Club Times: March/April

m e m b e r n e w s

50 Years at Atlanta Athletic Club!

In Loving Memory Mr. Jack R. Kelly Jr. January 9, 2022

Neal Purcell The Atlanta Athletic Club has been an integral part of my family’s lives for the past five decades. It has been the “go to” place for virtually all of our significant events. Among others, both daughters had their wedding receptions here; my retirement from KPMG was celebrated here; and Martha and I have hosted, much to the chagrin of many of our friends, numerous fundraisers and information events here. We learned early on in our membership that if you wanted something done right….select the AAC as the venue.

Dr. Roy Warren Sweat January 2, 2022

It would be impossible to recount or recall all the fond memories experienced here at this club. We have enjoyed the social and dining facilities and have utilized our golf, tennis, athletic, pool and, in bygone years, our yacht facilities to the fullest extent. I have frequently described our club as the greatest family country club in the United States.. perhaps the world….because all members of the family..the club member, the spouse and their children... are encouraged to use all these outstanding facilities each and every day. My AAC fondest memories include caddying for Arnold Palmer in 1989 when he and our then golf professional, Jack Lewis, played a round of golf for our members to dedicate the newly renovated Highlands Golf Course. Palmer and his firm’s lead architect, Ed Seay, also allowed me to destroy the club’s least favorite green as their renovation project began, and I chose the three tiered number 10 green after polling several of our golfing members. Other fond memories include serving as general chair of the 1984 U.S. Mid Amateur Championship when Mike Podolak from Fargo, ND won the title on the 14th hole of our Highlands course; accepting the USGA’S invitation to host the U.S Women’s Open Golf Championship won by Betsy King on our Riverside course in 1990; hosting Bobby Cremins’ ACC championship basketball team for a scrimmage in our Athletic Center and hearing his star center, John Salley, proclaim at lunch afterward…”Coach..this place is ok… where are the applications?”; celebrating our 100th anniversary with representatives of clubs from all over the world; and, last, but certainly not least, the incredible pride I felt when you elected me to serve on your Board of Directors and eventually as your President. Words are simply not adequate for me to fully express my love for this club…its tradition….its first class staff and leadership….and its membership throughout the past 50 years. I cherish the friendships formed over these years and look forward to creating many more in the years ahead.

Susie Theil December 7, 2021

Virginia “Gini” Ratliff December 8, 2021

Kay Embry November 3, 2021

Sir James Armour October 30, 2021

Here’s to another 50 Years!

Clay Chatham

Michelle Minor October 19, 2021

Reverend Dr. George Wascovich October 23, 2021

Jane McDade