Club Times: November/December 2023

THE CLUB TIMES A Special 125th Anniversary Edition Celebrating 1998-2023

www.atlantaathleticclub.org

November/December 2023

The Robert T. Jones Jr. Statue was installed in the Centennial Garden in 2001

CONTINUING TO CELEBRATE OUR RICH HERITAGE A Letter From the Heritage Co mittee

We would like to encourage all of our members and their families to become involved in our rich heritage. This can be done by listening to our 75 th year history book, accessing the QR codes either in the club or through our website and participating in our special events. If you would like to retain a piece of AAC history, please visit our Sargent Golf Shop and our “Riverside Collection” display where you can purchase a one of a kind keepsake made from the trees on our Riverside course. We have commissioned the Moulthrop Family to create beautiful bowls from the Water Oak that was on #1 Riverside. The Moulthrop Wood Artisans are world-renowned and have their pieces in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They also created bowls from the Eisenhower Tree at Augusta National. There are also bag tags, ball markers and handcrafted artisan pens made from the trees on our Riverside Course. These items would be unique Christmas gifts for the member who loves this Club and would cherish a piece of its history. In addition, please consider a recurring contribution to the Heritage Foundation so that we can all continue to experience and celebrate our great club. Donations can be made by check to the Atlanta Athletic Club Heritage Foundation or through your monthly bill. Please contact Margaret Almand (mma@aac1.org) if you would like to contribute to the Foundation.

The celebration of our 125th anniversary has served as a great opportunity to introduce or remind our extended AAC family about so many different and extraordinary people and events that have contributed to our rich history. It really is incredible to consider that our membership has included the leading families of Atlanta (Woodruffs, Candlers,

Nunns and many others) along with our world-class athletes – a number of which are members today. And, that we have hosted some of the greatest sporting competitions in the world in golf and tennis. Over the last few years, our Heritage Committee has made great strides in reviving our focus on our history and making it much more accessible to our members and guests. And, we have taken steps externally to assure that several members of our club receive the appropriate recognition for their incredible achievements. More specifically: • The book chronicling our first 75 years of history has now been recorded and can be accessed on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon. • QR codes have been installed adjacent to some of our more important displays to provide everyone the opportunity to understand its significance as part of our history. • Significant efforts have been made to have Alexa Stirling inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, Nat Thornton into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame for his many tennis championships and Jim Huber into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame. They are all very deserving of this recognition. Over the last year, we have also formed and announced the Atlanta Athletic Club Heritage Foundation, a 501(C)3 organization to help us raise funds to acquire memorabilia that will help us better tell and celebrate our history. Our initial goal is to obtain replicas of the trophies for each of the major amateur and professional championships we have hosted. Our first two acquisitions are the Robert Cox trophy for the US Women’s Amateur we hosted in 1950 and the Ryder Cup hosted in 1963. And, consistent with our goal, we were able to bring these events to life with outstanding celebrations with former champions and participants as we unveiled these new displays. We hope to make these special events a regular part of our annual programming.

Tim Bentsen Heritage Committee Chair & Past President

Pictured: The Riverside Collection

Holiday Hours THANKSGIVING | NOVEMBER 23

Clubhouse November 23 Closes at 3 pm Golf November 23 Closed Walkers Only Tennis November 22 Closes at 12 pm November 23 Closed Clubhouse December 21 & 22 Christmas Spectacular Clubhouse Closed Men's Grill: 11 am-4 pm December 24 Christmas Eve Brunch Closes at 3 pm Golf December 24 Closes at 3 pm Carts in by 3 pm December 25 Closed Clubhouse January 1-4 Closed January 5 Opens at 3 pm Golf December 31 Closes at 5:30 pm Carts in by 5:30 pm January 1 Closed January 2-4 Walking and Trolleys Only Pro-Shop & Bag Room: 9 am - 5 pm January 5 Regular Hours

Fitness November 23 7 am-1 pm No Group Class Spa November 22 9 am-2 pm November 23 Closed

Timbers November 23 Closed November 30 Closes at 3 pm for Tree Lighting

CHRISTMAS | DECEMBER 25 Entire Club is Closed on Christmas

Tennis December 24

Timbers December 21 & 22 Closes at 3 pm December 24 Closed

Tennis Center Closed Outdoor Courts Open Fitness December 24 7 am-3 pm No Group Class Spa December 24 9 am-2 pm

NEW YEAR'S EVE | DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 4

Tennis December 31

Spa December 31 9 am-2 pm January 1 Closed

Tennis Center Closed Outdoor Courts Open January 1 Tennis Center Closed Outdoor Courts Open Fitness December 31 7 am-3 pm No Group Class January 1 No Group Class

Timbers January 1 Closed

The Clubhouse will be closed January 1-4 for cleaning and maintenance.

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Welcome, New Members

May

August

Mr. Stephen Adams and his wife Mary Associate Jones Membership Sponsors: Mrs. Lindsay Sprinkle Shaver, Mrs. Kelly Pait, Mr. Clint Hodges Mr. Adams is Managing Member of Ashford Painting, LLC. He received his bachelor’s in Construction Management at Georgia Southern University. Mrs. Adams is VP of Marketing at Ashford Painting. She received her bachelor’s in Communication at Auburn University. They live in Peachtree Corners with their two children.

Mr. Alex Harris and his wife Anne Associate Jones Membership Sponsors: Mr. Cameron Burke, Mrs. Lee Anne Asbury, Mr. Chris Byron Mr. Harris is Vice President at Goldman Sachs & Co. He received his bachelor’s in Economics/Spanish at the University of the South. Mrs. Harris is Managing Director at World 50 Inc. She received her bachelor’s in Economics at Emory University. They live in Brookhaven with their two sons.

