After years of planning and neighborhood debates, Bobby Jones Golf Course will be opening its grass again to Atlanta golfers on November 5th, 2018. The foundation transformed the course in 2018 featuring a revolutionary new reversible golf course design.
This reversible course was designed by Bob Cupp, who has designed more than 80 golf courses both abroad and in the U.S. The design itself is revolutionary, featuring multiple tees and large double greens. This is one of the only two reversible courses of its kind in the country. The course offers different options regarding the directions of play. Depending on the day, select weekends, and occasions the course showcases a reversible 18-hole experience. This course is challenging but expected to be thoroughly enjoyed by all players.
The renovation came about because players were beginning to feel ‘cramped’. There were about 5 holes where players were being hit by stray balls. Not all members of the public were initially on board as the plans shifted from minor upgrades to a full-on massive reconstruction project. Another issue was land conservation. The foundation ended up avoiding possible legal action from a conservative advocacy group by agreeing to save more trees and plants during the renovation. In 2016 the Atlanta City Council agreed by a 12-3 vote to give the course to the state as part of a deal that will help with the sale of Underground Atlanta to a private developer, and so the construction began.
It first opened in 1932 as the first public golf course in Atlanta as a tribute to Bob Jones. Robert Tyre “Bobby” Jones, Jr. was arguably Atlanta’s most famous athlete and this course was built in response to the overwhelming interest in the game. The course was originally part of Peachtree Memorial Park and commemorated the 1864 Civil War battle site.
There is a new driving range for the first time in Bobby Jones Golf history featuring great grass tees, the highest quality Bridgestone range balls, a short game practice area, and a large putting green. A redeveloped Bitsy Grant Tennis Center and a paved PATH Foundation walking trail along the perimeter of the entire area can also be found. Meanwhile, construction for the 23,000-square-foot clubhouse will begin soon. This will replace the one that is currently being subleased and transform into a music hall and meeting space.
