By the Decade

It all started... In August of 1898 with 65 Atlanta businessmen in the office of Burton Smith. The charter, which was signed on September 5, was signed by all 65 men. The purpose of the club was stated briefly in the

charter: “The object of this corporation is not for pecuniary gain, but the formation of a social club, the special purpose of which is preparing and maintaining a gymnasium and enjoying physical exercise.” The initiation fee was $25 and annual dues were $24. Burton Smith served as the Club’s first president. Pictured: Burton Smith

1904 AAC purchased land from AAC Club Member Mr. Henry Atkinson for a nominal price to create the AAC’s East Lake Country Club. George W. Adair was a real estate developer and was instrumental in the creation of AAC’s East Lake Country Club. He is known as the “Father of Atlanta Golf.”

Pictured: Alex Smith, left, and Jimmy Maiden, right

1906-07 After winning the 1906 US Open, Alex Smith becomes the first golf professional at AAC’s East Lake Country Club. He is followed by Jimmy Maiden in 1907.

1898 AAC incorporated on September 5th. Burton Smith is elected 1st President.

1902 Bobby Jones born on March 17th. Club moved to Auburn Avenue. Southern Bell installed club’s first telephone line.

Pictured: George W. Adair

1908 Bobby Jones plays his first competitive golf tournament. Stewart Maiden becomes the Golf Professional and mentor to Bobby Jones and Alexa Stirling.

1905 The AAC had teams competing in basketball, swimming, baseball, track, tennis, handball, and cross country, often competing against college teams.

1900 AAC won the City Baseball Championship.