Mr. Clayton Assenmacher Legacy Jones Membership Sponsors: Mr. Paul Assenmacher, Mr. Doug Fix, Mr. Neal Hendee Mr. Assenmacher is in the Sales Development Program at Siemens. He received his bachelor’s in Business Administration from Georgia State University. He lives in Peachtree Corners. July

Dr. Timothy Griffith and his wife Rebecca Jones Membership Sponsors: Dr. Kristen Mitchell, Dr. Scott Ballard, Mr. G. Robert Pavloff Dr. Griffith is an Orthopedic Surgeon with Peachtree Orthopedics. He is also the Head Team Physician for the Atlanta Braves and the Georgia Swarm. He received his bachelor’s in Biochemistry at the University of Georgia and his M.D. at the Medical College of Georgia. Mrs. Griffith received her bachelor’s degree at the University of Georgia and is a homemaker. They live in Suwanee with their three daughters.

Mr. Tyler Cooksey Legacy Jones Membership Sponsors: Mr. Tom Cooksey, Mr. Klay Simpson, Mr. Richard Johnson Mr. Cooksey is a Senior Associate at Trammell Crow Company. He received his bachelor’s in Business Administration/Finance and Master of Real Estate Development at Georgia Tech. He lives in Atlanta.

Mr. Bud Whitmire and his wife Abby Associate Jones Membership Sponsors: Mr. Josh Schaefer, Mrs. Kelly Pait, Mr. Rob Heusel Mr. Whitmire is Chief of Staff at Waffle House Inc. He received his bachelor’s in Agriculture at the University of Georgia. Mrs. Whitmire is Director of Public Affairs and Communications at Coca Cola Bottling Co United. She received her bachelor’s in International Trade, Spanish and Economics at Clemson University. They live in Peachtree Corners with their three children.

Mr. Will Mahaffey and his wife Haley Associate Jones Membership Sponsors: Mr. Andy Stancil, Mr. Lee Tucker, Mr. Blake Gober Mr. Mahaffey is an Investment Banker at Houlihan Lokey. He received his bachelor’s in Business Administration and master’s in Accountancy at the University of Georgia. Mrs. Mahaffey is a Project Manager at Dewberry Engineers, Inc. She received her bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering at the University of Georgia. They live in Chamblee with their son.

Ms. Grayson Davis Legacy Jones Membership

Sponsors: Mrs. Deanna Davis, Mr. Ric Yarbrough, Mrs. Betty Yarbrough Ms. Davis is an Associate Attorney at Pacific Law Group. She received her bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida and her J.D. at the University of Georgia. Her fiancé is a fellow AAC legacy, Matt Sims. She lives in Alpharetta.

m e m b e r s h i p

New Member Mixer Friday, November 3 1898 House | 6 – 8 pm

New members who have joined AAC over the past two years are invited to join us for a special evening where Dr. Bob Jones, IV will share some of his favorite stories of his grandfather, Bobby Jones, Jr. You will be mingling with fellow new members and the visiting scholars from the University of St. Andrews (Scotland), while you enjoy a tasting of The Clover: The Bobby Jones Whiskey Collection and complimentary food stations. Drink specials and signature bar will be available.

Mr. Blake Parker and his wife Caroline Associate Jones Membership

Sponsors: Mr. Scott Vansant, Mr. Tyler Wakefield, Mr. Clint Hodges Mr. Parker is an Executive VP at Waffle House. He received his bachelor’s in Business Administration at Auburn University. Mrs. Parker also received her bachelor’s in Business Administration at Auburn University. They live in Atlanta with their three children.

Veteran’s Day Golf Outing Tuesday, November 7 The Club will recognize our member military veterans with a special lunch and golf outing. AAC members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome! In addition, we will invite active duty service persons from Dobbins Air Force Base and Fort Gordon to partic ipate in the event. The University of North Georgia will provide the Color Guard. The cost is $50 inclusive for golf, lunch and ceremony or $25 for lunch and cere mony only. On line registration and entry forms will be available one month before the event.

In Loving Memory Mr. Gerald (Jerry) Naddra August 26 Mr. William “Bill”

Harriman August 21

Nine-Hole Women’s Golf

Tricia Brown Carol Ann Thomas

Congratulations to our 9 Hole Women’s Golf Association Championship Winners!

Flight 1 Winner

Susan Kiker

Runner Up

Dottie Cecil Gail Laney

Flight 2 Winner

Runner Up

Colleen Maloney Vicky Lynn Day

Flight 3 Winner

Runner Up

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR 2023 QUEEN OF THE TEE’S TOURNAMENT WINNERS!

Laura Keogh Jennifer Stancil

Gross Champion Net Champion

It’s almost that time of year!! WOMEN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION Christmas Gala

UPCOMING EVENTS NOVEMBER 14 Closing Day NOVEMBER 19 Sunday Couples DECEMBER 8 Christmas Gala

Friday, December 8th St. Andrew’s Ballroom Invitation will be in the mail and your email. Please RSVP for a night of fun and celebration.

Eighteen-Hole Women’s Golf What a GREAT year of golf !! Thank you to our golf professional team, the board and all the many volunteers it took to make the year a successful, fun year for our 18-Hole Lady Members. We want to especially thank Sheri Smith for her leadership!! Here are a few highlights from our season.

