The Local Flavor
•Atlanta-headquartered Coca-Cola is the title sponsor of the Tour Championship
•Coca-Cola Freestyle touch beverage dispensing machines will be in use on the grounds
•Matt Kuchar is a former All-American at Georgia Tech and graduated in 2007 with a degree in Management
•Alpharetta native Roberto Castro is another former Georgia Tech golf standout and he earned his degree in Industrial Engineering.
•Former Georgia Bulldog Harris English won earlier this year in Memphis and holds a business degree from UGA.
•Expect to see former Braves players such as John Smoltz
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