By the Decade

Pictured: Riverbend

Pictured: Carnegie Way building implosion

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1971 The AAC downtown building on Carnegie Way is sold for $1M to investors, who intended to build a hotel. In 1973 the building is demolished, the first building to be imploded in Atlanta.

1976 The U.S. Open is played in June on the Highlands Course. PGA tour rookie Jerry Pate wins his only major championship with the “Shot Heard Around the World.” This is also the first year players are allowed to have their own caddies at the U.S. Open.

1970 On June 17, the Athletic Center opens with an Olympic swimming pool and 5 outdoor tennis courts.

1974 The St. Andrews ballroom is added to the clubhouse.

Pictured: Athletic Center

1969 Paul Grigsby and 25 other AAC members pledge $1.6M to purchase the East Lake property. Membership dropped from over 2000 to less than 200. In September the Clubhouse is complete; the AAC downtown location on Carnegie Way is losing $25K per month and the Club votes to sell the property. Members rename the River Bend Country Club, Atlanta Athletic Club.

1973 A free standing Athletic Center is opened with basketball, volleyball, badminton, squash, a weight room and exercise room.

Pictured: Jerry Pate, U.S. Open

A Final Wish In 1971, Bobby Jones wrote a letter on November 16 to the USGA, “I would be most happy if my old club should become host for my favorite golf tournament.” Thirty-one days later, Jones dies on December 17, 1971. In 1972, the USGA awards AAC the 1976 U.S. Open Championship.

Pictured: Completed AAC Clubhouse