2023 Board

Freezing Opening Day Shamble

Member- Member Challenge

team play

Crowning our Champions

Wonderful Dutch Treat

Sunday Couples

MARK YOUR CALENDARS October 22 | Couples Two Best Balls of Foursome November 8 | Closing Day November 15 | Closing Brunch November 19 | Couple Best Ball Opposite Partners December 6 | Christmas party (Please sign up early! It is going to be a fun night)

Golf

Recent Results

Golf Operation Hours: November & December

GOLF COURSE: Tuesday - Sunday GOLF SHOP: Tuesday - Sunday

8:30 am - dusk

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

PRACTICE FACILITY: Tuesday - Sunday

8:00 am to 30 minutes prior to sunset

Pictured (From Right): Ian Nadasdy, Cal Couch, Todd Mantia, Scott Levy, Joe Thompson, Will Hanna

GOLF CARTS: Last Cart Out

1 hour before sunset

Gentlemen's Par 3 League Congratulations to Jason Huggins and his team, Three Jack National, on winning the 2023 Par-3 Gentlemen’s League Championship Shootout. WGA Championships Congratulations to our 2023 WGA 9 & 18-hole Championship winners: 18-Hole Gross Champion - Donna Gonsalves 18-Hole NET Champion - Ginny Harrell 9-Hole Gross Champion - Laura Keogh 9-Hole NET Champion - Jennifer Stancil Club Championship Congratulations to our 2023 Club Champions: Girls’ Club Champion - Emma Veil Boys’ Club Champion - Ryan Glover Women’s Club Champion - Anna Norris Women’s Stableford Club Champion - Brooke Harrison Gentlemen’s Club Champion - Brett Barron Gentlemen’s Stableford Club Champion - Mike Englert Be on the lookout for special promotions and holiday sales throughout the months of November & December!

Last Cart In

dusk

Fantastic Shots HOLE IN ONE Hyungho “Yung” Lee

Highlands, 15 Riverside, 6

Mychelle Travis

EAGLE Miles Harrison Chuck Walker

Highlands, 11 Riverside, 12

Upcoming Tournaments November 7

Veteran’s Day Tournament Gentlemen’s RTJ Member-Member Four Ball Duffers Member-Guest

November 11 - 12

November 16 November 28th November 30 December 8th

Past Presidents Outing

The Muirfield

Holiday Three Club Classic

SAVE THE DATE: JUNIOR GOLF FUNDRAISER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13TH 4:00 pm | Men's Grill $100 Entry includes Food & Drink All proceeds help grow junior golf at AAC and throughout the Southeast!

WINTER WONDERLAND SPA SPECIALS

Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Hot Stone Massage This aromatic massage will remind you of Christmas Morning. A brown butter oil mixed with a sugar cookie essence will be applied with hot stones as you

S'mores Indulge Slough away the dry, dead skin cells with a s'mores body scrub (made with decadent cocoa, homemade marshmallows, graham cracker crumbs, and chocolate syrup). The therapist will apply a chocolate mud. Then, you will be cocooned in warmth. While you are relax ing, you will receive a chocolate mint scalp massage. The therapist will then "de-cocoon" you and you will rinse off. A chocolate oil will then be applied. 90-minute treatment: $250

drift into absolute relaxation. 60-minute treatment: $190 90-minute treatment: $270

Candy Cane Body Scrub Ring in the holidays with your favorite Christmas treat. Crushed candy canes and sunflower oil will slough away dead skin cells from the summer and make your skin soft and supple for the winter. You will then shower and peppermint oil will be applied to leave a long-lasting aroma of the holidays. 60-minute treatment: $165 Hot chocolate and Peppermint face massage This treatment starts with a cleansing milk followed by an edible hot chocolate face mask and lip scrub. While the mask is setting, the therapist will use the peppermint oil to massage the arms and feet. The treatment ends with application of a Hydramucine cream, and eye contour cream, and a lip balm to seal it with a kiss. 60-minute treatment: $180 Peppermint Scalp Massage Invigorate your scalp with organic avocado and grape-seed oil infused with peppermint oil. It will be applied with vigorous strokes and acupressure points on the scalp and next to rejuvenate the scalp, relieve tension, and have you completely relaxed. Add to any service of 1 hour or more.

PERFECT GIFTS FROM THE SPA!

BOUTIQUE STOCKING STUFFERS

The spa boutique is the perfect place to fill those stockings with your favorite beauty and wellness products, including Lululemon, Thymes Frasier Fir Capri Blue Candles, Jane Iredale Makeup, 4 skincare lines, Barefoot Dreams, Moroccan Oil, and Olaplex. GIFT CARD PRE-ORDERS Pre-order your spa gift cards and that spe cial someone. Call 770-368-7739 to have it wrapped and ready for you to pick up!

15-minute treatment: $35 30-minute treatment: $65

fitness and nutrition Events Yoga Nidra (NSDR ) with Brooke Thursday, November 9 5:30-6:30 pm Yoga Nidra, also known as Non Sleep, Deep Rest is a guided

Meet Your Instructor Sean Mueller Spin Instructor Fridays 6:00-6:45 am

My recent fitness journey began in December 2019. Growing up I wasn't the most athletic kid, but I always had an athletic body. I loved to swim. I was either on a swim team or just swam laps on my own to stay fit. After I graduated college in 1996 and started full time work though, things changed. I no longer had the time to go to the pool like I used to. I became a desk jockey! In 2004, I was diagnosed with an extreme version of degenerative disc disease. I was told at the ripe old age of 32 that I had the back of a 100 year old. Not being able to be active caused me to slowly begin to gain weight. It was in

meditation practice and a science based tool that improves the quality of your sleep, increases your energy and enhances your performance during the day; Complimentary wine will be served after the event. Registration required.

December 2019 at almost 400 pounds that I had enough. I started going to the gym everyday... After a year of working out, I had barely lost any weight at all. After getting tested by an Endocrinologist, we discovered my body actually lost the ability to lose weight. I immediately started treatment through medication to reset my brain's "setpoint". Then through the diet and exercise program I had been doing over the last year, I finally started showing results. Since then I have lost 180 pounds! I absolutely LOVE spin class! I fell in love with spin about a year and a half into my weight loss journey. For me, it's all about the music. The music makes or breaks any class. I love it when you are in the middle of a class and one of the songs comes on in my playlist and you hear someone get excited to hear it. Or they come up to me after class and tell me about a connection they had to a song we heard. The one thing I try to do in class is be different. You never know what we are going to listen to in my class! We've done movie soundtracks, Broadway musicals, classical scores.. I even once did 45 minutes of Italian Opera! My wife Heidi and I just celebrated our 20 year wedding anniversary this August. We have 2 boys... Preston is a freshman at Chattahoochee High School and Colton is in 7th grade at Taylor Road MS. The boys are both active in Boy Scouts and avid soccer players. I have to say what I love most about the Athletic Club are the members. Special shout out to my friends in the Fitness Center. You all have made me feel so welcome! Let's be honest, who REALLY looks forward to waking up at 4:30 am on a FRIDAY to go to work?? I DO!! I can't wait for Friday mornings!

