Is East Lake Golf Club Open to The Public? That’s a question many golf fans ask, especially those who admire the course from watching the PGA TOUR’s TOUR Championship, held there every year. But the short answer is: no, East Lake is not open to the general public for regular play.

East Lake Golf Club is a private, invitation-only course in Atlanta, Georgia, with over 120 years of history and a strong connection to golf legend Bobby Jones. 

You need to be a member or a guest to play. Joining costs are estimated between $125,000 and $200,000. The public can visit during the TOUR Championship, when ticket holders can walk the course and watch the top 30 FedExCup players compete.

On the other hand, a public golf course or municipal course is open to everyone. You just book a tee time, show up, and pay. 

They’re cheaper, more crowded, and the grass might be patchy here and there, but it’s still golf, and that’s what matters.

So, if you’re asking, “Can I play at East Lake Golf Club?”—not unless you know someone on the inside or you’re playing in something like the TOUR Championship (and let’s be honest, most of us aren’t).

But hey, if you want a taste of East Lake vibes without the VIP pass, try Charlie Yates Golf Course next door. It’s public, fun, and supports a great cause.

What Does It Mean When a Golf Course Is Private and Not Open to the Public

When a golf course is private, like East Lake Golf Club, it means you can’t just walk in, pay a fee, and play. You must be a paying member or come with someone who is. These courses are known for top conditions, quiet rounds, and exclusive access. 

They often have initiation fees, dress codes, and strict rules. In contrast, public golf courses are open to everyone. You can book a tee time, pay a small fee, and play, no membership needed. Public courses are where most of us start learning the game.

How to Get Invited as a Guest to East Lake Golf Club

The main way to play at East Lake Golf Club without a membership is through a guest invitation. You need to know a current member who’s willing to host you. 

And you usually have to play with them. I’ve been a guest at private clubs before, and the expectations are serious. You must dress properly, show respect, and follow club rules, from no phones to repairing divots. East Lake’s guest policy is strict because it’s a place with deep tradition and prestige.

Playing East Lake Golf Club Through a Corporate Membership

If you don’t know a member, the next option is through a corporate membership. Some big companies have agreements with East Lake that let top employees or VIP clients play. 

These aren’t public memberships; only a select few executives or partners get access. I’ve met players who got to play through work, and it’s often a one-time perk for top-level meetings or client entertainment. It’s rare but possible.

Charity Tournaments That Let You Play at East Lake Without a Membership

Another path is through charity events. The East Lake Foundation hosts special tournaments like the East Lake Invitational. 

These events sometimes sell a foursome spot, where you and three others can play, but it comes at a high price, often thousands of dollars. 

Still, it’s for a good cause, and you get to play one of the best courses in the country. I once played in a charity event like this. It was a dream round and worth every cent.

What Is the Charlie Yates Golf Course, and Is It Open to Everyone

If you want to golf near East Lake without the membership stress, try the Charlie Yates Golf Course. It’s a public 9-hole course just down the street. Designed by Rees Jones, it’s built for quick rounds and welcomes all skill levels. 

It’s affordable, easy to book, and all profits go back into the East Lake Foundation to support youth programs and local families. I always recommend Charlie Yates to anyone visiting Atlanta; it’s a fun, friendly spot with a great vibe.

History of East Lake Golf Club and Its Connection to Bobby Jones

East Lake Golf Club is more than just a fancy course; it’s the home of golf legend Bobby Jones. He learned to play here and helped shape golf history. 

The course has hosted many famous events, including the TOUR Championship, which crowns the FedEx Cup Champion every year. Playing here is like stepping into a piece of golf history. Every tee box and green has a story. That’s why so many golfers dream of playing East Lake.

Comparison of East Lake Golf Club vs Charlie Yates Golf Course

Reference Note:

Data sourced from the official websites of East Lake Golf Club, Charlie Yates Golf Course, and publicly reported figures from Golf Digest, Golfweek, and the East Lake Foundation. 

How the Public Can Experience East Lake Golf Club During the TOUR Championship

People often ask me, “If East Lake Golf Club is private, can I ever walk the course?” And the answer is yes, during the TOUR Championship, the gates open, and the public gets a rare chance to experience this legendary course up close.

East Lake is the permanent home of the TOUR Championship, which is the final event of the PGA Tour season. 

It features the top 30 players in the FedExCup standings, battling it out for the biggest prize in golf. I’ve been there as both a player and a fan, and let me tell you. It’s one of the best spectator events in the game.

Can You Buy Tickets to Watch the TOUR Championship at East Lake

Yes, and it’s easier than most people think. You can buy daily or weekly passes online through the PGA Tour website. 

Prices usually start around $35 for a grounds ticket, which gives you full access to the course during tournament play. These tickets sell fast, especially for the weekend, so plan early.

What Is It Like to Be a Spectator at East Lake Golf Club

It’s electric. You get to walk the same fairways as the pros, see how they approach shots, and watch them hit drives that seem to fly forever. 

There are fan zones, hospitality tents, and even kids’ activities, making it great for families too. The course is in perfect championship condition, greens rolling fast, rough trimmed sharp, and every bunker spotless.

If you’ve never been to a PGA Tour event before, East Lake is a great place to start. You’re not just watching golf, you’re soaking in golf history at one of the most iconic courses in the country.

What It Takes to Become a Member at East Lake Golf Club — A Golf Pro’s Look at Membership, Cost, and Legacy

People ask me all the time, “How do you become a member at East Lake Golf Club?” And here’s the truth from someone who’s been around the game a long time: You don’t apply, you get invited.

How Hard Is It to Get a Membership at East Lake Golf Club

East Lake is one of the most exclusive private golf clubs in America. Membership is by invitation only, which means you can’t just fill out a form or send in a fee. 