2023 AAC Turkey Trot 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run Saturday, November 11 Race Day Packet Pick-Up and Registration: 6:30 am 1 Mile Fun Run: 7:00 am 5K: 7:25 am Jingle Bells and Barre Thursday, December 7 5:30-6:30 pm

Meet us at the barre for this popular and fun, holiday-themed event. This low-impact/ high rep movement class features light weights and props to improve your strength and flexibility. Complimentary wine will be served at the conclusion of the event.

Presented By The Heritage Committee IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 125 TH ANNIVERSARY

Better By the Decade A CLOSER LOOK AT 1998-2023

WHERE HISTORY HAPPENS For over a century, Atlanta Athletic Club has been recognized as one of the best clubs in the nation, evidenced by its selection as a venue for tennis tournaments, major golf championships and dozens of regional sporting events. Though impressive, these accolades are not what make the Club great. The AAC’s legacy is rooted in the collegiality of the membership. The decision to join AAC reveals something important about the essence of the Club: Atlanta Athletic Club is a place where history happens, but also where families make memories and members make lifelong friends.

“No one can honor a club like this. The honor lies in belonging to it. I am prouder of being a member of this Club, than I could be of winning all the championships there are.”

-Bobby Jones

Photo of Bobby Jones Statue and AAC Clubhouse

Pictured: Bobby Jones Statue

2001 The Robert T. Jones Jr. statue in Centennial Garden is dedicated The 83rd PGA Championship is hosted on Highlands August 16-19. David Toms bested Phil Mickelson by one stroke. PGA is so pleased with attendance that it announces the PGA Championship will return to AAC in 2011, making AAC one of only five clubs to host three or more PGA Championships.

Pictured: Chris Borders, Gaylord Coan and Rene Cote

Pictured: Phil Mickelson and David Toms on 18th hole of final round

1998 The AAC Centennial Celebration takes place with events yearlong, culminating in a black tie Gala AAC debuts the 2,500 seat tennis stadium and hosts the 13th annual AT&T Tennis Challenge featuring Andre Agassi, Jim Courier and Michael Chang

2005 AAC celebrates the 75th anniversary of golf ’s greatest achievement, Bobby Jones Grand Slam in 1930 Dr. Catherine Lewis, member and historian writes “A Host to History: The Story of Atlanta Athletic Club”

Pictured: 75th Grand Slam celebration dinner

Pictured: 2,500 seat tennis stadium

2004 Martha Kirouac captains the victorious Curtis Cup Team, which was the youngest ever with teenagers Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie and Jane Park

1999 The Athletic Center is remodeled

Pictured: 2004 Curtis Cup Team

Pictured: Charlie Beljan

2008 The Great Recession causes financial difficulties resulting in a significant reduction in membership at AAC

2002 AAC hosts the 55th USGA Junior Amateur Championship, played on Highlands and won by Charlie Beljan

Pictured: remodeled Athletic Center

2018 Members Brett Barron and Bailey Tardy win the Men’s and Women’s Georgia Amateur Championship

2013 Chris Borders retires after serving as Club and General Manager for 35 years. In 2014, he is the first manager in Georgia to be inducted into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame.

2020 Club closes at outset of the COVID 19 pandemic creating significant changes in protocol and club services. After re-opening, club usage increases significantly.

Pictured: Chris Borders with Hall of Fame plaque

2014 AAC hosts the 114th U.S. Amateur Championship won by Gunn Yang of South Korea with Richard Grice on his bag

2023 AAC celebrates its 125 years with home and home golf matches with East Lake Golf Club, a Sunset Soiree at East Lake Golf Club, Founders’ Day events and a black-tie Gala

Pictured: Gunn Yang with trophy

2021 AAC hosts the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship won by Nelly Korda. She also won the gold medal at the Olympics held that year and catapults to #1 in the world.

2017 AAC hosts the Arnold Palmer Cup won by Team USA. APC players include Collin Morikawa, Victor Hovland and Sam Burns.

Pictured: Nelly Korda with trophy

2011 AAC hosts the 93rd PGA Championship won by Keegan Bradley in a 3-hole aggregate play-off with Jason Dufner Pictured: Keegan Bradley with PGA trophy

Pictured: Palmer Cup Team USA

Look to the Future USGA announces that AAC will host the 2025 Junior Girls Championship, the 2030 US Amateur Championship and the 2035 US Women’s Amateur Championship. In 2030, it will be the 100th anniversary of Bobby Jones winning the US Amateur and completing the Grand Slam.

Meanwhile... Many important historical moments happened across the country & the rest of the world during this period.

9/11 and the War on Terror – On September 11, 2001, al-Qaeda terrorists attack the United States using four hijacked passenger aircraft: two that crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City; a third aircraft into the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia; while the fourth plane crashed in rural Pennsylvania following a passenger revolt. The attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and instigated the multi-decade global war on terror. President George H.W. Bush declares war on terrorism and invades Afghanistan where the leader of al-Qaeda Osama bin Laden was believed to be hiding. Security increases for all aspects of American life. After a 10-year manhunt, U.S. President Barack Obama announced that bin Laden was killed by American special forces in his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, on May 1, 2011.

1998 Microsoft becomes the largest company in the world valued at $261 billion on the New York Stock Exchange

2008-2009 The Great Recession – major Wall Street firms fail and interest rates are cut to historic lows 2009 Barack Obama is elected as the 44th President and is elected for a second term in 2012. He is the first African American President. 2015 American Pharoah becomes the first Triple Crown winner since 1978 2016 Donald Trump is elected 45th President Britain votes to leave the EU 2021 The Atlanta Braves win the World Series

2000 The dot-com bubble bursts and thousands of dot-coms go bust

Tiger Woods becomes the youngest player to win a career Grand Slam 2003 The space shuttle Columbia disintegrates upon re-entry over Texas, killing all seven astronauts onboard 2004 Facebook is launched as a social networking site open only to students at Harvard

2005 Hurricane Katrina strikes Louisiana; the surge and levee breaks cause New Orleans to flood and 1600 perish 2007 Apple introduces the iPhone on June 29th The US Housing bubble bursts causing increasing numbers of foreclosures

2022-2023 UGA wins back-to-back national Championships

The 2020 COVID 19 pandemic caused severe social and economic disruption around the world, including the largest global recession since the Great Depression. Widespread supply shortages, including food shortages, were caused by supply chain disruptions and panic buying. Reduced human activity led to an unprecedented decrease in pollution. Educational institutions and public areas were partially or fully closed in many jurisdictions, and events were cancelled or postponed during 2020 and 2021. Many white-collar workers began working from home. Misinformation circulated through social media and mass media, and political tensions intensified. The pandemic raised issues of the balance between public health imperatives and individual rights. Pandemic Panic

social and dining

Reservations for Social Events For all Club Social Events, reservations can be made online or by contacting the Clubhouse Concierge at 770-448-2166. All confirmed reservations are subject to the Club’s 72-hour cancellation policy.

Ladies Bridge Association Beginner bridge lessons

Couples Bridge is a sel l out each month. Couples enjoy a late afternoon of bridge on Friday ’s , fol lowed by a group dinner. Karen Smith coordinates the competitive couple’s game each month. We look forward to our annual Hol iday celebration offering fun competition and fel lowship. The morning is f i l led with bridge on a rotation fol lowed by a wonderful lunch. DATES TO REMEMBER : Tuesdays Play Day 2:30 pm Wednesdays Social or Dupl icate 2:45 pm Men' s Bridge 4:00 pm Fr idays Couples Bridge 1/month 3:45 pm

Book Club Upcoming Reads

kicked off in September with 21 par ticipants in a si x-week course. Once lessons are complete the beginners wi l l be encouraged to attend Play Days ever y Tuesday afternoon with to continue learning and have access to play with other Club members. Lessons wi l l continue to be offered for beginners throughout the year. If you are interested in learning more about bridge, please contact Genev ieve Primos , primosfami ly@ bel lsouth.net . Marathon bridge, a competitive par tnership game ramped up again in the fal l . This season we have exceeded past par ticipation requiring us to form two groups with a total of 56 players! The large group consists of veteran and new players. Kristin Frey and Mel issa Dickens are coordinating and managing this impressive effor t ! The bridge room stays busy on Wednesdays as players arrive to par ticipate in Social or Dupl icate Bridge on a rotating basis each week . There is always a big turn-out for a fun group dinner fol lowing the Wednesday play. Much thanks to Beachie Hal l and Cynthia Tanner for orchestrating the play each Wednesday. If there are men that are interested in gathering weekly, a fun group meets in the men’s locker room each Wednesday at 4:00 pm.

The AAC Book Club will be meeting again on Thursday,

November 16th at 4:00 pm in the Ladies Locker Room to discuss, The Rose Code by Kate Quinn. Joni Goldin will be presenting the book. All of the women of the club are welcome to attend. We do not meet in December, but the book for January is, The Woman with a Cure by Lynn Cullen and the author will be present for the meeting!

s o c i a l / d i n i n g But What Do I Wear? Here is a quick guide to help you dress for success for the Holiday season! As a reminder proper attire is required for attendance. COUNTRY CLUB ATTIRE: This attire is for our everyday dress code. For ladies, tailored denim or slacks, blouses or sweaters, and sun- or sweater dresses depending on the season is considered appropriate. Ladies can also don tailored shorts that are an appropriate length. A general rule of thumb: if the shorts don’t reach or extend past your fingertips, you may want to save them for another venue. For gentlemen, collared shirts (button-downs or polos), sweaters, and chinos or tailored denim are perfect. All shirts must have a collar and be worn tucked in. Athletic and tennis attire for both men and women and open toed sandals for men are examples of inappropriate attire. Ladies can wear tennis shirts with a zip up jacket. SPECIAL EVENT ATTIRE: This dress code is for our more formal events such as Thanksgiving and Easter. Acceptable attire for gentlemen includes dress slacks and button-up collared shirts. Jackets are encouraged. Comparable attire is requested for ladies. COCKTAIL ATTIRE: Ladies, cocktail dresses are encouraged. Dressy separates are also appropriate. Gentlemen, darker suits are perfect. Jackets are required and ties are preferred. MERION ATTIRE: Acceptable attire is business casual. Men’s jackets are optional. Athletic attire is not permitted and men’s shorts are not allowed. CHILDREN UNDER 12: Children under 12 are allowed to dress casually but in good taste. GUESTS ATTIRE: Please remember to inform your guests of AAC’s dress code before coming to the Club. ALL EVENTS / ALL AGES / ALL GENDERS: Excessively tight, short or baggy clothing is not considered appropriate attire. All midsections must be covered. Gym clothes of any kind are not permitted.