You have to be personally invited by the club’s board or an existing member, and that usually comes after years of networking, reputation, and trust.

What Does East Lake Golf Club Membership Cost

While East Lake doesn’t share official numbers, most estimates place the initiation fee between $125,000 and $200,000, plus high annual dues. 

It’s in the same tier as Augusta or Pine Valley. And to be honest, at that level, you’re not just paying for golf, you’re paying for prestige, access, and history.

Who Are the Members? Is Bobby Jones Still Connected to East Lake

The most iconic member in East Lake history is Bobby Jones, the golf legend who grew up playing there. His presence still defines the club’s soul. 

Today’s members include corporate executives, business leaders, and well-connected individuals who all share a love for the game and the club’s mission.

Who Owns East Lake Golf Club and What Is Its Mission

Unlike most private clubs, East Lake is owned and operated as a nonprofit. 

That’s right, all proceeds go toward supporting the East Lake Foundation, which funds education, housing, and community programs in the surrounding Atlanta neighborhood. As a golfer, I admire that. It’s not just a club. It’s a force for good.

East Lake Golf Club Membership Overview

Reference Note:

Membership figures are based on published estimates from Golf Digest, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and past charity auctions. 

Why East Lake Golf Club Is One of the Most Famous and Challenging Golf Courses in America

If you’ve ever watched the final event of the PGA Tour season, you’ve seen East Lake Golf Club. But trust me, there’s more to this course than just the TOUR Championship. 

From its history to its layout, East Lake is a course that every serious golfer respects.

The History of East Lake Golf Club and the Legacy of Bobby Jones

East Lake is the oldest golf course in Atlanta, founded in 1904. It’s where Bobby Jones, one of the greatest golfers of all time, learned to play. I remember the first time I stepped onto the first tee there. 

It felt like walking into a piece of American golf history. The clubhouse walls are filled with photos and trophies that tell stories from over a century ago.

How East Lake Golf Club Was Renovated to Preserve Donald Ross’s Classic Design

The course was originally designed by Donald Ross, a famous golf architect known for his smart, fair layouts. In recent years, Rees Jones came in to renovate the course, keeping the Ross feel but updating it for today’s pros. 

Bunkers were reshaped, tees were moved back, and green speeds were tightened. The balance now is perfect. It feels old-school but plays like a modern championship track.

How Difficult Is East Lake Golf Club for Tour Players and Amateurs

Let’s be real: East Lake is tough, even for the best in the world. Long par 4s, thick rough, fast greens, you’ve got to be on your game. I’ve played courses all over the country, and this one forces you to think on every shot. 

There’s no “easy birdie” out there. That’s why it’s the final stop for the top 30 in the FedExCup. Only elite players can handle the pressure and lay out.

What Is the Dress Code and Etiquette Like at East Lake Golf Club

As you’d expect at a private club with this much history, East Lake has a strict dress code. 

You need to wear a collared shirt, no denim, and always act with respect, on and off the course. Even as a guest, I made sure my shoes were clean and my shirt tucked in. It’s not about being fancy, it’s about honoring the game.

FAQs

Is East Lake a public golf course?

No, East Lake Golf Club is a private golf course. That means you can’t just show up and pay to play. You need to be a member or an invited guest. It’s one of the most exclusive clubs in the U.S.

Can you play golf at East Lake if you’re not a member?

Only in special cases. You can play if you’re invited by a member, get in through a corporate connection, or pay to play in a charity tournament like the East Lake Invitational. Otherwise, it’s not open to the public for casual rounds.

Is the Players Stadium Course (TPC Sawgrass) open to the public?

Yes, TPC Sawgrass is a public-access golf course. Anyone can play it, as long as you book in advance and are ready to pay (usually $400–$600 per round). It’s home to the famous 17th island green.

How much did it cost to renovate East Lake Golf Club?

The full renovation of East Lake Golf Club, led by Rees Jones, reportedly cost millions of dollars, with some estimates near $20 million. The goal was to restore the original Donald Ross layout while making it playable for modern tour players.

What is the dress code for East Lake Golf Club?

It’s strict. Collared shirts are required, no denim, and golf shoes must be soft-spiked. Members and guests are expected to look neat and follow traditional golf etiquette. Trust me, you don’t want to show up underdressed here.

Who owns East Lake Golf Club?

East Lake is owned and operated as a nonprofit. All profits go to support the East Lake Foundation, which funds housing, education, and youth programs in the surrounding Atlanta community.

How many golfers go to East Lake for the TOUR Championship?

Only the top 30 golfers in the FedExCup standings play at East Lake during the TOUR Championship. It’s the final event of the PGA Tour season, and it decides the FedExCup winner.

Is Michael Jordan’s golf course public?

No, The Grove XXIII, Michael Jordan’s course in Florida, is also private and invitation-only—possibly even more exclusive than East Lake. You’ll need more than just a golf swing to get in there.

How hard is East Lake Golf Club?

East Lake is a tough test, even for tour pros. It has long par 4s, fast greens, thick rough, and a layout that forces you to think. I’ve played courses like it, and they demand smart shot selection and precise ball control. It’s not a casual round. It’s championship golf every step of the way.

Conclusion

East Lake Golf Club stands as a testament to the rich history and tradition of golf. With its challenging course layout, luxurious facilities, and commitment to community engagement, it offers an unparalleled golfing experience.

While primarily a private club, East Lake provides opportunities for non-members to enjoy its facilities through guest invitations and public events.

If you are a seasoned golfer or a newcomer to the sport, East Lake Golf Club promises an unforgettable experience steeped in history and excellence. For more information, visit the official website.

East Lake Golf Club: The Course That Saved A City

Posts References:

How Can I Play East Lake Golf Club
East Lake Golf Club – All You Need to Know BEFORE