Royalty of Napa | Wine Dinner November 9 | Merion 6:30 pm Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres

7:15 pm Dinner $200 per person

Napa Valley is home to the world’s most exceptional wines. Our Executive Chef Eric DaRin will pair each of the five courses with Napa Valley wines. We will be serving six different wines from Napa’s famous wineries such as Newton Vineyards, Charles Krug Winery and Paradigm Vineyards. Merion Attire ( Proper attire required for admission) Reservations open on October 10 at 10 am

THANKSGIVING DAY BUFFET November 23 | St. Andrews

Seating: 11:30 am, 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm Adults: $58 | Children Aged 5-12: $32

Children Aged 4 and Under are Complimentary Let’s celebrate and give thanks together as we invite you and your family to enjoy a Thanksgiving Buffet in celebration of the holiday season with a delectable spread of traditional favorites. Event Guidelines • If your party is larger than 12, two tables next to one another in the St. Andrews are required to accommodate the entire reservation. • All Confirmed Reservations are subject to charge under the Club's 72-hour cancellation policy. • Special Event Attire (Proper attire required for admission) Reservations open on October 25 at 10 am

RUDOLPH’S Pop-Up Christmas Bar November 30, December 1, December 2

Located in our Library and Tommy Barnes Room, Rudolph’s will feature festive craft cocktails from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm each night. Stop by before dinner and stay for the atmosphere.

s o c i a l / d i n i n g

Island of Misfit Toys’ Brunch December 3 | St. Andrews Ballroom Seating: 10 am, 11 am & 12:30 pm $45 per Adult | $27 per Child Ages 5-12

Christmas Tree Lighting November 30 5:30 - 8:30 pm | Activities are complimentary

Children Ages 4 and Under are Complimentary Join fun gift making and Santa’s Workshop in 1898 House. Christmas Activities: 10 am - 2 pm • Games and Gift Making - 1898 House • Festive Photo Both with Bumble - Library Event Guidelines • If your party is larger than 12, two tables next to one another in the St. Andrews Ballroom are required to accommodate the entire reservation. • The Royal Troon Grill will be open from 10 am – 2:30 pm featuring a special holiday brunch: $45 per Adult / $27 per Child Ages 5 -12 / Children Ages 4 and under are complimentary. If you wish to dine in the Troon Grill, please call the Front Desk Concierge or go online under the member dining website to make your dining reservation in the restaurant. Limited seating is available in the Troon Grill. Country Club Attire Ugly Sweaters encouraged! (Proper attire required for admission ) Reservations open on November 1 at 10 am Holiday Lunch Buffet Tuesday, December 12 to Friday, December 15 Seating: 11 am – 2 pm | Royal Troon and Merion $34 per person 'Tis the Season to be Jolly! Come enjoy our Holiday Lunch Buffet with your family, friends and coworkers. An array of delectable lunch selections, featuring seasonal salads, seafood, carvings, and daily entree choices. Don't forget, holiday desserts are a must! Please make your reservations with the Troon Grill, or the member dinning website. For Private Dining Room inquiries, please contact the Club's Catering Office at 770-448-7796.

Welcome the holiday season with a wide array of children’s activities from decorating Christmas Ornaments to singing Christmas Carols. EVENT SCHEDULE: Photos with Santa in Oakmont: 5:30 – 8:30 pm While enjoying hot chocolate and Christmas cookies, have your photo taken with Santa. Photos are $10 for up to two copies of one pose. • Reservations for Photos with Santa are not required Holiday Dinner Buffet in the St. Andrews Ballroom Seating Times Available at 6:00 and 6:30 pm $45 per Adult | $27 per Child Ages 5-12 Children Ages 4 and Under are Complimentary Christmas Tree Lighting & Festive Carols in the Centennial • Reservations are required for the dinner buffet. • If your party is larger than 12, two tables next to one another are required to accommodate the entire reservation. Country Club Attire (Proper attire required for admission) Reservations open on October 24 at 10 am Gardens: 7:00 pm Event Guidelines:

s o c i a l / d i n i n g Gingerbread House Making Sunday, December 10 | St. Andrews Ballroom Gingerbread House Making Reservations: 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm $55 per Gingerbread House Kit | Assigned Seating Includes a Gingerbread House, House-made Icing and an Assortment of Candy Selections Build a house made of gingerbread as visions of sugarplums dance through your head! Build a house on your own or build one together, it’s a tradition the whole family can enjoy. Thursday, December 21 & Friday, December 22 Dinner Seating: 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 6:30 pm & 7:30 pm Member: $102 per Adult | $48 per Child Ages 3-12 Children Ages 2 and Under Complimentary Reservations Open November 9 at 10 am Doors Open at 4:00 pm Activities begin at 4:00 pm and end at 9:00 pm Our Christmas Spectacular, one of AAC’s most notable events of the year! It is an unforgettable way to bring the whole family together with something for all ages to delight in! Grab your photo at the Grinch’s lair where we will have hot cocoa and more. Enjoy a sugar rush in the mail room and meet all the Whoville characters. It is highly encouraged that member use the AAC website to makes reservation in a timely fashion. RESERVATIONS • Do to the increasing popularity of this event, we have streamlined the reservation process. • Reservations will be made by seating time only. A drop down of preferred seating rooms will be available once the reservation is made. Room preference is not guaranteed. An email will go out to the member two weeks prior to the event to inform of their room assignment. • Seatings for dinner will be held in Merion, Troon, St. Andrews & 1898 House. • A party of 12 is the maximum party size under one member.

Event Guidelines: • Please include the count of people in the party, even if they are not making a gingerbread house. Gingerbread House Kits are not included in the party size. • Each party size is limited to 10 people. Each table will have 10 seats. • Please note if you would like to sit with another member family or friend. • The Royal Troon Grill will be open for Sunday a la carte brunch. Country Club Attire Proper attire required for admission Reservations open November 7 at 10am • Members are welcome to invite family. Family are defined as sons, daughters, grandparents, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. • In an effort to ensure fairness, multiple reservations are not permitted under the same member number or for both days of the event. If you are unsure of your party size when registering, we recommend registering for the largest party size you might be and decreasing as needed. EVENT GUIDELINES • Buffets will be located in the Ballroom & Interlachen • The cancellation deadline is December 18, in accordance with the Club’s 72 hour cancellation policy. • All members with reservations may access the clubhouse and activities beginning at 4 pm. • Festive Cocktail Attire: Holiday ties and themed outfits are encouraged. (Proper attire required for admission).

C H R I S T M A S S P EC T A C U L A R

s o c i a l / d i n i n g

Launch into 2024

wi th New Years at AAC Sunday, December 31

New Year’s Eve Family Celebration 6:30 – 9:00 pm | St. Andrews Ballroom $60 per Adult / $30 per Children Ages 4-12 Children Ages 3 and Under are Complimentary

Launch in to the new year with our space themed family celebration. All ages are welcome as we pop some bubbly and welcome 2024 with our friends and family. Enjoy a cocktail or mocktail with a New Year’s Eve dinner buffet that’s “out of this world." Join us for dancing and children’s activities as we countdown to a New Year with our balloon drop just before we light up the sky with fireworks at 9 pm. This event is open seating and designed to allow your family and friends to enjoy activities and dancing all night long! Assigned seating will not be provided. Special Event Attire ( Proper attire required for admission) Reservations Open November 29 at 10 am

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN BRUNCH Sunday, December 24 Troon and Merion Seating: 11 am, 12 pm $45 per Adult $27 per Children Ages 5-12 Children Ages 4 and Under are Complimentary Join us for a festive holiday brunch while we patiently wait for Santa’s arrival on Christmas Day! Enjoy storybook readings with Mrs. Clause and Christmas sing-a-longs with Santa! Event Guidelines • Larger Parties of 9 or more please contact the Clubhouse Concierge for a private room.

New Year’s Eve Dining The Royal Troon Regular a la carte Dinner service from 5 pm- 9 pm Merion Dine Under the Stars Choice of four-course Prix-Fixe Menu | $95 per person Seating times are 5:30 pm & 8:00 pm

Each guests will receive a glass of champagne to start their last meal of 2023! Please enjoy the fireworks showing at 9:00 pm following dinner. The Merion will feature a choice of prix-fixe dinner menu for all to enjoy. Reservation by contacting the Clubhouse Concierge at 770-448-2166 Interlachen Lounge Howl at the Moon for our late night party! Live music will kick off the night at 9:00 pm Grab your friends and cheers to a new year! Reservation not required.

Country Club Attire Proper attire required for admission Reservations open November 28 at 10 am

tennis

event: our LTA Member/Guest. The event sold out in less than 8 minutes! 140 members and guests participated in the two-day event. The fun player outfits are always a special part of the event. This year our charity was “Happy Tails” and the generosity of our ALTA teams, with their donation of baskets, raised a record $7,000. A special thank you goes out to the member/guest committee comprised of members Lisa Mannion, Shannon Collins, Julie Wright, Katherine Malone, and Lori Morlan. Also, events like this can never happen without your AAC team members, Ileana Jennings, Klaudia Cancino and the tennis professionals. To celebrate our 125th anniversary, we introduced a new event to our supportive membership. The Jai Alai Tennis event to support our

Junior Tennis Program was new to the membership, but it did not take much time for the members to get into the fun of the event. Our AAC professionals, Enock Godi and Patrick Aubone, along with members Randy Moore, Martin Strickler and area tennis professionals competed in kicking off the Labor Day weekend. Players were teamed up while members participated in betting on teams with their “AAC Tennis Bucks.” The players changed partners after each game and the betting continued. We look forward to retaining this event on the schedule for spring of 2024, so look for more information in the next Club Times. tHANKSGIVING & HOLIDAY TENNIS CAMPS ARE BACK! These tennis camps have been very popular year after year. We love using our indoor courts to keep our members playing, especially since there is a league break and many times, it doesn’t feel like tennis weather. We will do stroke production, cardio tennis games, play live ball games focusing on doubles plays and do match play whenever possible at the end of every camp. These camps are a blast and will fill up very quickly so please make sure you reserve your spot ASAP! We look forward to seeing you on the courts! Thanksgiving DAY Camp Dates: November 21 and November 22 9:30-11:30 am | Cost: $50 per day Thanksgiving NIGHT Camp Date: November 21 6:30-8:00 pm | Cost $37 per day Holiday DAY Camp Dates: December 19, December 20 and December 21 9:30-11:30 am | Cost: $50 per day Holiday NIGHT Camp Date: December 19 6:30-8:00 pm | Cost $37 per day

Recap LTA Member/Guest and Jai Alai Events The Tennis Center was buzzing with popular events in August and September. We began the start of the fall season with our most popular History of Great Tennis at the AAC Starting in 1992 the club began hosting an ATP tour event called the AT&T Challenge. This clay court event was hosted at the AAC until 2001. It became a major stop on the ATP Tour as many of the top players competed in the event. It was during this time the stadium court was built. Having the beautiful Atlanta weather in April was a big influence on its success. It was a great way for the community to get out of the winter months, enjoy cool, crisp days and evenings and watch some great tennis. The event hosted up to 7,000 tennis enthusiasts each day during the first several years of the event. The AAC had the perfect facilities for a successful event. When corporate sponsorship began to diminish the event was sold and moved to South America. See list of Champions: 1992 – Andre Agassi, 1993-Jacco Eltingh, 1994 & 1995-Michael Chang, 1996-Karim Alami, 1997-Marcelo Filippini, 1998-Pete Sampras, 1999-Stefan Koubek, 2000-Andrew Ilie, 2001-Andy Roddick

Well known players that also competed over the years include Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Yannick Noah, and Todd Martin. The Tennis Center is closing for maintenance December 24- January 1. There will be deep cleaning of several areas, paint touch up, and lifecycle maintenance. We have found that this time of the year is the perfect time to have these issues addressed as it has traditionally been our slowest time of the year. Lastly, I want to thank the membership for their support of the Northside Hospital TABC events during the two Fridays in October, along with the Wesleyan Hit & Howl event on the first Friday in November. These three events have been hosted by the AAC for the past 15 years and are always well received. We will also be hosting the USPTA Georgia Winter Workshop on Friday, December 1 st . The workshop will give our professionals the opportunity to gain points for our continuing education through the USPTA and PTR. Thank you for

t e n n i s

Night Tennis is the first Tuesday of every month. Ladies Night continues to grow averaging about 16 players per Ladies Night. This year we also experienced the excitement of many of our ALTA and USTA teams winning their division, and winning City Championships. GO AAC! It is extremely rewarding for the tennis staff to see the hard work of teams and players pay off when they win a Championship! Let me introduce you to the teams who made 2023 a remarkable year: This past winter USTA season (end of 2022-start of 2023) ONE USTA City Champion, TWO USTA City Finalist and nine out of nineteen AAC USTA teams in playoffs. 2.5 18 & Over Thursday Team : Sarah Wakefield and Angie Davis (Captains) PLAYOFFS 3.0 18 & Over Thursday Team : Erica Prante and Susan Moss (Captains) PLAYOFFS 3.0 18 & Over Thursday Team : Brooke Wooten and Erin Rhatigan (Captains) CITY CHAMPIONS! 3.5 18 & Over Thursday Team : Brooke Yannucci and Lori Kallensee (Captains) PLAYOFFS 4.0 18 & Over Thursday Team : Beth Pombo and Angel Cushma (Captains) PLAYOFFS 4.5 18 & Over Thursday Team: Jessica Pickron and Kelly Boling (Captains) PLAYOFFS 3.0 18 & Over Weekend Team : Elli Mays and Ann Hoerner (Captains) CITY FINALIST! 3.5 18 & Over Weekend Team : Griffin Miller and Brooke Yannucci (Captains) PLAYOFFS 3.5 40 &over Tuesday Team : Katherine Malone and Shannon Collins (Captains) CITY FINALIST! This past Spring ALTA season had ONE ALTA CITY FINALIST and eight teams in playoffs. AA-1 Thursday Team: Captains: Kelly Boling and Gretchen Levy (Captains) PLAYOFFS AA-3 Thursday Team : Sandra Campbell and Pam Starke (Captains) PLAYOFFS B-1 Thursday Team : Melissa Cusimano and Griffin Miller (Captains) CITY FINALIST! AA-3 Sunday Team : Christi Luskin and Leigh Jackson (Captains) PLAYOFFS A-8 Sunday Team : Sandy Johnson and

Beth Sharon (Captains) PLAYOFFS B-2 Sunday Team : Clare Manning and Carrie Strickler (Captains) PLAYOFFS A-5 Senior Team : Tory Whipple and Shari Wilkinson (Captains) PLAYOFFS C-3 Senior Team : Kathy Strickland and Helen Haberstroh (Captains) PLAYOFFS Then, this past summer, we fought hard and the AAC had TWO USTA CITY CHAMPIONS and ONE ALTA CITY FINALIST 3.0 18 & Over Thursday Team: Erica Prante and Susan Moss (Captains) PLAYOFFS 3.5 Low 18 & over Thursday Team : Brooke Wooten and Erin Rhatigan (Captains) CITY CHAMPIONS! 3.5 18 & Over Thursday Team : Brooke Yannucci and Lori Kallensee (Captains) PLAYOFFS 3.5 18 & Over Weekend Team: Carrie Strickler and Katie Mays (Captains) CITY CHAMPIONS! 4.5 18 & Over Weekend Team : Christi Luskin and Leigh Jackson (Captains) PLAYOFFS A-5 ALTA Senior Ladies : Robbie Daniel and Sandy Johnson (Captains) CITY FINALIST! May and June were the months for the USTA State Championships. Coach Jeff and I took turns and traveled three weekends to watch our USTA Teams play at the USTA State Tournament. While we did not bring the State Championship home, we had some great wins and gained experience for future State Tournaments. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TEAMS for your hard work and dedication to make it to the USTA State Championship. Here are those USTA teams: 3.5 18 & Over Thursday Team : Brooke Yannucci and Lori Kallensee (Captains) played in Rome, Georgia 3.0 18 & Over Thursday Team: Brooke Wooten and Erin Rhatigan (Captains) played in Macon, Georgia 3.5 40 &over Tuesday Team: Katherine Malone and Shannon Collins (Captains) played in Columbus, Georgia I want to say THANK YOU to our ALTA and USTA Captains for volunteering this past year, your amazing work and dedication to your teams is what makes this program one of the best in Atlanta.

MEN's Tennis From Lance Missildine

As we near the conclusion of 2023, I would like to personally thank all the members here at the amazing Atlanta Athletic Club. It is a genuine privilege for me to assist you in reaching your athletic goals on the tennis court. Witnessing all your hard work to strive and compete is inspiring. So, thank you so much for being the reason the AAC is the best club ever! Fall ALTA season will close at the end of October, and hopefully some of our men’s teams will be in the playoffs. So, let’s be ready to cheer them on to victory during the playoffs, all the way to City Finals on November 4. Finally, Christmas is coming, and a great gift idea for the tennis player on your list is tennis lessons! Give the gift of improvement this year, because that is the gift that keeps on giving, and leads to a truly happier new year! Ladies Tennis 2023 AAC Tennis Ladies Program Year Review: By Carmen Garcia Jersild The tennis program continued thriving in 2023 and was another year of record numbers for competitive leagues such as ALTA and USTA. The recreational programs had close to 350 AAC ladies participating in our weekly clinics such as Cardio Tennis, Rookie, Intermediate Ladies and Tennis 101. This year, these clinics introduced 25 new members to the exciting world of tennis. The AAC tennis program is home to 90 Ladies’ teams, and we predict it will continue to grow in the coming years. The work of our AAC tennis crew and the support of the membership continues to be a vital component as we continue to build the best ladies’ tennis programs in Georgia. Classes such as Cardio tennis which welcome all levels of players are a popular option to get the AAC tennis community together. Our Team Cardio seasonal event is always so fun! Our pre-ALTA Round Robins, now offered with a weekday and weekend option, are always popular. Ladies'